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Current Postings on This Page (39):
• Eddy -- the profunda is the "deep" or farther down
the leg part of the femoral artery. The interventionist (not a surgeon) who
does these procedures often threads the guide wire as far down the artery
as is feasible in order to get torque and backup for the device to move
across the stenosis (blockage). In your case, the interventional procedure
wasn't able to fix the problem. Sounds like a vascular surgeon was able
to. Glad it worked!
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, February 27, 2008
• I was diagnosed with a Left femoral occlusion I had surgery (Silver hawk
atherectomy)in Sep 07. It was unsuccessful, I was just wondering is it normal
during this procedure for the guidewire to selectively go into the profunda system
(whatever that is). I went to a different doctor and had femoropopliteal bypass
on 21 Nov I was out of the hospital on 23 Nov and I feel great. I was just wondering
did my first doctor make a mistake or is my case a normal thing with such surgery.
thanks.
Eddy R., Florida, USA, February 27,
2008
• My friend was diagnosed with PAD, and stents or angioplasty was suggested.
We just heard of the SilverHawk treatment for PAD. I understand this procedure
is relatively new. Has anyone had or heard of any complications? What are the
risks and cons of this treatment? He was very excited to hear of the SilverHawk
procedure because it didn't involve surgery.
Len, New York, USA, January 21, 2008
• In November 2007, a doctor performed cryoplasty
on my left thigh. Although I had never heard of this procedure until
I woke up in the recovery room, I heard they had better long-term results
with this procedure. I was wondering if I should still be experiencing
pain in my leg as if the procedure had never been performed.
Debbie Keenan, Statesboro, Georgia, USA, January 4, 2008
• The Silverhawk system worked for me on my leg.
I have also had stents placed in the leg and have had much pain. However,
I was told the wrong size stents were implanted. That's why the soreness
in the leg all the time. The doctor who implanted them is now denying
doing so! Said someone else must have done it. Ever heard of such a thing?
I
have the implant card with his signature. Have been on Plavix for quite
some time, but had a blood clot form at one of the stents in Sept.
of this year. One thing that helped me prior to the Silverhawk procedure
was
to
place a nitro patch on my leg. This was something my cardiologist suggested
and it did seem to help.
Betty S., Arkansas, USA, November 15, 2007
• Betty -- Foxhollow was started by angioplasty
pioneer John Simpson who invented or co-founded many companies that have
advanced the whole field -- from intravascular ultrasound to the first
over-the-wire balloon systems to atherectomy and beyond. Foxhollow's
plaque removal system is a variation on
Simpson's original atherectomy device, which WAS used in the heart, but
didn't achieve great results. Foxhollow and eV3 merged in July and, as
a result, will be expanding its availability. Thanks for your posts.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, November 15, 2007
• Has anyone besides me checked out the Foxhollow
Technologies. They are the makers of the Silverhawk Plaque Removal System
and even since I had mine done last year, I believe great strides have
been made in this area. It is definitely worth checking into. I understand
this procedure can be used not only on peripheral arteries, but even
possibly arteries if the heart and possibly carotid arteries. Definitely
worth checking
into.
Betty S., Arkansas, USA, November 13, 2007
• Teena C I had to have an aortic graft 4 years
ago. I was 58 years old. Already had a history of heart related problems,
beginning with a severe heart attack when I was 42. The graft was an absolute
necessity for me, due to the size of the aneurysm. I really had no choice.
I had to have the "old fashioned" kind where you are cut open from the
breast bone on down. I was in ICU for over a week and yes, it was excruciatingly
painful. However, I do know they now do the much less invasive grafts now
and the recovery rate is much quicker with much less risk and pain. Aneurysms
are definitely not something that is 'going to get better'. I was told
that I was one of the youngest they had to perform this procedure on, as
most of the patients are at least into their late 60's or early 70's. I
was scared to death of this surgery, but I also know it saved my life.
'Course, I had a wonderful surgeon who took the time to explain to me just
what would be happening and even drew a picture for me to show where, what
and how he would do it. Ask about the doctor who will do the procedure,
how many times he's performed it. I also always ask my cardiologist who
HE would use if it was him, no matter what the procedure. The greatest
of luck to you and you family.
My prayers are with you.
Betty S., Arkansas, USA, November 13, 2007
• Teena -- you describe a difficult situation with
many related problems. One thing we can say is that Abdominal Aortic
Aneurysms can now be treated non-surgically, using a stent graft, which
is inserted
through the femoral artery in the leg/groin, much like a heart stent.
But there may be other reasons why this procedure has not been recommended.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, November 2, 2007
• my father's doctor doesn't want to do an aortic
aneurysm on him do to his age and health issues,, He has gangrene in
one foot really bad and a smaller amount on the other. Doc said he might
not
make it out of the OR, and if bye chance he does he isn't sure if it
will work because it is bad-- no blood running in one leg and a small amount
it other, plus ab is also blocked pretty much. Did test on heart problems
there as well, and just doesn't think that I should have this done on
him,
and that is fine, it my sisters and brothers that don't understand and
think it will help and that he will be fine. I just don't understand
all there is about this and i need as much info to try and get sisters
and
brothers to understand that my father is in bad shape, he has cancer
of the lung and throat-spreading-arteries are bad, he got the gangrene,cant
stand anymore and overall going down hill everyday at the hospital..
I
need help please he is only 64 and doing poorly.
Teena C, need help, Connecticut, USA, November 1, 2007
• Doug -- these decisions are very much individualized
ones. By that, we mean each person's anatomical characteristics and clinical
situation differs. We would recommend that you consult an interventional
cardiologist or radiologist or a vascular surgeon who is trained in endovascular
techniques and have them give you an opinion as to success rates, etc.
A factoid: the word angioplasty was coined in the 60's by Dr.
Charles Dotter,
a radiologist whose main concern was in treating patients with severe claudication in
the legs.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, August 6, 2007
• I'm considering angioplasty and stenting in the
right leg below the knee where there is severe claudication; I'm evaluating
the pro and cons, alternatives, and trying to get some idea of the success
rate. By success I mean for that artery to remain unoccluded for several
years, at least. The more severe risks of the procedure are not my concern
for now.
Doug Woodfill, Los Angeles, California, USA, August 3, 2007
• Wendy -- it's called peripheral angioplasty and
stenting. Vice President Cheney recently had two stents placed in his
legs. Another device used in the leg is called an atherectomy catheter,
which
literally shaves the plaque away -- the most used one is made by a company
called FoxHollow.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, August 1, 2007
• My fiance has been going through the VA in Castle
Point Bronx and Montrose, today they tell us that he needs to have a stent
in his leg to get the blood flow back to the foot so that his wound will
heal. Is there other options or should we be confident in this procedure
Wendy, New York, USA, August 1, 2007
• Mary L -- we're very sorry for your loss. Any
device or medical procedure has complications. The regimen of anticoagulation
is often used prior to a procedure, in order to keep blood clots from forming
-- something that is more often seen in the peripheral vessels. This can
complicate the need to achieve hemostatis once the procedure is finished.
But we're not clear where this bleeding occurred. Did an artery get dissected
during the SilverHawk procedure? Even then an emergency vascular repair
perhaps would be done. Or was this something that occurred after the procedure?
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, August 1, 2007
• My mother went in for catheterization for leg
blockage using the SilverHawk catheter, she was given Plavix and aspirin
for a week before the procedure - therefore she bleed to death. Curious
to know if anyone out there has had or heard of any complications using
the SilverHawk catheter device procedure. Appreciate a response.
Mary L, Texas, USA, July 23, 2007
• Jonell -- the rash is certainly a known adverse
reaction to Plavix (see our topic on Plavix,
Aspirin and Stents). Joint pain has been associated with statins. Our
Forum does have a topic on "Allergic
Reactions to Drug-Eluting Stents", but often such reactions are
due to medications, as you've discovered. You've already discussed this
with your doctor -- possibly these other reactions are also due to meds.
Especially in elderly people, the exact dosage can take a while to adjust
correctly. Let us know how things progress.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, July 17, 2007
• My elderly mother has had peripheral stenting
done approx 3 weeks ago-I'm unsure of which type stent was used. 1 week
ago she developed symptoms of severe rash, itching, and hives-head to toe.
She was placed on decadron, pepcid, singulair, and zyrtec. The rash has
resolved, but now we are dealing with severe joint swelling, pain, and
progressive weakness. Has anyone else experienced this with peripheral
stenting? The internist suggested a Plavix allergy, and consequently D/C'd
it, using only aspirin at this time. Could you refer me to any other websites
that might provide more info.
Jonell VanderWall, Grandville, Michigan, USA, July 17, 2007
• John -- success (and risk) rates are variable,
depending on exactly where in the leg the blockage is (above the knee,
below the knee, what artery exactly....) and also the clinical data on
each individual patient. Your interventional cardiologist or radiologist
would be able to answer these questions better than any general source,
and also they can give you the alternatives for treatment, other than angioplasty,
to help you decide what's best. Have you asked him/her? Let us know how
you fare.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, February 10, 2007
• i am going for a angioplasty in april can
you tell me what the success rate is, i have a blockage in my right leg
should i have it done i am 73 years old and what are the risks.
John, UK, February 6, 2007
• I live in the UK and a month ago underwent
angiogram for PAD. During this procedure damage was done to the iliac
which produced an obstruction on the other side. I was re admitted through
A and E a week later. Having had an CT scan I was again taken to theatre
where angioplasty was performed on the new and original site under L
A. Since then I have developed fatigue and giddiness on exertion. Tests
have shown I am not anemic. Now what?
Brenda G., United Kingdom, December 15, 2006
• Jasu -- angioplasty was first invented by Charles
Dotter back in 1964 to treat blockages in the leg and to try to prevent
gangrene without amputating the foot. Any estimate at a success rate would
not be very meaningful to your mother, since she has a complex clinical
situation. Only her doctors can tell you the risks involved in your mother's
specific situation, but it sounds like they are trying to solve the problem
in the least invasive way. Good luck and let us know how things go.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, July 16, 2006
• My mother -- 85 yrs young is going for angiogram/angioplasty
in her right leg where circulation is only 25%. A wound in big toe is not
healing due to bad circulation. Upper skin now dry and black. They say
angiogram/angioplasty will prevent gangrene. Please let me know what is
success rate of this procedure and also risk factor. My mother is diabetic,
had a heart attack 7 yrs back and had TIA in May 06. She is paralyzed from
chest down T7/T8 spinal injury. She gets lot of spasms in her right leg.
Please let me me know whether it is dangerous to do angiogram due to her
spasms. Her procedure in on 17th July. Please let me know urgently
Jasu, London, UK, July 13, 2006
• Beverly, the terms arteriogram and angiogram are
basically interchangeable -- they describe an imaging technique in which
a catheter is threaded to a vessel in the body and, under X-rays, a contrast
dye is injected. The result shows up as a 2-dimensional moving black and
white "movie" of the vessel. It can show defects, blockages and
generally describe the anatomical structures. Confusion about arm, leg
or groin may stem from the differences between the target area (destination)
that the doctor is trying to look at, and the entry start point into the
body. For example, in a coronary angiogram, the cardiologist usually makes
a small puncture in the femoral artery in the right groin, roughly the
point where the leg and torso connect. He/she threads a catheter into the
femoral artery and northwards into and around the aortic arch in the chest
and then down into the left and/or right coronary arteries. A squeeze of
the dye and the coronary arteries can be seen. But the entry point is the
groin. Other entry points used are the wrist (radial artery) or the arm
(brachial). But once inside the circulatory system, no matter where the
entry point, the cardiologist or radiologist can steer the catheter to
any number of internal structures: the heart, neck (carotid arteries),
legs, kidneys, etc. -- literally using the body's circulatory system as
a "highway". In your father's case, if they are looking to visualize
his leg, they will most likely enter through the right or left groin, and
then advance the catheter down into the leg to visualize any blockages
and make treatment decisions. Perhaps he is having a carotid angiogram,
to measure the arteries in his neck (blocked carotids are a major cause
of stroke) in which case they might still go in through the groin. See
our article on Cardiac
Catheterization for more information. Can't comment on the blood pressure.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, July 12, 2006
• My dad is having a arteriogram test today in hospital
in Tennessee. Every time I go into WebMD, and ask about arteriogram it
brings up angiogram. Are they the same? He is have this done in his leg
and most of your correspondence is saying in arm or groin? Just a little
confused. Can you explain the difference. History of my Dad: stroke few
years back, has seizers for last 10 years. Gets dizzy and falls a lot.
Also his blood pressure was quoted as 54/51. Is this possible?
Beverly Thurber, Baxter, Thousand Oaks, California, USA, July
12, 2006
• Mohammed, we assume when you say thickening of
the "nerves", you mean "arteries". It sounds as though
you have been diagnosed with either peripheral artery disease or deep vein
thrombosis (DVT). We also assume that you currently are under medical care
and stress that it is important to follow the doctor's recommendations.
There are some "fixes" for peripheral disease, such as the FoxHollow
atherectomy device which removes plaque, and others. Have you had an angiogram?
Or a multislice CT angiogram of your legs? This would show where the blockages
are. Have you seen an interventional specialist (radiologist, cardiologist
or vascular surgeon).
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, July 4, 2006
• For the past 4 years i am suffering from blood
clotting on my both the legs. I consulted many doctors. Some of them ask
me to put bandage and some of them gave heavy dosage drugs. They said its
because of thickening my nerves which prevents the proper flow of blood.
I am very much afraid of myself and feeling very insecure. Now my both
legs (ankle part) got black colour (scar). Even a small wound are not getting
healed. It takes months heals only if i put bandage very tightly. Please
let me know the reason and medicines which i should take. Very Urgent.
Mohammed, Australia, July 3, 2006
• Carol -- an angiogram is
the gold standard for visualizing blockages (the newer multislice
CT angiogram is also very accurate and less invasive). Once your doctor
determines the location and percent blockage, he/she can recommend the
proper treatment. After an angiogram, you should be able to get back to
work in a couple days, but these judgements are really best done by your
doctor, who knows you far better than we can. Let us know the outcome.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, July 3, 2006
• I have diabetic neuropathy and PAD. My former
doctor, who sent me to a neurologist, said there is nothing wrong with
me....all in my head. (although the pain sometimes is so great I have to
use a cane for walking more than about a block). She said I just wanted
her to give me pain meds, although I have never asked her for any. Doppler
tests have been conclusive that the blockage is significant. My new Dr.
is sending me to a Vascular Surgeon for an angiogram. How long can I figure
to be out of work?
Carol P., Florida, USA, June 9, 2006
• He was referred to this said consultant by his
cardiologist when he begun suffering the vascular cramps upon his right
leg 10 years ago, I think he is a vascular surgeon. My father was diagnosed
with a 'sticky' aortic valve at around the same time, high cholesterol,
(around 7) and high blood pressure. He instantly dramatically altered his
lifestyle and his blood pressure is stable at a reasonable level and his
cholesterol is down to 4.8. He is on warfarin though, does this have an
influence?
jessica shubrook, essex, england, April 29, 2006
• Jessica -- not sure what specialty your consultant
practices -- the medical system in the U.K. differs from the U.S. -- but
determinations for prognosis in the leg are usually best done by consulting
an interventional radiologist or interventional cardiologist (one who does "peripheral" work)
or a vascular surgeon. But, as for advice, without knowing your father's
clinical status and history and seeing exactly where the blockages are,
it's impossible for anyone to give a recommendation. Also you should certainly
find out what this "heart problem" was. Peripheral vascular disease
is really the same as coronary artery disease -- they're both diseases
of the vasculature, so very often people with one also have the other.
Have there been angiorams or CT scans of the leg and/or heart?
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, April 25, 2006
• My family and I are concerned with the advice
that my father has been given regarding his prognosis. He has had angioplasty
upon his right leg twice now, (the latest being around 4 years ago where
the surgeon placed a too large tube in and damaged it resulting in 1 week
of intensive care for my father). Yesterday his consultant informed him
that he had a 40% occlusion in his left leg and 60% again in his right
leg. He then stated that there was a very high risk that my father could
lose either of his legs if another angioplasty was performed! My father
cannot walk 100yards at present but refuses to have the relevant procedures
because of this prognosis. This consultant also stated that my father's
heart had a problem, (not specifying what!) yet my father is under routine
care from a cardiologist because their is a history of heart disease in
the family and his check up 4 weeks ago was fine. Please assist!
jessica shubrook, essex, england, April 19, 2006
• Polly, here are a couple thoughts. First off,
a web site cannot really give medical advice on specific situations like
should you or shouldn't you have a procedure. The decision-making process
is complex and needs to be done WITH a doctor. It sounds like
you are having rest pain in your leg and your doctor has recommended a "peripheral
angioplasty" -- that is, an angioplasty done in your leg artery to
relieve the pain. If you are concerned about whether or not this is advisable,
your might want to get a second opinion -- we don't know what specialty
your doctor practices, but generally speaking, three types of doctors deal
with this part of the body: vascular surgeons, interventional cardiologists,
and interventional radiologists. All three do "interventional" procedures,
a.k.a. "angioplasty" with or without stenting. The vascular surgeon
also can do an "open" surgical procedure, or prescribe medical
management, where the blockage is not cleared out, but the patient remains
on medications. Why one and not the other? Depends on the severity of the
pain and whether or not the reduced blood flow may be compromising the
rest of the leg and foot. You should ask your doctor what the success rate
is for your specific situation (what can you expect after the angioplasty
or surgery -- and they're two very different procedures to correct the
same problem). We can't say what the success rate may be because much depends
on the exact location and type of lesion (blockage) as well as many other
factors. We hope this advice is of some help.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, April 17, 2006
• Hi everyone, I am Polly, angioplasty forthcoming
June 5th 2006. I am scared. My Doc has been aware of the great pain I have
been having both cramps, and extreme pain in the night in my feet calf
and thigh, she said "get a walking stick". I didn't but one week later
I went back and said to her, it's not a walking stick I need, it's crutches!..
only then did she arrange for me to have doppler done. Here I am 3 yrs
later.. on doc's orders of 'keep walking'!!!! I have actually gone through
the pain barrier hence bleeding spots everwhere. Depressed ? tell me about
it! Anyway I am now booked in for surgery 5th June 2006 balloon/stent rfa...I
am not in pain, never felt so good in years.. but yes, the blockage is
still there, HELP ! should I be having this surgery.. I have created a
bypass that's why I am ok now.. please answer.. I live alone so I somewhat
stress a little!!
Polly, Australia, April 11, 2006
• There is a relatively new procedure being done
for peripheral artery disease, and being done with great success. Research
online for 'Foxhollow' procedure.
M.J., New York, USA, April 3, 2006
• I would also like to know the average success
rates as I have just had two stents inserted into heart arteries. Also
can any one tell me what symptoms? or reactions to expect afterwards?
Gordon McHugh, Ascension Island South Atlantic, 17 Nov 2001
• I am a student of SCU as doctoral candidate. I
look for some articles about the outcome of PTCA to compare with its benchmark
in this world.....
George, NTUH, Taipei, Taiwan, 7 Nov 2001
• I
was interested in finding out the success rate of peripheral vascular
angioplasty, and restenosis rate.
Cindy Levine, Easton Associates,
New York, New York, USA, 10 Jan 2001
• Have recently had
the angioplasty and 3 stents during this procedure. 05/29/00. Am anxious
to know the success rate and of course the failure rate for stents. How
many months? years? can, and has this been successful ? Can I expect
to have the stents redone? within a specific time frame. apart from the
blockages, my total cholestoral is 3.3, also I have never had a heart
attack. Any info would be appreciated,tks.
Ewan Mackenzie, Patient, Stoney
Creek, Ontario, Canada, 3 Jun 2000
• What about peripheral angioplasty with stent at
femoral artery? How successful is that and what is the failure rate?
Faisal Sajwani, Higher Colleges of Tech, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES,
December 4, 1999
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