Iliac Artery Disease Clinic in Tampa and Palm Harbor, FL
What Is Iliac Artery Disease?
Iliac artery disease, also known as aortoiliac occlusive disease, is a form of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) that specifically affects the iliac arteries, the major blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood from the aorta to the legs and pelvis. When these arteries become narrowed or blocked due to atherosclerosis (plaque buildup), blood flow to the lower extremities is reduced, causing a range of debilitating symptoms. At Care Cardiology and Vein Center, Dr. Saleem Saiyad, MD, FACC, DABVM, provides expert evaluation and minimally invasive treatment for iliac artery disease in Tampa and Palm Harbor, FL.
Iliac artery disease is a serious cardiovascular condition that shares the same underlying risk factors as coronary artery disease, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, and advancing age. Patients with iliac disease are at significantly elevated risk for heart attack and stroke, making early diagnosis and expert management essential.
What Are the Symptoms of Iliac Artery Disease?
The most common symptom of iliac artery disease is claudication, which is pain, cramping, or fatigue in the hips, buttocks, thighs, or calves that occurs with walking and is relieved by rest. As the disease progresses, symptoms can include pain at rest, cold or numb feet and legs, non-healing wounds on the feet or lower legs, changes in skin color or texture, and in severe cases, critical limb ischemia requiring urgent intervention to prevent limb loss. In men, iliac disease can also cause erectile dysfunction due to reduced blood flow to the pelvic region.
How Is Iliac Artery Disease Diagnosed?
Diagnosis begins with a thorough history and physical exam, including assessment of pulses in the legs, ankle-brachial index (ABI) measurement, and vascular ultrasound to evaluate blood flow in the iliac and femoral arteries. CT angiography or MR angiography may be ordered to obtain detailed images of the iliac vessels and plan for intervention. Dr. Saiyad uses state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to accurately map the location and severity of arterial blockages before designing a treatment plan.
What Are the Treatment Options for Iliac Artery Disease?
Endovascular Treatment (Angioplasty and Stenting)
For most patients with iliac artery disease, the first-line treatment is endovascular therapy. Dr. Saiyad uses percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) and stent placement to open narrowed or blocked iliac arteries through a small catheter inserted in the groin or wrist. This minimally invasive approach offers excellent results with minimal recovery time and is performed as an outpatient or short-stay procedure in most cases.
Surgical Revascularization
For patients with extensive disease not amenable to endovascular treatment, surgical bypass grafting may be recommended. Dr. Saiyad coordinates with vascular surgery specialists when this level of intervention is required, ensuring seamless, expert care throughout the treatment process.
Expert Iliac Disease Specialist in Tampa and Palm Harbor, FL
Dr. Saiyad is a board-certified vascular and interventional cardiology specialist with extensive experience diagnosing and treating iliac artery disease and other forms of peripheral arterial disease. Care Cardiology and Vein Center serves patients at Tampa (13624 West Hillsborough Avenue) and Palm Harbor (33920 US-19, Unit 222). Medicare and most major insurance are accepted. Call (813) 818-0100 to schedule your vascular evaluation.