A leg up on competitionthe

Critical limb ischemia is the most serious form of peripheral arterial disease (PAD). It occurs when a patient suffers severe blockage in the lower extremities, which greatly reduces blood flow. For years, the standard form of treatments has been major arterial bypass surgery and more commonly, amputation.

When amputation occurs, patients have to deal with not only the emotional consequences, but the physical consequences, as well. Most often, patients lose their second leg, and once the disease sets in, survival outcomes are poor.

But thanks to the team of cardiologists at Cardiac and Vascular Consultants, an effective, minimally invasive option is available to help treat critical limb ischemia.

The procedure is known as the TAMI technique, or tibio-pedal access. According to Dr. Shrikanth Upadya, this technique allows cardiologists to access tiny arteries in the feet to re-establish blood flow that has been blocked by plaque. They can insert balloons and atherectomy devices up the leg to reach and cross arterial blockages so that the blockages may be opened. In addition, plaque is removed to help establish better blood flow.

Drs. Upadya and Vishnu Yelamanchi have been performing the TAMI for almost two years. They were the area’s first practice to offer this innovative procedure.

“The vast majority of patients who have undergone this procedure have seen improvment,” says Dr. Yelamanchi. “We then put them on the right track for prevention of heart attack and stroke.”

Before, patients had to undergo bypass surgery, which led to a lengthy hospital stay and carried the risk of severe complications, including bleeding and infections. The TAMI technique is an outpatient procedure.

“There are no bleeding issues,” says Dr. Upadya. “By performing this procedure, our goal is to prevent amputation because of the high death rates that follow amputation in their future years.”

Dr. Yelamanchi strongly urges anyone who is experiencing leg pain to visit a physician as soon as possible. “Critical limb ischemia is a serious problem. Imagine the damage a heart attack has on your heart or a stroke has on your brain. Critical limb ischemia has that kind of effect on your legs and feet.”

It’s little wonder why patients of Cardiac and Vascular Consultants continually send friends and family members there. The physicians possess vast experience and impressive credentials, stay abreast of the latest advancements in their field, and provide appropriate care of patients’ individual needs. This thriving practice offers a vast array of cardiovascular services under one roof, including consultative cardiology, diagnostic testing, cardiovascular screening, and numerous treatment options.

Cardiac and Vascular Consultants at 1050 Old Camp Road, Suite 270, in The Villages, 709 Physicians Court in Leesburg, and 510 County Road 466, Unit 105, in Lady Lake. For more information, please call 352.633.1966 or visit www.cvcfl.com