Diagnosis & Treatments

Peripheral vascular disease is a buildup of plaque in the arteries outside your heart that reduces the flow of blood. As a result, some parts of your body don’t get the oxygen they need. Some of the most commonly affected areas are arteries in the legs, arms, neck and kidneys. Peripheral vascular disease can present itself in several ways. Some of which are life threatening, including stroke, peripheral arterial disease (PAD), deep vein thrombosis (DVT), aneurysm and varicose veins.

At Sacred Heart Hospital, we bring you the latest technology in vascular care, including:

• Western Wisconsin’s only MERCI Retrieval System. In emergency stroke cases, this technology provides hope when the window of opportunity for conventional drug therapy has closed.
• Intra-arterial cerebral thrombolysis, a lifesaving procedure that dissolves blood clots in the brain. Sacred Heart Hospital is the only hospital in the area that performs this procedure.
• A Center for Critical Care designed specifically for complex cases of vascular and heart disease. Staffed by a highly trained team, many with critical care certification.

DIAGNOSTIC OPTIONS

Our specialists use state-of-the-art imaging tests to provide a comprehensive diagnosis and help determine the most appropriate treatment for you, including: 

Angiography

A contrast agent, or dye, is injected into a vein or artery and X-rayed to highlight the blood vessels. This can demonstrate the location of blockages in the blood vessel.

CT Scan

Computed tomography (CT) uses computers and X-rays to generate detailed pictures of the blood vessels, and can be helpful in planning interventional procedures.

MRI

A magnetic resonance image (MRI) is taken using harmless but powerful magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the blood vessels.

Vascular Ultrasound Imaging

A picture is created using sound waves to determine whether there is blockage in the arteries.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

Treatment options will depend on the severity of symptoms and the extent of the disease. Our accomplished vascular surgeons, as well as our entire talented medical staff have the experience and expertise necessary to provide you with the least invasive treatment options and procedures. These include:

Peripheral and vascular angioplasty/stenting

This minimally invasive procedure is performed to improve blood flow to the arteries and veins.

Neuro thrombolysis and coils

These interventional procedures are used to treat certain types of stoke and aneurysm.

MERCI retrieval system

The MERCI retrieval system is the first medical device approved by the FDA to physically remove blood clots from the brains of people experiencing a certain type of stroke.

Intra-arterial cerebral thrombolysis

This lifesaving procedure dissolves blood clots in the brain.

Venous access including ports, PICCs and dialysis catheters

A port or a catherter is often inserted in those needing dialysis or to administer antibiotics or chemotherapy drugs to patients.

Carotid endarterectomy

This operation is performed to remove the inner lining of the carotid artery to eliminate plaque from the artery and restore blood flow.

Vein stripping

This minor surgery is used to remove a damaged vein and prevent complications of vein damage.

Radio frequency ablation

This is a minimally invasive procedure that uses high frequency alternating current to remove cells that are issuing abnormal electrical activity leading to heart arrhythmia.

Venous thrombectomy

This surgical procedure is used to remove a clot in a large vein.