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Taking Strides ~ The Peripheral Vascular Institute of Philadelphia

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pr<strong>of</strong>ile<br />

<strong>Taking</strong> <strong>Strides</strong><br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>Peripheral</strong> <strong>Vascular</strong> <strong>Institute</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Philadelphia</strong><br />

helps people with PAD retain their independence<br />

Dr. James F. McGuckin Jr.<br />

By Glori Gayster / Photograph by Michael Sahadi<br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>Peripheral</strong> <strong>Vascular</strong> <strong>Institute</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Philadelphia</strong> helps<br />

those suffering from peripheral aterial disease, or PAD,<br />

which is the narrowing or clogging <strong>of</strong> the arteries that<br />

carry blood to the arms and legs.<br />

PERIPHERAL ARTERIAL DISEASE AFFECTS NEARLY 10 MILLION AMERICANS. MORE COMMONLY<br />

referred to as PAD, this disease <strong>of</strong> the arteries does not discriminate. It affects men and women<br />

<strong>of</strong> any race or ethnicity. While it is more commonly diagnosed in those over 50 years old, PAD can be<br />

identified in people young and old.<br />

Led by Dr. James F. McGuckin Jr., founder and chief executive <strong>of</strong>ficer <strong>of</strong> <strong>Vascular</strong> Access Centers, the<br />

<strong>Peripheral</strong> <strong>Vascular</strong> <strong>Institute</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Philadelphia</strong> (PVIP) is on the forefront in treating PAD—a debilitating<br />

condition that can be successfully treated. According to Dr. McGuckin, “Over the past five years, we have<br />

seen a great number <strong>of</strong> technological advances that have changed the dynamics <strong>of</strong> treatment. No longer<br />

do patients require major surgery in order to resume regular activity.”<br />

OCTOBER 2010 Suburban Life 27


What is PAD?<br />

Simply defined, PAD is a clogging or narrowing <strong>of</strong> the arteries<br />

that carry blood to the arms and legs. <strong>The</strong> disrupted flow <strong>of</strong> blood,<br />

which most commonly affects the lower extremities, can cause<br />

pain, but in many patients PAD may be symptomless. For those who<br />

do show symptoms, they can easily be attributed to other conditions<br />

or simply a matter <strong>of</strong> aging. As a result, many cases are never<br />

diagnosed.<br />

One <strong>of</strong> the most prevalent signs <strong>of</strong> PAD is leg pain that strikes<br />

during any physical activity, such as walking or exercising. “Many<br />

patients have to sit down after any physical exertion to alleviate the<br />

pain,” McGuckin says. Other symptoms include numbness, tingling<br />

or coldness in the lower legs and feet. Some patients may have<br />

ulcers and sores to the lower extremities that do not heal.<br />

Like many diseases, there are certain medical conditions and<br />

lifestyle choices that can increase the likelihood <strong>of</strong> PAD. Smoking is<br />

one such risk factor as is high cholesterol, high blood pressure and<br />

diabetes. Those who live a rather inactive lifestyle and do not<br />

engage in a structured exercise regimen are also at risk.<br />

“Due to the silent nature <strong>of</strong> PAD, I encourage those at high risk<br />

to be tested,” says McGuckin. “If you are unsure, ask yourself: ‘Are<br />

you able to walk five blocks without stopping? Do you experience<br />

foot or toe pain that disturbs your sleep? Are your toes or feet pale,<br />

discolored or bluish?’ <strong>The</strong>se are just some <strong>of</strong> the questions found on<br />

our quick yes-or-no online questionnaire to help.”<br />

28 Suburban Life OCTOBER 2010<br />

Start walking with ease<br />

“With the advancements in arterial therapies related to PAD, there<br />

is no reason to avoid treatment,” McGuckin says. “So many <strong>of</strong> those<br />

suffering with this disease simply adapt to the pain or discomfort but<br />

they don’t have to any longer. If you or your doctor think you may have<br />

signs <strong>of</strong> PAD, it is best to be checked.”<br />

At the initial appointment with PVIP, patients undergo a complete<br />

physical and the well-trained staff documents their medical history<br />

and symptoms. This is followed by a non-invasive test that takes less<br />

than 30 minutes, and results are generally available within 24 to 48<br />

hours. Patients whose results show positive for PAD are provided with<br />

a recommended treatment plan based upon their individual case.<br />

“Changes in lifestyle, such as smoking cessation and a structured<br />

exercise program, are at times all that’s needed to alleviate symptoms<br />

and prevent further progression <strong>of</strong> the disease,” McGuckin says.<br />

For those who require more extensive therapy, Dr. McGuckin and<br />

his team perform a minimally invasive treatment that combines angioplasty<br />

and stenting. Through a bandage-sized incision at the groin, a<br />

catheter is threaded through the femoral artery to the narrow or<br />

blocked artery. <strong>The</strong> blood vessel is opened with a small inflated<br />

balloon and, if needed, it can be held open with a tiny metal stent.<br />

Either way, the outpatient surgery is complete within two hours and<br />

after a couple <strong>of</strong> hours <strong>of</strong> recovery patients are able to return home. In<br />

most cases the second leg is done in a subsequent session.<br />

After the treatment, patients may experience mild soreness at the


site <strong>of</strong> incision. <strong>The</strong>y will <strong>of</strong>ten be prescribed an anti-platelet medication,<br />

such as Plavix, and the staff will provide directions for retraining<br />

the muscles once they are working again. PVIP<br />

will conduct an annual follow-up test to confirm<br />

that no further treatment is needed.<br />

“It is amazing that we can enter through the<br />

smallest <strong>of</strong> incisions yet do such big things,”<br />

McGuckin says.<br />

“When I turned 92, I danced with an Elvis<br />

Presley impersonator at my surprise birthday<br />

party,” says Gaynell Lineberry, a 96-year-old<br />

patient in Portageville, Mo. “At 95, I was diagnosed<br />

with <strong>Peripheral</strong> Arterial Disease and didn’t<br />

think I would ever dance again. I had an ulcer on my foot that would<br />

not heal, and I was told that I may have to have my foot amputated.<br />

After visiting the <strong>Vascular</strong> Access Center, my foot is now getting the<br />

blood flow it needs to heal and I know that my dancing days aren’t<br />

over yet.”<br />

About <strong>Peripheral</strong> <strong>Vascular</strong><br />

<strong>Institute</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Philadelphia</strong><br />

As part <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Vascular</strong> Access Centers network, PVIP is one <strong>of</strong> 21<br />

locations throughout the United States, providing focused care resulting<br />

in the best possible outcomes. <strong>Vascular</strong> Access Centers <strong>of</strong>fer an<br />

alternative setting for vascular procedures, and its pr<strong>of</strong>essionals are<br />

some <strong>of</strong> the top experts in their respective field—handling vascular<br />

access to maintain function, preservation and restoration for each individual<br />

patient’s condition.<br />

In addition to <strong>Peripheral</strong> Arterial Disease, PVIP<br />

treats patients who require complete catheter<br />

services and new, temporary or tunneled catheter<br />

placement. <strong>The</strong> team also provides central<br />

venous access with chest and arm ports, uterinefibroid<br />

embolization and varicose-vein treatment.<br />

“At <strong>Vascular</strong> Access Centers our goal is to<br />

achieve enhanced patient care through clinical<br />

excellence and unparalleled service,” McGuckin<br />

explains. It’s about improving one’s quality <strong>of</strong> life<br />

and giving back a patient’s independence.”<br />

He adds, “To this day, the joy <strong>of</strong> saving a person’s foot or leg is<br />

remarkable, and after 14 years my passion continues to grow.” n<br />

<strong>Peripheral</strong> <strong>Vascular</strong> <strong>Institute</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Philadelphia</strong><br />

4220 Market Street, <strong>Philadelphia</strong><br />

215-240-6007<br />

<strong>Vascular</strong>AccessCenters.com<br />

Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.<br />

GLORI GAYSTER is a freelance writer and marketing pr<strong>of</strong>essional<br />

based in South Jersey.<br />

OCTOBER 2010 Suburban Life 29

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