Endovascular Therapy

What is Endovascular Therapy?

Endovascular treatments are minimally invasive procedures that are done inside the blood vessels and can be used to treat peripheral arterial disease, or PAD, which is a common type of vascular problem in the leg, aorta or carotid.

Peripheral arterial disease occurs when these blood vessels become narrowed or blocked with plaque over time – a condition known as atherosclerosis. 

Interventional treatment becomes necessary for PAD when patients’ symptoms, such as pain or tissue loss, develop due to the loss of circulation. Typically, endovascular treatments are used after patients have failed conservative therapy, such as medication and supervised exercise, and are experiencing a limitation in lifestyle due to their disease, such as being unable to work. 

An endovascular procedure is performed inside your artery using a thin, long tube called a catheter. Through a small incision in the groin, the catheter is then guided by the surgeon to the blocked area in the blood vessel. 

From there, the surgeon will perform an endovascular treatment, such as balloon angioplasty or stenting. In balloon angioplasty, the blocked artery is opened by pressing plaque against the vessel wall with a balloon inserted with a catheter. A stent, or mesh wire tubes, may also be placed in the artery following angioplasty to support the cleared vessel and keep it open. 

Why is this better then open surgery?

Such endovascular approaches are advantageous for many groups of patients. They help younger patients who want the quickest recovery and fastest return to work. A minimally invasive approach can allow qualifying patients to get back to work in two weeks at the most vs. six to eight weeks with an open surgery. 

Endovascular treatments also are an appropriate alternative for patients who have had prior open procedures and have been told that they have are too high a risk for another open procedure. 

At MetroHealth, our first option is typically the least invasive, if at all possible- if we feel that is the best and safest option for the patient. The chance is that we have a minimally invasive approach that works available. Our vascular surgeons work with patients on a case by case basis to determine whether an endovascular treatment approach is the best option for them. We assess the risk and benefits of each therapy, taking into account the patient’s arteries, his or her physical condition, and how comfortable the patient and the physician feel with the various options.

What vascular problems can be treated endovascularly?

The better question is what conditions can’t be treated with endovascular solutions. Today at MetroHeath, every arterial problem has a potential solution. Using wires, balloons and stents almost all arterial problems can be managed without making an incision. From carotid artery narrowing, to diseased small arteries by the foot, to large abdominal aortic aneurysms almost all arterial problems have an endovascular solution. This list will grow as endovascular therapy undergoes further refinement.

What about endovascular therapy for veins?

Another area where technology has provided a minimally invasive solution for a widespread problem. Historically, vein surgery mandated a 2-3 day in the hospital. Today, using catheter-based techniques (endovascular therapy), varicose veins can be removed in the office setting! 

At MetroHealth, our vascular surgeons are well trained in endovascular surgery. Each case is evaluated on its own merits to determine the optimal course of treatment for the patient. Our goal is to provide you- the patient- with the best and safest care for your unique situation. We will look forward to the challenge of providing you with the best vascular care possible.