| Vascular Procedure |
| Buerger's Disease |
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| Buerger's Disease, also known as Thromboangitis Obliterans, involves the small and medium-sized arteries. Frequently, it involves superficial veins of the extremities. Rarely, and in well advanced disease, it may involve vessels in other parts of the body. |
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| Buerger's Disease occurs most commonly in men aged 20 to 40 who smoke cigarettes. The cause is unknown, but the relationship of smoking to the occurrence and progression of the disease is apparent. Cigarette smoking has been implicated as a primary etiologic factor. |
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| Onset is gradual and begins in the small vessels (affecting toes first). Sensation of coldness, numbness, prickling, tingling and/or heightened sensitivity of the foot or pain confined to one toe. Raynauds's phenomenon is common. Pain while walking but that is relieved by resting may occur usually in the arch of the foot or the leg, but rarely the hand, arm, or thigh. Persistent pain will be present as the disease progresses to more severe arterial blockage causing ulcerations and pregangreneous or gangrenous changes. Progression to the acute stage usually occurs in patients who continue to smoke and may produce so much damage that amputation is necessary. |
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| Treatment |
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| Treatment is focused on removing all factors that may reduce blood supply: |
- Abstain from tobacco use in all forms
- Avoid drugs which constrict the blood vessels
- Avoid injury from heat or cold
- Avoid tight or restrictive clothing
- Avoid sitting or standing in one position for long periods
- Do not walk barefoot in order to avoid injury
- Shoes and stockings should fit properly
- Avoid minor surgery of the toes
- Seek treatment for fungal infections immediately
- Report all injuries to your family care physician for appropriate treatment
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