Tokuda

Atherosclerosis affects arteries and leads to the deposition of cholesterol deposits on their inner surfaces which are called plaques. The plaques may contain calcium, which makes them harder, less elastic, and reduce their natural strength. Depending on the size of the plaque, they can also cause narrowing or in more  advanced  cases vessel obstruction.  

Any reduction in the size of the vessel leads to restricted  blood flow and reduced blood supply to vital systems and organs. These issues most commonly affect the arteries of the lower limbs. The most common clinical signs are reduced physical capacity:  patients must take breaks, or adopt a slower pace when walking normal distances. In advanced cases, patients can only walk very short distances and/or even experience pain at rest without any physical load or exertion. 

In the early stages the symptoms are marked by a deterioration of the quality of life and as the disease progresses to severe arterial insufficiency leading to irreversible tissue damage and the limb can even become at risk of amputation.

Patients with increased risk are those with elevated serum cholesterol levels or abnormal cholesterol ratios and or those with diabetes. Additionally, in the scientific literature consensus has been reached on the role of smoking as a key contributing factor to developing  atherosclerotic plaques.

During a physical doctor’s exam if your physician can not feel your arterial pulse in key locations, they will conduct an Ultrasound test (Doppler sonography). The Ultrasound exam allows your doctor to pinpoint the location of any vascular damage or abnormalities and determine their hemodynamic significance.

The next stage in the treatment planning is to conduct a contrast imaging examination called an arteriography. We offer Computer Tomography (CT) angiography, which allows us to plan treatments based on precise images of the internal blood flow filling inside the arteries as well and the condition of the vascular walls. This imaging capacity is particularly important when assessing thromboses attached to the arterial walls or evaluating aneurysms (expanded arteries).