Arterial Wound Treatment

Arterial Wound Risk Factors

Your arterial wound may be caused by one or more of the following risk factors:

• Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) – The primary risk factor, PAD, is caused by plaque build-up in the arteries, leading to reduced blood flow to the extremities.
• Diabetes – High blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels and contribute to the development of arterial wounds.
• Smoking – Nicotine constricts blood vessels and accelerates plaque formation, significantly increasing the risk of arterial wounds.
• High Blood Pressure – Hypertension can damage arteries, making them more susceptible to plaque build-up and narrowing.
• High Cholesterol – Elevated cholesterol levels contribute to plaque formation in the arteries, leading to decreased blood flow.
• Obesity – Excess weight strains the cardiovascular system and can exacerbate other risk factors like diabetes and high blood pressure.
• Older Age – Aging naturally leads to the hardening and narrowing of arteries, increasing the risk of PAD and arterial wounds.
• Vascular Diseases – Other vascular conditions can also increase the risk of developing arterial wounds by affecting blood flow.

Understanding these risk factors is crucial for preventing arterial wounds and managing existing conditions that contribute to their development. Despite the prevalence of these risk factors, the vascular component of arterial wounds is frequently underdiagnosed, leading many patients to live with arterial wounds for months or even years before finding the right care.

Arterial Wound Symptoms

• Leg Pain – The peripheral artery disease that causes arterial wounds typically causes leg pain as well. PAD patients often describe an aching pain that worsens with activity and is relieved with rest, commonly referred to as intermittent claudication. In severe cases of peripheral artery disease, pain can persist even at rest.
• Wound Location – Over time, poor blood flow leads to skin breakdown and wound formation. Arterial wounds typically occur past the point of compromised blood supply, usually at the farthest parts of the body such as the feet, toes, fingers, legs, side of the ankle, and areas of pressure to the skin.
• Wound Appearance – Arterial wounds can be shallow or deep with sharp, “punched out” borders. The wound base is often pale grey or yellow and may be associated with gangrene and eschar (dry dark scab).
• Surrounding Tissue Characteristics – Tissue surrounding the arterial wound may be itchy, pale, shiny, red, cold to the touch, and hairless.

Diagnosing arterial wounds involves a thorough clinical evaluation by a healthcare professional, often a vascular specialist. The diagnostic process typically includes:

• Medical History & Physical Examination – Your vascular specialist will begin by taking a detailed medical history, focusing on risk factors such as smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and a history of peripheral artery disease (PAD). During the physical examination, the physician will assess the location, appearance, and characteristics of the wound, as well as the condition of the surrounding skin.
• Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) Test – This non-invasive test measures the blood pressure at the ankle and compares it to the blood pressure in the arm. A lower blood pressure in the ankle compared to the arm suggests reduced blood flow to the extremities, indicating PAD.
• Doppler Ultrasound – This imaging technique uses sound waves to visualize blood flow in the arteries and identify any blockages or narrowing. It helps in assessing the severity and extent of the arterial disease.
• Angiography – In more complex cases, an angiography may be performed. This involves injecting a contrast dye into the blood vessels and taking X-ray images to pinpoint the location and severity of arterial blockages.
• Blood Tests – Blood tests may be conducted to check for underlying conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and other factors contributing to poor arterial health.
• Skin Biopsy – In rare cases, a small sample of skin tissue from the wound may be taken for laboratory analysis to rule out other causes of non-healing wounds, such as infections or malignancies.

By combining these diagnostic tools, the vascular specialists at ProVascularMD can accurately diagnose and develop an effective arterial wound treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. Early diagnosis and intervention are key to preventing complications and promoting healing.

Arterial Wound Treatment

Lifestyle Changes & Medical Management

Arterial Wound Care

Minimally Invasive Revascularization

Surgical Options

For severe arterial disease that cannot be addressed with minimally invasive techniques, more invasive surgical options are available. These can include arterial bypass surgery, endarterectomy, and even amputation surgery in extreme cases.

Before & After Arterial Wound Treatment

Don’t Let Your Arterial Wound Go Untreated

If you’re living with an arterial wound, it is crucial to seek treatment from a vascular specialist. Arterial wounds can significantly impact your quality of life, leading to persistent pain, non-healing wounds, and serious complications if left untreated. A vascular specialist can provide a comprehensive evaluation and tailor an arterial wound treatment plan that addresses the underlying causes of your condition. Through lifestyle modifications, medications, minimally invasive procedures, and surgical options, a specialist can help restore blood flow, promote healing, and improve your overall well-being. Don’t let arterial wounds go untreated—consult a vascular specialist today to take the first step towards recovery and a healthier future.

Your Partner in Vascular Care