Dr. Tran Quoc Hoai, from the Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery Center at Tam Anh General Hospital TP HCM, reported that the patient's legs exhibited severe muscle atrophy, appearing emaciated. Ong Tan was diagnosed with chronic peripheral artery disease, characterized by severe right iliac artery stenosis and obstructions in both the right and left femoropopliteal arteries, measuring 40 cm and 35 cm respectively.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) affects the arteries that supply blood to the legs, including the iliac, femoral, and foot arteries. PAD develops when these arteries narrow or become blocked by atherosclerotic plaque, leading to reduced blood flow and pain in the lower limbs. Untreated PAD can result in severe complications such as leg tissue necrosis, potentially necessitating amputation.

Ong Tan's medical history included gout, hypertension, and over 50 years of smoking. He also self-medicated with anti-inflammatory drugs for his joint pain for an extended period. Dr. Hoai noted that these factors significantly contributed to the development of his peripheral artery disease, with smoking identified as the most critical risk factor.

Dr. Nguyen Anh Dung, Head of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery at the center, determined that Ong Tan required bypass surgery to restore blood flow to his right femoropopliteal artery. Additionally, his severely narrowed right iliac artery necessitated stent placement to widen the vessel. Given Ong Tan's advanced age and multiple underlying health conditions, repeated surgeries posed considerable risks. Consequently, the medical team chose a "2-in-1" hybrid approach, combining stent placement and bypass surgery in a single procedure.

Dr. Dung (center) and the cardiothoracic and vascular surgery team perform a "2-in-1" hybrid surgery to restore blood flow in the patient's lower limb arteries. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

During the procedure, Dr. Dung utilized the patient's autologous vein to create a bypass for the extensive obstruction in the right femoropopliteal artery. Simultaneously, a stent was placed to address the blockage in the right iliac artery. Following the surgery, Ong Tan's right leg showed successful reperfusion and regained its healthy color. Doctors plan to perform bypass surgery on his left femoropopliteal artery in a few weeks.

Many patients suffering from peripheral artery disease experience intermittent claudication—pain that occurs during activity or walking. This symptom is often mistaken for musculoskeletal conditions. Dr. Dung explained that joint pain is typically localized to specific joints and tends to worsen in the morning or upon waking. Conversely, lower limb pain caused by vascular disease presents as a diffuse ache across the thigh, calf, and lower leg, often intensifying by the end of the day.

To prevent peripheral artery disease, individuals should adopt a healthy diet and lifestyle. Doctors recommend regular cardiovascular screening for men aged 45 and above, women aged 55 and above, and anyone with risk factors such as a family history, being overweight or obese, hypertension, diabetes, or dyslipidemia.

Thu Ha

* The patient's name has been changed