Taking Strides ~ The Peripheral Vascular Institute of Philadelphia
Taking Strides ~ The Peripheral Vascular Institute of Philadelphia
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