Ep. 7 - Post-Procedure Care and Follow Up for Venous Disease Treatments

04/29/24 • 18 min

In this episode of Cardiovascular Matters, Dr. Craig Walker discusses the post-procedure care and follow up for patients who have undergone treatments for venous disease. He covers different types of procedures like stenting of the iliac veins, removal of deep vein clots, and closure of superficial and perforator veins.

Dr. Walker explains the recovery process for each type of procedure. For iliac vein stenting, patients may experience some back pain that typically lasts less than a week. They are also prescribed antiplatelet drugs for at least 3 months. For deep vein clot removal, patients need to take anticoagulants like Xarelto for at least 6 months to a year to prevent clots from returning. Superficial and perforator vein closures have a very short recovery with just pressure applied after the procedure.

He stresses the importance of follow up care, especially for patients who underwent treatment for venous ulcers. Their wounds are checked the following week to ensure proper healing. Various wound dressings and skin substitutes can be used to help large ulcers close. All patients are advised to continue walking and focus on weight loss to prevent recurrence of venous disease.

Dr. Walker and Terry Roberts emphasize that venous disease is more prevalent than other conditions but often ignored. Post-procedure lifestyle changes and medication can help patients finally get relief from debilitating symptoms they may have suffered with for decades.
Key points:

Recovery timelines for different venous procedures
- Medications prescribed after stenting, clot removal etc
- Importance of follow up checks for ulcer patients
- Ongoing lifestyle measures like compression stockings, exercise
- Impact of venous disease and relief it provides patients
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Previous Episode

Ep. 6 - Understanding Perforator Veins and Their Role in Non-Healing Ulcers

This episode of Cardiovascular Matters explores perforator veins and their role in non-healing leg ulcers with Dr. Craig Walker. Dr. Walker discusses how perforator veins connect deep and superficial leg veins, and how they can cause high pressure that prevents ulcer healing.

Perforator veins are connections between deep and superficial leg veins
They are important not to cause issues like deep vein thrombosis during treatments
Large perforator veins can apply high pressure to skin and cause ulcer formation

Dr. Walker explains that even with compression stockings, leg elevation and other measures, ulcers may not heal if perforator veins are applying pressure. Historically, perforator veins were difficult to treat due to their small size, but new minimally invasive techniques like laser ablation have revolutionized treatment.

Perforator veins can cause ulcers to persist even with compression and elevation
Early treatments were challenging due to size of perforator veins
Laser ablation uses a thin fiber that can accurately treat perforator veins

Dr. Walker demonstrates how laser ablation of perforator veins is performed using ultrasound guidance, numbing and a laser fiber thinner than a hair. Multiple burns along the vein permanently close it off. This often provides immediate relief and allows ulcers to finally heal.

Laser ablation is performed with ultrasound guidance for accuracy
Numbing is given to prevent pain from laser heat treatment
Multiple burns along the vein length close it off to reduce pressure

If you or a loved one suffers from non-healing leg ulcers, especially if other treatments have failed, perforator vein evaluation and treatment may help. Contact Dr. Walker at Cardiovascular Institute of the South for a consultation.

Non-healing leg ulcers could be from underlying perforator vein issues
Evaluation and treatment with Dr. Walker may help ulcers finally heal
Contact Cardiovascular Institute of the South for a consultation

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Next Episode

Ep. 8 - Understanding Obesity: Causes, Treatments and Prevention

This podcast discusses obesity as a major health problem and explores new medical treatments that are safe, effective and help patients feel better. The host Dr. Craig Walker and guest Terry Roberts discuss causes of obesity, health risks, challenges with past treatments and promising new medications.
Terry Roberts provides context for the episode by noting the rising rates of obesity, especially in children. He introduces Dr. Walker as an expert in treating the whole patient and addressing root causes of health issues like obesity.
Dr. Walker explains obesity has many causes related to lifestyle like eating highly processed foods and lack of exercise, but some patients struggle to lose weight no matter their efforts. Genetic and physiological factors play a role in why weight is difficult for some to lose.
Dr. Walker outlines the various health problems and diseases linked to obesity like heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, sleep apnea and more. Being overweight also increases orthopedic problems and lowers quality of life.
Previous weight loss options had problems. Medications that blocked nutrient absorption caused diarrhea, and amphetamine-like drugs were addictive and unsuitable for long-term use. Invasive surgeries also had high risks and complications.
Terry Roberts shares his own weight loss journey with encouragement from Dr. Walker. Dr. Walker discusses new medications that help the body release fat cells more easily and make patients feel good, unlike past options. When combined with lifestyle changes, these new treatments can safely and effectively help patients lose weight and improve health.
Key points:

Obesity rates are rising, especially in children and teenagers
Obesity increases risks of heart disease, hypertension, diabetes and more
Past weight loss treatments had poor safety profiles or caused unpleasant side effects
New medications help the body release fat cells more readily and make patients feel good
When combined with lifestyle changes, new medications can safely and effectively help patients lose weight and improve health

For more information, visit:
Facebook Page: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558432490919
www.cardio.com