Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a serious circulatory condition that affects millions worldwide, yet it remains underdiagnosed and undertreated. PAD occurs when narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs, typically the legs, due to the buildup of fatty deposits (atherosclerosis). This restricted blood flow can lead to pain, difficulty walking, and other complications if not addressed early.
PAD affects 12-14% of the world’s population.
~13% of the World’s population are affected
20-50% are asymptomatic, they do not experience pain
50% die within 4 years after amputation
Key Symptoms of PAD:
• Leg Pain (Claudication): Pain, cramping, or fatigue in the leg muscles, especially during walking or exercise. This is a common sign of PAD.
• Numbness or Weakness: PAD can cause weakness or numbness in the legs.
• Coldness in One Leg: Poor circulation often leads to coldness in the affected leg.
• Non-Healing Sores or Ulcers: These can appear on the toes, feet, or legs and may signal serious blood flow issues.
• Color Changes in the Skin: Pale, bluish, or darkened skin is a sign of reduced circulation.
• Weak Pulse in Legs or Feet: This may indicate advanced PAD.
Potential Complications:
• Critical Limb Ischemia: A severe reduction in blood flow that can lead to gangrene and possible amputation.
• Heart Attack & Stroke Risk: PAD is closely linked to a higher risk of heart attack and stroke due to widespread atherosclerosis.
Diagnosis and Management:
• Diagnosis typically involves a physical exam, the Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI), and imaging tests like Doppler ultrasound or CT angiography.
• Managing PAD includes lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, regular exercise, and a healthy diet. Medications and surgical procedures like angioplasty or bypass surgery may be necessary in severe cases.
Why Early Detection Matters: Understanding PAD’s symptoms and seeking timely medical care can prevent serious complications. Early diagnosis allows for better management and improves the quality of life for those affected.
This PAD Awareness Month, let’s raise awareness and encourage proactive vascular health by understanding the signs and risks. Taking care of your arteries means taking care of your entire cardiovascular system!
A Doppler ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging test that uses sound waves to create detailed pictures of the inside of the body. It helps doctors assess blood flow in the heart and blood vessels. One specific type, known as a “duplex” ultrasound, uses color images to visualize blood flow.
Why Would Your Doctor Order a Doppler Ultrasound? Your doctor might recommend a Doppler ultrasound to:
Check for Atherosclerosis:
Condition where fatty plaques narrow or block arteries.
Assessment of carotid arteries or arteries in the legs.
Detect Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT):
Formation of blood clots in deep leg veins.
Evaluate Leg Vein Function:
Assessing how well veins in the legs are functioning to prevent blood pooling.
Investigate Artery Injuries:
Examination of arteries for injuries.
Assess Heart Valve Function:
Part of an echocardiogram to check the heart valves.
Monitor a Baby’s Heartbeat:
Used during pregnancy to check a baby’s heartbeat inside the mother’s womb.
Preparing for a Doppler Ultrasound: You do not need to take any special measures to prepare for this test.
What Happens During a Doppler Ultrasound?
Gel Application:
A small amount of gel is applied to the area being examined.
Transducer Placement:
A thick wand, called a “transducer,” is gently pressed against the skin.
The transducer is moved around to capture images displayed on a computer screen.
Comfort During the Test:
The test is typically painless, although some individuals may feel slight pressure from the transducer.
Downsides of Doppler Ultrasound: A Doppler ultrasound is a safe and non-invasive procedure with no significant downsides. It does not involve radiation exposure or known risks.
It’s essential to follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations and attend any necessary follow-up appointments. If you have concerns or questions about the Doppler ultrasound, feel free to discuss them with your healthcare team. Regular check-ups and diagnostic tests are crucial for maintaining your overall health.
About Our Website:
Welcome to https://www.drdagimleykun.com a platform spearheaded by Dr. Dagim Leykun, your go-to resource for insightful content on vascular surgery advocacy and patient education. Here, we strive to bridge the gap between medical expertise and community awareness, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their vascular health.
Leave a review on Google Profile at https://g.page/r/CRzbiMviWb86EBI/review: Your feedback matters! Kindly consider leaving a review on our Google profile to help others discover the quality of care we provide.
Connect on vascular health dedicated Social Media Platforms: For insights on vascular health.
Dr. Mesay is a dedicated Radiologist based in Addis Ababa, played a pivotal role in the recent groundbreaking workshop on AV dialysis fistula and vascular access. With extensive experience and expertise in Radiology, Dr. Mesay collaborated with esteemed Vascular Surgery colleagues, Dr. Tizazu and Dr. Dawit, to present a two-year research paper that promises to shape the future of vascular care in Ethiopia. Currently, Dr. Mesay leading Vascular Interventional Radiology initiatives at Minilik Hospital, bringing a unique perspective to the field of vascular surgery, blending surgical precision with advanced imaging techniques.
On Thursday, December 14th, a remarkable event unfolded as Dr. Tizazu, Dr. Dawit, and I found ourselves immersed in an astonishing workshop. As highly skilled vascular surgeons and a vascular-trained Radiologist, we had the privilege of presenting our two-year research paper on AV dialysis fistula and the perfect creation of vascular access. The workshop delved into the intricacies of surveillance doppler mapping and the unique pattern of Ethiopian local AVF. This blog aims to shed light on the significance of this event and the collaborative efforts that made it possible.
A Convergence of Minds:
The event served as a true convergence of nephrologists, vascular surgeons, dialysis nurses, general practitioners, fellows, and all stakeholders invested in elevating comprehensive care for native AVF through collaborative and interdisciplinary communication. We express our immense gratitude to all those who participated, both in person and online, and extend our hope that next time, everyone genuinely concerned about the betterment of healthcare would join us.
Harnessing Technological Advancements:
The significance of pre-mapping AV HD and accurately surveilling it with doppler ultrasound scan cannot be overstated. Technological advancements, functional studies, and vascular angio studies have revolutionized the way we care for fistulas, enabling us to intervene promptly in case of complications. In this grand endeavor, the Sonscape Corps and Pelical Trading played an invaluable role as exclusive sponsors of our research-based community health event. Their genuine compassion for helping the vulnerable, their support in organizing CMEs, and their commitment to raising awareness were truly commendable.
Gratitude to Remarkable Partners:
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Adoniyas T. Sebsibe, the East African Sonscape Sales Manager, and Pelical Trading for their unwavering support. Their dedication has not gone unnoticed, and we are confident that our collaboration will continue to thrive, yielding even more remarkable results. We look forward to working together in the future, particularly in establishing an Endovascular Surgical and Radiology subspecialty unit.
I would like to express my gratitude to Mekelle Ayder University Hospital for providing me with an early insight into the field of Radiology. Their well-equipped facilities and commitment to modern Radiology have played a crucial role in shaping my career. I am confident that Ayder Radiology and the hospital will regain their prestigious setup soon, continuing to contribute significantly to the field of medicine. The vascular surgery and radiology service in Africa is starting to grow as younger subspecialists and a dedicated platform being structured in Addis as well regional cities. For Example Dr. Dagim Leykun is our partner contributing to the AVF report template back he was a Vascular Fellow and now pioneering vascular surgery services and revolutionizing the vascular care based in Hawassa city for the broader Southern part of Ethiopia.
In conclusion, the AVF comprehensive seminar showcased the immense potential of collaboration, goodwill, and advanced medical technology in revolutionizing vascular care. We are on the brink of a new era where technological advancements in Radiology will play a crucial role in elevating the standard of care. We invite all stakeholders to join hands and embrace the remarkable possibilities that lie ahead. Together, we can pave the way for a brighter future in dialysis care and Ethiopian vascular services.
Welcome to https://www.drdagimleykun.com a platform spearheaded by Dr. Dagim Leykun, your go-to resource for insightful content on vascular surgery advocacy and patient education. Here, we strive to bridge the gap between medical expertise and community awareness, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their vascular health.
Leave a review on Google Profile at https://g.page/r/CRzbiMviWb86EBI/review: Your feedback matters! Kindly consider leaving a review on our Google profile to help others discover the quality of care we provide.
Connect on vascular health dedicated Social Media Platforms: For insights on vascular health.
https://drdagimleykun.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Messay-1.jpg8531280Dagim Leykunhttps://drdagimleykun.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Logo-max-300x138.jpgDagim Leykun2024-01-01 16:33:062024-07-10 21:09:39Revolutionizing Vascular Care: A Remarkable Journey of Collaboration and Innovation
Grateful for the Opportunity to Make a Difference in Vascular Surgery in Ethiopia!
As a vascular surgeon at Hawassa University, every day brings new challenges and rewarding milestones. Today, I’m excited to share a significant point in my journey—a successful completion of my second case of aortic aneurysm repair with a graft for a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm.
In my previous case, I faced complexities of the case because of lack of graft material, pushing me to improvise and utilize the patient’s femoral vein. Despite the challenges, this experience became a valuable lesson, laying the foundation for my growth in the field of vascular surgery.
Fast forward less than a month, and the opportunity to make a difference presented itself once again. This time, I had the privilege of utilizing graft material generously donated by compassionate individuals. Their generosity streamlined the operation, allowing me to reduce the procedure time by half.
Ruptured AAA Repair
The Impact of Collaboration in Vascular Surgery in Ethiopia
I am truly humbled by the support and resources that make these life-saving interventions possible. The donated graft used in this case is a testament to the collaborative spirit driving advancements in Vascular Surgery in Ethiopia.
This experience emphasizes the critical importance of recognizing and addressing challenges faced in Vascular Surgery, especially in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). As a community, let’s champion the need for accessible and affordable supplies that significantly impact patient outcomes.
A Call to Action for Vascular Surgery in Ethiopia
I’m excited to share this journey and invite discussions on the evolving landscape of Vascular Surgery in Ethiopia and Hawassa University Hospital. Your insights and support are invaluable, and together, we can raise awareness about the importance of resources in achieving successful outcomes in this vital field of medicine.
Join me in spreading the word about Vascular Surgery in Ethiopia, and let’s continue saving lives and limbs together!
Dr. Dagim Leykun
Vascular Surgeon
https://drdagimleykun.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/AAA-2.jpg803892Dagim Leykunhttps://drdagimleykun.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Logo-max-300x138.jpgDagim Leykun2023-12-24 21:25:152023-12-24 22:00:09Empowering Vascular Surgery in Ethiopia: A Journey of Growth and Collaboration