The Diabetes Connection
Adults with diabetes are much more likely than others to develop peripheral artery disease (PAD), which can clog arteries and lead to heart attack and stroke.
Welcome to Panhandle Vascular Surgical Specialists
CAN'T WALK.......LET'S TALK
Meet Mr. Miller. In Aug.'97 he found out he was diabetic by being put into a Hyperbaric chamber because he was in quite a mess with right leg. After two surgeries his leg was saved. In 2016 he broke his wrist. We were able to save that as well. PLEASE KNOW THE SIGNS OF BEING DIABETIC. Check with your primary doctor.
Could you have PAD?
Are you 50 years old or older?
Do you smoke or did you smoke?
Have you been diagnosed with any of the following: Diabetes? Chronic kidney disease? High blood pressure? High cholesterol?
Symptoms that may be signs you have PAD: Do you experience tiredness, heaviness, or cramping in the leg muscles? Do you have toes or feet that look pale, discolored or blue? Do you experience leg or foot pain that disturbs your sleep? Do you have sores or wounds on your toes, feet, or legs that heal slowly or not at all? Do you have a leg or foot that feels colder than the other? Do you have thick, yellow toenails that aren't growing?
Peripheral Arterial Disease also known as PAD happens when plaque builds up on the inside of the artery walls. Arteries carry blood from the heart to the legs and arms. As the arteries harden and narrow blood flow to the legs and feet is significantly reduced. This may also involve hardened and narrowed arteries to the heart and brain, thus higher risk of heart attack or stroke.
YOU can help yourself by talking with our doctors and making some lifestyle changes. These changes may be hard to do but we are here to help. Adding these changes can save a limb and/or your life. To start with increasing daily exercise managing diabetes eating foods high in nutrition and fiber and yes I am going to say it eliminate smoking. These are the first steps. While you may have heard it all before these simple steps (notice I didn't say easy) can save a limb and/or life. In addition are others that include medications and/or procedures. In all of this we are here to help coach you through.
Limb Salvage Institute
There is a significantly high amputation rate in Florida. The Limb Salvage Institute at PVSS focuses on preventing as many amputations as possible for our patients with diabetes and vascular diseases. Our board-certified, fellowship-trained vascular surgeons can perform a wide variety of complex limb salvage procedures designed to alleviate pain and prevent limb loss.
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Conditions Treated
Circulatory problems can strike anywhere along the vast network of vessels transporting blood, oxygen, and nutrients throughout the body. At PVSS, we diagnose and treat vascular disorders, including PAD, atherosclerosis, blood clots, DVT, aneurysms, venous insufficiency, and more.
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Treatments & Procedures
We perform a spectrum of vascular treatments to care for your specific health needs. Procedures range from traditional open bypass surgery to minimally invasive atherectomy, angioplasty, and stenting. Our treatment plans are always based on what’s best for you.
What is PAD?
If you answer yes to any of the following questions, you may have peripheral artery disease (PAD).
- Cramping or pain in the legs when walking
- Painful, nonhealing sores on the legs or feet
- Diabetes + smoking history + 50 years or older
- Diabetes + high blood pressure/cholesterol + 50 years or older
- History of vascular disease, heart attack, or stroke
- Age 65 years or older
MediSpa Vein Institute
We treat issues affecting your veins and skin while restoring and enhancing your natural beauty. Our pain-free, minimally invasive procedures and laser solutions can treat venous ulcers and eliminate varicose or spider veins. We also offer laser hair and tattoo removal as well as body sculpting.
Vascular Education Institute
Did you know that more than 150,000 Americans die every year from diabetes and its complications? The good news is that with proper treatment and lifestyle changes, many of these complications can be avoided.
Meet Dr. Roland
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Dr. Lincoln Roland is board certified in vascular surgery and, as a registered physician in vascular interpretation (RPVI), he is also certified to read and interpret vascular ultrasounds.
Meet Dr. Sanders
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Dr. Sanders just joined our team at Panhandle Vascular Surgical Specialists! He is a board certified Vascular Surgeon, and he treats the full range of vascular disease. Click below to learn More
Meet Heather Schuster PA-C
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Heather is a a board certified physician assistant and wound care expert. She is passionate about patient care and loves the challenge of a difficult wound! Click below to learn more.