Arteries are blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Veins are blood vessels that bring blood that is low in oxygen back to the heart for reoxygenation. There are many conditions that can damage the arteries and veins, as well as prevent them from fully functioning.
At Weill Cornell Medicine, our compassionate physicians provide expert care for a wide range of conditions affecting the arteries and veins. We understand that living with an artery or vein condition can be challenging — and that the idea of treatment may be overwhelming. We are here to help you achieve the best possible quality of life.
There are many treatment options and techniques available to treat artery and vein conditions. At Weill Cornell Medicine, our team of highly trained and experienced interventional radiologists will determine the best approach for you, based on your specific condition, overall health, lifelong wellness goals and other factors.
Interventional radiology care for artery and vein conditions are minimally invasive, providing highly effective results with minimal side effects and shorter recovery times.
Intermittent claudication: A condition that causes cramping or pain in the calf muscles during exercise because of reduced blood flow. This is caused by narrowing or blockages in blood vessels supplying blood to the leg.
Critical limb ischemia: A condition that causes pain in the legs when not moving, legs or foot wounds that do not heal, as well as possible bacterial infections in the toes or feet. This is caused by narrowing or blockages in blood vessels supplying blood to the leg.
Acute limb ischemia: A condition that causes a leg to become cold and not have a pulse. This can be caused by an acute blood clot in a leg vein that prevents blood flow. This is a medical emergency and immediate medical attention is important to save the leg.
Diabetic and arterial wounds: Patients with diabetes may develop poor circulation that can cause wounds on the feet. In some instances, wounds and ulcers may develop that may benefit from care and treatment. Learn more about taking care of your feet if you live with diabetes.
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): A condition in which blood clots form on the inside of the deep veins. This can prevent or block blood flow to the heart or lungs. DVT most often develops in the legs, but occasionally occurs in the arms and other parts of the body. DVT causes pain, swelling and changes in skin color throughout the legs.
Our team also specializes in inferior vena cava (IVC) filters placement and removal to prevent DVT. Learn more about IVC filter placement and removal by our specialists.
Peripheral artery disease (PAD): Plaque made up of cholesterol or fats, calcium or scar tissue can build up in the arteries (the blood vessels that deliver oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body). This buildup can cause the arteries to narrow or stiffen, causing poor circulation (blood flow) and preventing oxygen from reaching the body. PAD is caused when the plaque builds up so that it restricts circulation in the arms and legs. PAD can cause pain and increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Post-thrombotic syndrome: This condition affects up to half of patients in the months and years after developing acute DVT. Doctors and scientists do not completely understand this condition. Damaged and clot-filled veins obstruct (block) blood flow, which leads to an increase in pressure in the leg, cramping, swelling, tingling sensations and other symptoms.
Pulmonary embolism (PE): This serious condition occurs when part of a blood clot breaks off in the leg or arm, travels through the veins, heart and into the pulmonary arteries (the arteries that supply the lungs with blood). When diagnosed and treated quickly, the survival rate for PE is high.
Vasculitis: This condition is caused by blood vessels becoming inflamed. The inflammation can cause the blood vessel walls to thicken, which restricts blood flow. There are many different types of vasculitis, including fibromuscular dysplasia.
Venous insufficiency: This condition is caused by increased pressure in the leg, sometimes caused by prior DVT or other venous conditions. Venous insufficiency causes pain, swelling and ulcers in the leg.
Varicose veins: Varicose veins are enlarged, sometimes tortuous (twisted) veins that are caused by increased pressure in the veins.
Vascular malformations: Vascular malformations are present at birth (congenital) and can cause birthmarks and other conditions.
Interventional radiology procedures generally do not receive general anesthesia. Instead, your care team will generally numb the incision area with a local anesthetic to minimize discomfort. Then, an intravenous (IV) line will deliver sedation, which will make you more comfortable and relaxed during your procedure. Some patients fall asleep during the procedure.
Your sedation level will depend on your specific procedure, age and medical condition:
● Minimal sedation: You will be drowsy but able to talk.
● Moderate sedation: You may fall asleep and be unaware of your surroundings for some of the procedure.
● Deep sedation: You will be asleep but will breathe on your own. You will have very little memory of the procedure.
Most procedures require a minimum recovery of four hours in our care (this is called an “outpatient procedure”). For other interventional radiology procedures, you may need to stay one night in the hospital before being discharged. Your care team will inform you of your expected recovery time prior to your procedure.
You will not be able to drive after your procedure. Be sure to arrange for someone else to accompany you to your procedure and take you home.
The length of time varies by procedure. Most interventional radiology treatments are minimally invasive procedures, which offer several benefits:
● Shorter procedures than traditional surgery
● Less exposure to anesthesia
● Smaller incisions
● Quicker recovery after the procedures
Most procedures require three healthcare professionals:
● Interventional Radiologist (MD)
● Radiology nurse
● X-Ray technologist
On occasion, a medical student and/or resident may be present
● Bring all medications in their labeled containers with you on the day of your procedure
● Blood work is required prior to most procedures
● Please ensure that you have not had anything to eat or drink after midnight the night before your procedure
● Shower or bathe the evening before or the morning of the procedure
● Please leave jewelry and other valuables at home; we are not responsible for items that you bring into the hospital
● Plan on being at the hospital for at least 4 hours
● Plan on resting for 12 hours post procedure
● Do not drink alcohol 48 hours before or after your procedure
● You MUST have a responsible adult to drive you home
● Do not operate a vehicle or heavy machinery for the remainder of that day after the procedure
You will receive instruction when scheduling the procedure and one to two days before the procedure that explains your medication and food restrictions. Our standard protocol when anticipating sedation is to not to eat or drink for eight hours before the procedure. You may have clear fluids (such as water) up to two hours before. If you eat anything less than eight hours, your procedure may be cancelled.
If you have a contrast allergy, there are medications that can be prescribed for you to take prior to your procedure to help protect you against your allergy. These medications can help block your body’s response to an allergen.
Because interventional radiology procedures are minimally invasive, the pain is much less than with traditional surgery. However, it is possible to experience minimal pain at the insertion site. Our care team will be sure to help manage your pain so that you feel as comfortable as possible.
Our office has a team of schedulers that can assist you in scheduling your procedure. The schedulers can be reached at (646) 962-5757.
While radiation does have safety concerns, your interventional radiologist will be specially trained in the safe use of radiation and on how to minimize the risks associated. Interventional radiologists use federal guidelines on the recommended safe doses to use during specific treatments.