How to treat blocked blood vessels in the lower extremities

  Symptoms of lower extremity vascular blockage depend on whether the blockage is in a vein or an artery, and the treatment differs for different vascular blockages.  Vascular blockage refers to the formation of blood clots in blood vessels, resulting in occlusion of blood vessels. Arterial vascular blockage is commonly seen in atherosclerotic occlusive disease and thrombo-occlusive vasculitis and arterial embolism. It can be treated by non-surgical and surgical treatment. Non-surgical treatment involves antiplatelet aggregation drugs (e.g., aspirin) and vasodilators (e.g., prostaglandin E1). Secondary thrombosis can be treated with pharmacological thrombolysis. Surgery can be performed by percutaneous transluminal angioplasty, where the stenosis is percutaneously dilated and a stent is implanted to improve blood circulation. Endarterectomy and bypass diversion can also be used to reconstruct arterial access. Or the thrombus can be removed directly through surgery.  Venous vessel blockage is commonly seen in lower extremity deep vein thrombosis. It can be treated by both non-surgical and surgical treatment modalities. Non-surgical treatment can be done with medical compression stockings or compression bandages. Anti-platelet aggregation drugs, anticoagulants and vasodilators are used. Thrombolytic therapy is also available. Surgery can be performed by tethering and direct transcatheter thrombolysis.  In addition to the above treatments, it is important to quit smoking. If the disease progresses to the stage of distal limb necrosis, then amputation is also required.