September is Peripheral Arterial Disease Awareness Month, and Wyoming Interventional & Vascular Associates (WIVA), is committed to empowering community members to take charge of their vascular health. WIVA’s board certified and fellowship trained vascular surgeons, interventional radiologists, and providers, are doing just that by sharing life and limb saving advice.
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) occurs when a blockage of blood flow presents somewhere in the body, restricting oxygen and nutrients to the limbs (peripheral parts of the body). When left untreated, the disease can lead to amputation. At WIVA, their number one goal is to save patients’ limbs.
“Too many patients in Wyoming are needlessly living in pain from peripheral arterial disease. Our friends, family, and community members don’t need to suffer in silence. Our team at WIVA can help,” says Dr. Bowkley.
With expertise in Interventional Radiology and a principal focus on the minimally invasive treatment of complex superficial and deep venous disorders, Dr. Bowkley wants patients to address the pain PAD presents as a result of living with chronic conditions such as tobacco dependence, diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol. Additionally, if left untreated, PAD can lead to serious conditions affecting more than just the limbs.
“The number one thing to know is that PAD significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular events like heart attacks and strokes, as well as limb loss. Early detection and management are crucial to prevent complications and improve quality of life,” says vascular surgeon, Dr. Alarhayem, who also specializes in limb salvage from PAD.
What can patients do to prevent PAD? Together, Dr. Bowkley and Dr. Alarhayem provide a comprehensive list of steps and lifestyle changes patients can make to prioritize their vascular health and prevent PAD or improve symptoms, including:
- Get screened if you have risk factors such as diabetes, are a smoker, or have a family history of cardiovascular disease. Ask your primary care doctor for a referral to WIVA where their team can perform a non-invasive screening study called an “Ankle-Brachial Index” which tells how likely PAD is contributing to your symptoms.
- Adopt a healthy lifestyle, including quitting smoking, eating a balanced diet, and ensuring you get regular physical activity.
- Monitor symptoms like leg pain when walking, pain, or wounds that heal slowly. Do not wait until you develop gangrene or ulcers and consult a healthcare provider if you experience these symptoms.
WIVA offers a multidisciplinary team of vascular surgeons, interventional radiologists, and skilled physician assistants that can help assess and treat PAD. Their team plays a crucial role in vascular health by providing comprehensive care for PAD and other vascular conditions.
“Not only do we offer premier imaging services such as CT, MRI, and ultrasound to support our vascular surgeons and interventional radiologists, we treat each patient as an individual and evaluate the entire patient – not just their blood vessels,” says Dr. Bowkley.
With advanced diagnostic tools, innovative treatments, and specialized training and education, WIVA ensures each patient receives personalized and effective care. Their focus on early detection and cutting-edge interventions helps manage PAD and improve overall outcomes.
“This PAD Awareness Month we hope patients take every step on the road to better vascular health, healthier lives, and stronger communities,” says Dr. Alarhayem.
Choosing WIVA for PAD means benefiting from a leading vascular facility with a proven history of improving patient outcomes. To learn more about WIVA or to request an appointment visit caspermedicalimaging.net/wiva. For questions or to request an interview please contact Jes Stanbury at jes@lumstudio.com.
WIVA is where care meets commitment and expertise. Their full-service vascular surgery and endovascular care facility based in Casper, includes both advanced and minimally invasive procedures to meet all of your vascular and pain management needs. The superficial venous diagnostic and interventional practice has obtained the esteemed accreditation by IAC and is the only accredited venous practice in Wyoming. At WIVA, you can trust you are in the very best hands.