How to Track an Occlusion

Tracking occlusions in the body are important to prevent further damage. Occlusions in the arterial or venous system happen when there is buildup of blood in either circulatory system. Venous occlusions are due to the veins in the body having trouble either pumping blood back to the heart, or due to underlying organ failure. Arterial occlusions occur because of high blood pressure and atherosclerosis. In order to detect occlusions in the circulatory system, physicians order tests and complete a physical exam on the patient.

Instructions

• 1

  Have a physical. Past medical history and physical findings guide the doctor as he tracks the occlusion. He will order a test to detect the location of the occlusion and any sites in the body that are not receiving an adequate blood supply.

• 2

  Schedule an angiography test. Angiography is an invasive test that involves inserting a dye that highlights all of the arteries in a particular area. When the dye does not highlight certain arteries the occlusion is present in that area, blocking the dye from highlighting. For smaller vessels, physicians will use MRA or magnetic resonance angiography.

• 3

  Discuss options with your health care provider. Depending on the location of the occlusion, consider surgical options to correct it. Ask your physician about the length of the procedure, the possible complications and the chances of it reoccurring. Discuss all of the options, so that you make a well-informed decision.