We've noted here before that varicose veins may be simply unsightly or they may be a symptom of a bigger problem: Peripheral Arterial Disease. (See the previous post on PAD here.) What we also noted in passing in that post was that PAD has serious problems associated with it including that it frequently requires limb amputation.
A recent news report suggests that people who are suffering from PAD have an option that's much more pleasant that amputation of the leg. They can use an artificial artery to bypass the existing arteries and create a newly flowing blood system. This allows the symptoms of PAD to be minimized and the leg to remain healthy (and attached to the body!)
"Doctors sew the artificial artery right onto an open artery in the leg. It's essentially a bypass procedure where blood re-routes and travels through the new artery to get to the patient's lower leg." (source)
The article notes that the surgery is specifically designed for people whose bodies don't have a vein available to do a non-artificial blood re-route. Someone with varicose veins would fall into this category. And since varicose veins are themselves a symptom of PAD, this means that PAD patients are likely to consider this option.
Question of the Day: How concerned are you that your varicose veins are a symptom of a bigger problem?
