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:
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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.
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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.
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Medication: Certain medications can dissolve blood clots that block blood flow through an artery.
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Stent: A catheter is used to place a wire mesh tube within a narrow artery to support the artery walls and keep it open.
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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
Location: Change location Enter your location
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Cameron M. Akbari, MD, MBA
Vascular Surgery
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Vanessa R. Banks-Gonzales, ACNP-BC
Vascular Surgery
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Kristin M Brindisi, PA
Vascular Surgery
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Yelena Game, PA-C
Vascular Surgery
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John Harvey, MD
Vascular Surgery
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Geetha Jeyabalan, MD
Vascular Surgery
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Marissa Mallari Magtanong, AGNP-C
Vascular Surgery
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Brittany C. Montgomery, AGACNP-BC
Vascular Surgery
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Kyle B. Reynolds, MD
Vascular Surgery
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Daniel Martin Schwegler, PA
Vascular Surgery
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Lauren Elizabeth Van Winkle, PA
Vascular Surgery
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Lisa Anne Yager, AGNP-C
Vascular Surgery
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Ahmad Abu-Ghaida, MD
Vascular Surgery
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Sarkis Garabet Aghazarian, MD
Vascular Surgery
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Jennifer Lynn Manjo, CRNP
Vascular Surgery
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Dustin Yung Yoon, MD
Vascular Surgery
Show All
Our locations
Distance from Change locationEnter your location
MedStar Union Memorial Hospital
201 E. University Pkwy. Baltimore, MD 21218
MedStar St. Mary's Hospital
25500 Point Lookout Rd. Leonardtown, MD 20650
MedStar Washington Hospital Center
110 Irving St. NW Washington, DC 20010
MedStar Georgetown University Hospital
3800 Reservoir Rd. NW Washington, DC, 20007
MedStar Montgomery Medical Center
18101 Prince Philip Dr. Olney, MD 20832
MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center
7503 Surratts Rd. Clinton, MD 20735
Ask MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute
Have general questions for our heart and vascular program? Email us at AskMHVI@medstar.net. If you have clinically-specific questions, please contact your physician’s office.