Arterial disease develops when the blood vessels supplying your organs become narrowed or blocked, often causing leg pain when walking, abdominal pain after meals, fatigue, or high blood pressure. At Medical Vascular Partners, our double board-certified diagnostic and interventional radiologists Dr. Rajiv Srinivasa and Dr. Taylor Maloney use advanced, minimally invasive techniques to diagnose and treat these issues in a comfortable outpatient setting.
Overview
Arterial disease refers to a group of conditions in which the arteries that carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to your organs and tissues become narrowed or blocked. This occurs due to plaque buildup, inflammation, or other changes in the vessel walls. When arteries can’t deliver adequate blood flow, your body begins to show warning signs such as pain with walking, abdominal discomfort after eating, non-healing wounds, or changes in blood pressure. Without treatment, arterial disease can progress and impact your overall health.
Symptoms of Arterial Disease
Arterial disease can affect different parts of your body, so symptoms may vary depending on which arteries are blocked or narrowed. You may notice changes that seem minor at first but gradually become harder to ignore. Common signs include:
- Leg pain or cramping while walking
- Wounds on the feet or legs that don’t heal
- Abdominal pain after eating
- Fatigue or weakness in the legs
- High blood pressure that’s difficult to control
- Unexplained weight loss
- Decreased kidney function
Types of Arterial Disease
Renal Artery Stenosis
Renal artery stenosis occurs when one or both arteries supplying blood to the kidneys become narrowed. As blood flow decreases, the kidneys struggle to regulate blood pressure and filter waste effectively. This often leads to difficult-to-control hypertension, reduced kidney function, and fluid retention. Without proper treatment, it can cause progressive kidney damage.
SMA Stenosis/Chronic Mesenteric Ischemia
SMA stenosis involves the superior mesenteric artery, the primary blood vessel supplying your small intestine. When this artery is narrowed, the intestines do not receive enough oxygen-rich blood, especially after meals. This leads to chronic mesenteric ischemia, which can cause abdominal pain after eating, unintended weight loss, fear of eating, and digestive issues.
Celiac Artery Stenosis
Celiac artery stenosis involves the narrowing of the celiac artery, a major blood vessel that supplies the stomach, liver, spleen, and other abdominal organs. Reduced circulation through this artery can lead to persistent abdominal pain, nausea, and difficulty maintaining adequate nutrition. Over time, without treatment, it may also contribute to organ dysfunction.
Advantages of Minimally Invasive Endovascular Treatments
Minimally invasive endovascular procedures offer an effective alternative to traditional surgery by treating arterial blockages from within the vessel using advanced imaging and precision tools. These allow you to experience meaningful improvements in blood flow and symptoms without major incisions or lengthy hospital stays. Key advantages include:
- Smaller entry points with reduced scarring
- Less pain and faster recovery than open surgery
- Lower risk of complications and infection
- Shorter procedure and recovery times
- Improved blood flow and symptom relief
- Reduced need for hospital admission
- Minimal downtime
Treatments for
Arterial Disease
At Medical Vascular Partners, your treatment plan is tailored to the location and severity of the arterial blockage. Our physicians use advanced imaging to pinpoint the root and determine the most effective, minimally invasive solution. These procedures are performed in an outpatient setting, allowing you to avoid traditional surgery, recover faster, and return to normal activities with less discomfort. Our primary treatments for arterial disease include:
Revascularization of Blocked Arteries
Revascularization restores blood flow by opening narrowed or obstructed arteries. Using small catheters and imaging, your physician accesses the affected blood vessel from within, removes or compresses plaque buildup, and improves circulation. This helps reduce pain, protect organ function, and prevent long-term complications, often without the need for a large incision.
Renal Artery Stenting
Renal artery stenting is used when the renal artery, which supplies blood to the kidney, becomes narrowed. During the procedure, a tiny mesh tube called a stent is placed inside the artery to hold it open, improving blood flow and helping stabilize blood pressure. This protects kidney function and can reduce the need for multiple blood pressure medications.
SMA Stenting
SMA stenting treats narrowing in the superior mesenteric artery, which supplies blood to your intestines. By positioning a stent inside the artery, your physician can restore blood flow and reduce post-meal pain, digestive discomfort, and unintended weight loss. This treatment can significantly improve eating habits, energy levels, and overall quality of life.
Schedule Your Consultation
Medical Vascular Partners is a physician-led outpatient practice dedicated to providing advanced, minimally invasive solutions for arterial disease. Our board-certified diagnostic and interventional radiologists take a patient-centered approach to your care plan, using image-guided techniques to restore circulation and protect long-term organ health. If you’re experiencing signs of arterial disease, schedule your consultation in Austin, TX, today.
