Intestinal Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Treatment | MedStar Health

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Treatments to improve blood flow to the intestines

Intestinal peripheral artery disease (PAD) occurs when there is a blockage in one of the vessels supplying blood to the intestines or bowel. If left untreated, blood flow can decrease, and the delicate digestive tissues can be damaged.

Doctors in our Vascular and Endovascular Program are nationally known for their expertise and skill in vascular procedures. We have surgeons at multiple locations throughout the region so you can get specialized care close to home.

What to expect from intestinal PAD treatment

Your doctor will work with you to determine the most effective treatment for your unique condition. They may recommend:

  • Angioplasty: Using a thin, flexible tube called a catheter, the doctor will guide a small balloon to the blocked vessel and inflate the balloon to open the vessel.

  • Bypass: A vessel taken from another part of the body or a synthetic vessel is surgically connected above and below the blockage. This creates a new pathway for your blood to travel to the intestinal tissue.

  • Medication: Certain medications can dissolve blood clots that block blood flow through an artery.

  • Stent: A catheter is used to place a wire mesh tube within a narrow artery to support the artery walls and keep it open.

  • Surgery: The blocked artery can be cleared by creating an incision in the artery and removing the plaque buildup.

Conditions

Intestinal Ischemia

Intestinal ischemic syndrome occurs when your intestines don’t get enough blood flow because of blockages in the major arteries that bring blood to the intestines.

Tests

Abdominal Duplex Ultrasound

Abdominal duplex ultrasound is a combination of a traditional and Doppler ultrasound that assesses the blood vessels in your abdomen for blockages or aneurysms.

Angiogram (Angiography)

An angiogram is a special X-ray taken as a special dye is injected through a thin, flexible tube called a catheter to detect blockages or aneurysms in blood vessels.

Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan

The cardiac computed tomography scan, or cardiac CT, uses X-rays to create three-dimensional images of your heart and blood vessels.

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

An electrocardiogram, also known as an ECG, measures the heart’s electrical activity.

Our providers

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Our locations

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MedStar Health: Vascular Surgery at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center

9101 Franklin Square Dr.
MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center
Suite 212
Baltimore, MD 21237

443-777-1901

MedStar Health: Vascular Surgery at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital

3800 Reservoir Road Northwest
Pasquerilla Healthcare Center
Building 4
Washington, DC 20007

877-367-2434

MedStar Health: Vascular Surgery at MedStar Harbor Hospital

3001 South Hanover Street
Suite 216
Baltimore, MD 21225

410-261-8226

MedStar Health: Vascular Surgery at MedStar Montgomery Medical Center

18101 Prince Philip Drive
Suite 5200
Olney, MD 20832

410-657-1947

MedStar Health: Vascular Surgery at MedStar St. Mary's Hospital

25500 Point Lookout Road
Ste 200
Leonardtown, MD 20650

240-434-4022

MedStar Health: Vascular Surgery at MedStar Union Memorial Hospital - Calvert Street Building

3300 North Calvert Street
First Floor
Baltimore, MD 21218

410-261-8226

MedStar Health: Vascular Surgery at MedStar Washington Hospital Center - Physician Office Building

106 Irving Street NW
Physician Office Bldg.
Suite 3150 North Tower
Washington, DC 20010

202-877-0456

Related services

Emergency Medicine


Heart and Vascular


Pharmacy


Primary Care


Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Program


Insurance

MedStar Health accepts most major health insurance plans. If you are uncertain as to whether your individual health insurance plan is accepted at MedStar Health, please call your insurance company.