It is common to suffer from swollen feet during pregnancy. In fact, for many women, pregnancy swollen feet are a given. Unfortunately, in some women the swollen feet remain after delivery. What is the Pregnancy Swollen Feet Connection? Compression by the uterus – As pregnancy progresses, the uterus enlarges. As it enlarges it may press…
Leg swelling is common and compression has been known to be an effective treatment for centuries. In fact, compression for leg swelling has been used as early as Hippocrates’ time. A first of its kind compression garment was invented in the 17th century by Richard Wiseman. It was laced and made of skin (he preferred…
Mural thrombus is formation of thrombus in an artery, most commonly the aorta. Mural thrombi can arise in normal arteries, in the context of hypercoagulability, or within aneurysms. The same term is used to also describe clots in the heart, such as post myocardial infarction in an aneurysmal dilatation. But, this article will not be…
Once venous thromboembolism happens, it is practical to assess the risk of recurrence. Venous thromboembolism recurrence risk, along with bleeding risk, drives the decisions about treatment duration. The DASH prediction tool published in 2012 in the Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis examined a prediction system to help answer these questions. We call this summary “Just…
Many people undergo catheterization procedures. These are also known as “Cath procedures”. This article summarizes suggested instructions after cath procedures. The suggestions are for patients who have undergone a cath procedure through the groin (femoral access). They are meant only for patients who did not suffer an immediate complication. As always, these suggestions should not…
In the current vascular literature review, we discuss the topics of acute limb ischemia, anticoagulation for mechanical valve prostheses, antiplatelet therapy for stroke, and covered stenting for femoropopliteal disease. Controlled Reperfusion for Acute Limb Ischemia Acute limb ischemia results in limb loss or death in a substantial number of patients, and outcomes have not improved…
Nutcracker syndrome refers to compression of the left renal vein by the superior mesenteric artery. The left renal vein is compressed between the superior mesenteric and the aorta. Clinical manifestations vary and treatment is tailored accordingly. Signs and Symptoms Nutcracker syndrome is actually a misnomer. In many patients the correct term would be ‘nutcracker phenomena’….
Catheter procedures are very common. They are quickly replacing surgery for many indications. Many vascular problems can be treated with catheters. Cath procedures are safe. Pain after cath procedures is not normal. It can signify a serious problem. For this reason pain after cath procedures should prompt immediate medical attention. What is a Cath Procedure…
There is surprisingly little data available to guide surveillance after endovascular procedures for peripheral artery disease. Simple things are not well described. Should a patient be seen frequently or only symptom based? Should some patient characteristics prompt more or less frequent visits? Is surveillance that relies on ultrasound and segmental pressures and pulse volume recordings…
Peripheral artery disease manifesting as intermittent claudication can be treated with or without intervention. Conservative therapies include medication geared at halting the atherosclerotic process and a walking program. Walking programs have an obvious appeal for patients with intermittent claudication (i.e., leg pain with walking). This is because they are safe and physiologically sound. Over the…
