Norman Heart and Vascular Associates (Norman)

Procedures

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)

PAD is caused by the buildup of plaque and/or calcium inside blood vessels over time. These buildups cause a narrowing in the blood vessel that limits that amount of blood flow to the downstream body part. This most commonly effects the lower extremities. Symptoms of PAD may include, but are not limited to, pain with walking that is relieved with rest (claudication), skin discoloration, delayed wound healing, and occasionally numbness or tingling. Some forms of PAD require surgical intervention. In these procedures, your surgeon will make a small incision in the groin and sometimes along the side of the lower leg. This allows the artery to be exposed and blood flow restored. Often, the affected segment of the artery needs to be “bypassed” with either a synthetic graft or a healthy segment of saphenous vein harvested from that same leg. Average length of stay after this surgery is 2-3 days.

Pre-op routine: Before your surgery, your surgeon will see and examine you as well as review all pertinent labs, imaging, and tests. You will have ample opportunity to ask questions and gain a full understanding of the nature of your disease process and the surgery to treat that disease. You will have lab tests, lung function tests, EKG, and chest x-ray prior to surgery. Your preoperative instructions will be provided to you in office. Follow them, and call the office with any needs or concerns.