Arterial blockage is a serious condition that occurs when fatty deposits, blood clots, or atherosclerosis build up inside blood vessels, reducing or preventing blood flow to the extremities or vital organs. This blockage can lead to pain, poor circulation, ulcers, or more serious complications such as gangrene or a heart attack.
At Dr. Mohamed Rafeek Saafan's clinic, we offer advanced and personalized treatments for arterial blockage using the latest interventional catheterization and microsurgery techniques to ensure the safe and effective restoration of blood flow.
Services available for treating arterial blockage:
Angioplasty & Stenting:
One of the most important and common methods for treating narrowing and blockage of peripheral arteries is interventional catheterization. Through balloon angioplasty and stenting, it is now possible to treat all arteries, from the abdominal aorta to the iliac arteries in the pelvis, the femoral artery, the leg arteries, and even the arteries in the feet. In most cases, the patient only needs to be hospitalized for 24 hours, and the procedure is performed under local anesthesia. This procedure is usually performed in the interventional catheterization room. After the patient lies on their back on the operating table, the doctor injects local anesthetic into the area where the narrowed or blocked artery will be accessed to prevent pain. Some medications may also be given to induce relaxation and drowsiness, but the patient remains fully awake during the procedure.
The doctor then inserts a small needle into a blood vessel, usually in the groin area. A thin wire is inserted through this needle, followed by a thin tube into the artery. This allows the surgeon to insert the necessary instruments to perform the angioplasty or stent placement.
The doctor will then be able to visualize the arteries using live X-ray images. A dye is injected into the arteries, which makes blood flow more visible. This allows the doctor to see areas of narrowing or blockage. Next, the surgeon inserts a guide wire to reach the blockage or narrowing. Small balloons are then inserted into the narrowed or blocked area and filled with dye. This allows the doctor to visualize the widening of the narrowed or blocked area. In cases where the artery does not respond to balloon dilation, or where the narrowing persists after dilation, the doctor places a stent in the narrowed or blocked area, using the same guide wire.
Advanced Catheter Techniques for Removing Blood Clots or Atherosclerosis:
These are advanced techniques for precisely removing blood clots or cholesterol deposits from within the artery.
These procedures help improve blood flow and reduce complications without the need for major surgery.
Surgical Thrombectomy/Endarterectomy:
Surgical thrombectomy is performed in two cases: chronic arterial occlusion due to atherosclerosis or acute occlusion resulting from blood clots in the arteries.
In cases of chronic occlusion, the patient requires either spinal or general anesthesia. The occlusion is usually in the femoral artery, which is accessed through a longitudinal incision approximately 8 to 10 cm in the upper thigh. After reaching the section of the artery containing the atherosclerosis or occlusion, a longitudinal incision is made, and the plaque (atherosclerosis) is removed from inside the artery. This plaque is responsible for the occlusion and results from the progression of atherosclerosis.
After blood flow is restored, the longitudinal incision is closed using a graft or an artificial graft. Blood flow is monitored using live X-rays or color Doppler ultrasound.
The patient is then placed under observation for 24 to 48 hours. Afterward, the patient is discharged for follow-up to monitor blood circulation and ensure proper dressing changes at the thigh incision.
In cases of acute occlusion, the same steps are followed, but intervention must be more rapid. The incision location depends on the artery where the blockage is present, whether in the thigh, near the knee joint, or in the arm. An opening is made in the artery, either longitudinally or transversely, and a Fogarty catheter is inserted to remove the blood clots and restore blood flow to the limb.
Surgical Bypass Surgery:
Surgical bypass of the peripheral arteries is a procedure to create a new pathway for blood to reach the leg. This procedure is usually performed using a section of another blood vessel (a vein) or, if a suitable vein is unavailable, a synthetic graft. During the procedure, several small incisions are made in the thigh and leg. These allow the surgeon to expose the healthy artery above and below the blockage. The skin incisions also allow for the removal of a vein in the leg, which can then be used for the bypass. The vein is connected to the healthy parts of the artery, allowing blood to flow normally to the foot.
This procedure requires either spinal or general anesthesia, and the patient will need to stay in the hospital for two to four days afterward.
After this procedure, leg pain should improve, and any wounds on the foot or toes should also subside.
Some bruising and swelling are normal after the procedure and will take time to disappear. Some numbness or tingling may also occur and will improve over time. Therefore, it is always recommended to elevate the legs or keep them straight in front of the patient after the procedure to minimize post-operative swelling.
💡 Why choose Dr. Mohamed Rafik Saafan's clinic?
Extensive experience in vascular surgery and diabetic foot treatment.
Utilization of the latest interventional catheterization and microsurgical techniques.
An individualized treatment plan for each patient to ensure optimal results and maximum safety.