Atherosclerosis is a disease that has come to have a very high incidence in Western countries, with about a third of all deaths due to its complications. Atherosclerotic plaque formed inside arteries contains deposits of cholesterol, lipids, calcium deposits, sometimes thrombi and other elements. These deposits build up slowly, over years, sometimes with accelerated progression - over months - and cause stenosis - narrowing of the arteries. When the plaques are small they have no hemodynamic consequences and give no symptoms. As the degree of stenosis increases, depending on the localization, the patient may have symptoms.

Atherosclerotic plaque can form in any artery in the body, and there is a frequent association of coronary - carotid - lower limb artery localization. A blockage in any of these locations can have disabling consequences, with major impact on quality of life, or even lethal.

ATHEROSCLEROSIS SYMPTOMS AND DIAGNOSIS

Stenosis of the carotid arteries is often asymptomatic or with discrete symptoms even if it is severe, symptoms that the patient easily blames on other conditions. Ideally it should be diagnosed and treated before a stroke occurs. A doppler ultrasound, which is a non-invasive, painless and non-harmful investigation, can establish the diagnosis in good time. The treatment of choice is surgery - an operation that is easy for the patient to tolerate, with short hospitalization, and simple recovery by directly "cleaning out" the deposits inside the vessel.

Another common localization of atherosclerotic plaques is in the lower limb arteries. These have a better tolerance to ischemia, especially if the ischemia has set in gradually. As a result, the vital risk is lower, but quality of life is affected by limited mobility, non-healing limb wounds that require laborious and lengthy care.

TREATMENTS FOR ARTERIAL DISEASE

The vessels may be stenosed or completely closed, in one place or in several. Depending on these locations and the appearance of the lesions, they can be treated by various methods:

• Interventional stenting: Placing a stent to keep the artery open.
• Surgically by bypass surgery: Creating a new blood route around the blocked area.
• Surgically by endarterectomy: Direct removal of atherosclerotic plaques inside the vessel.
• Hybrid procedure: A combination of the above methods on different segments, with decreased risk of complications.

The optimal revascularization solution is chosen according to the appearance of the lesions, symptoms, but also according to comorbidities, risks, expected benefit of the patient. At CLINICCO Hospital we have the means of investigation available to establish a correct diagnosis and we offer the optimal treatment solution for atherosclerotic disease suitable for each patient.