The body needs glucose. It is the cells’ primary source of energy. Without it, the tissues and muscles of the body won’t be able to carry out regular functions well.

What causes Diabetes?

The underlying cause of diabetes depends on the type.

Type 1 diabetes is usually linked to dysfunctional immune system. Instead of just attacking harmful bacteria and viruses, some of those with dysfunctional immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing hormones and cells.

Insulin is the hormone that carries the glucose into the cells. With little or no insulin, glucose can build up in the bloodstream.

Type 2 diabetes is usually a result of genetic and environmental factors. Having a family history of the condition and being obese puts you at greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

As with gestational diabetes, it’s usually a result of hormonal changes during pregnancy (the placenta makes hormones that can lead to buildup of glucose in the bloodstream.

Regardless of the type, diabetes can lead to excess sugar in the blood. And having too much sugar in the blood can lead to serious health implications.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of diabetes include:

• Increased thirst
• Frequent urination
• Extreme hunger
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Blurred vision
• Slow-healing sores
• Frequent infections

Health Consequences

When left unmanaged, diabetes can lead to a myriad of health problems including cardiovascular disease, nerve damage, eye problems, Alzheimer’s disease, kidney failure, and limb amputation.

Kidney failure develops when kidney damage is left untreated. Dialysis is an option for diabetic patients with kidney failure. By removing excess salt, water, and wastes from the body, dialysis can help in keeping the body in balance.

Vascular access is an important passageway to the bloodstream created by a minor surgery to be used for dialysis. Premier Surgical Vascular Access Center in Knoxville provides exceptional care for Access patients and their families. Our highly trained vascular physicians and staff use state-of-the-art equipment and the latest in minimally invasive vascular access surgery techniques. We offer comprehensive on-site vascular diagnostic expertise and educational services to patients who are living with kidney disease.

For more information about Premier Vascular Access Center, please visit our Access webpage.

The post Diabetes Month first appeared on Premier Surgical.

Sometimes health specializations can be as confusing as medical terms. Knowing what a specialist does and does not do can help you choose the right provider for your specific health needs. Cardiologists and vascular surgeons are both medical experts, but cater specifically to different areas.

The Role of a Cardiologist

Also known as heart doctors, cardiologists are medical professionals who are specifically trained to diagnose and treat heart disease and other conditions related to the cardiovascular system. Cardiologists use medications and at times, provide dietary and other wellness recommendations to treat heart and vascular conditions.

When a patient is suspected with a heart disease, the cardiologist usually orders a number of tests such as angiograms and catheterization in order to understand the nature of the condition. If non-invasive remedy will not solve the problem, the patient will then work with a cardiovascular surgeon for a surgical treatment option.

The Role of a Vascular Surgeon

Vascular Surgeons diagnose, treat, and manage issues affecting circulation outside the heart and brain, especially the legs, arms, neck and kidneys. They are specifically trained to treat peripheral Vascular System issues medically, minimally-invasively, and surgically, if needed. Only a Vascular Surgeon can provide all treatment options.

Vascular surgeons’ expertise is in using advanced endovascular techniques including angioplasty and stenting to restore blood flow. They also use open surgery for conditions such as complex lesions or limb salvage when needed.

Premier Surgical Associates in Knoxville has East Tennessee’s largest group of board-certified vascular surgeons, many of whom are endovascular fellowship-trained. To learn more about vascular surgery at Premier, visit our website.

The post Cardiologists VS Vascular Surgeons first appeared on Premier Surgical.

The body’s vascular system is comprised of a network of blood vessels which include the arteries, veins, and the lymphatic system. Problems in the vascular system can occur and may lead to  more serious and life-threatening conditions when left undiagnosed and untreated.

Vascular Ultrasound

Vascular ultrasound makes use of sound waves to determine the condition of one’s blood vessels. These sound waves are transmitted through the tissues of the site being examined. They reflect the flow of the blood cells inside a blood vessel. As the waves bounce back, the transducer picks them up and are transmitted to a computer to create an image.

Vascular imaging is most commonly used as part of the diagnostic process, such as for determining the location of the disease. It is also used to identify blood clots in the veins, examine blockage or narrowing in the arteries, and determine location and severity.

Vascular Imaging and Treatment at Premier Surgical

Premier Surgical in Knoxville has the largest vascular ultrasound laboratory in the area. We  are able to perform any and all vascular ultrasound procedures to diagnose and treat patients as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Vascular ultrasound is a safe, non-invasive way to diagnose and pinpoint vascular diseases. If you believe you are suffering from a vascular disease, contact Premier Surgical in Knoxville today at 865-588-8229 to request a consultation with one of our vascular experts. Or request an appointment online.

The post What is Vascular Ultrasound? first appeared on Premier Surgical.

After Vascular Access Surgery

After vascular access surgery, ideally your access should heal, mature, and be ready to use. However, in some cases, a second surgery may be required before it is ready to be used. This can include an elevation, translocation, or transposition procedure, to essentially make an access stable and more easily accessible.

Your surgeon will usually be able to inform you ahead of time if a second procedure is necessary so that you have time to discuss before scheduling your initial surgery.

Maintaining Your Vascular Access

An important part of the entire process is maintaining your vascular access so your treatments can go as smoothly as possible.

It is vital that you attend all of your follow-up appointments. This way, if there is a problem, it can be detected early-on to prevent the risk of access failure.

In addition to this, you should be doing the recommended exercises provided to you, to strengthen the muscles of your arms and increase blood-flow, which allows your access to work appropriately.

As you would with any other surgical process, be sure to keep your access clean. Wash and pat dry your arm thoroughly every day, and right before each treatment. Watch the area for any abnormalities like redness or swelling. If you experience any pain, tell your doctor immediately.

Premier Vascular Access & Imaging Center

Premier Vascular Access & Imaging Center in Knoxville is focused on providing exceptional care for patients and their families. We offer comprehensive on-site diagnostic expertise and educational services to patients who are dealing with kidney disease.

Our Access Coordinator, Meghan Mencer, has provided helpful resources for our Vascular Access patients. Download them below:

• Caring for Your Vascular Access
• Treating Chronic Kidney Disease
• Maintaining Your Vascular Access

The post Maintaining Your Vascular Access first appeared on Premier Surgical.

Vascular access is an important passageway to the bloodstream created by a minor surgery to be used for dialysis treatment. High quality access will allow the full benefit of dialysis to help the patient feel as well as possible.

Dialysis

Dialysis is a medical treatment that takes over the job of cleaning your blood and balancing fluid and electrolytes when your kidneys are no longer able to do so. It does this by using a filter and a cleaning solution called dialysate. There are two types:

Hemodialysis

Hemodialysis uses a machine and a special filter called dialyzer to clean your blood. It is a plastic tube filled with millions of tiny hollow fibers that acts as an artificial kidney. During treatment, your blood travels from your body through a tube into the dialyzer, which removes the bad and replaces the good using the cleaning solution. The process requires direct access to your bloodstream through the use of two needles. It typically takes about four hours, and has to be done 2-3 times per week.

Peritoneal Dialysis

Peritoneal dialysis uses a catheter that is surgically placed in your abdomen to put the cleaning solution into your stomach, and the lining of your abdomen acts as a natural filter. The fluid remains in the abdomen for a period of time, known as the dwell time. The now dirty solution is then drained from the stomach and discarded, and a new clean solution is put back in. This is called exchange. This form of dialysis is performed at home, and this treatment options offers flexibility and control.

Premier’s Vascular Access & Imaging Center

At the Premier Surgical Vascular Access Center in Knoxville, we collaborate with you, your family, and your nephrologist (kidney doctor) to provide more education, and answer questions about how to best maintain your access.

The post Treating Chronic Kidney Disease with Dialysis first appeared on Premier Surgical.

Premier Surgical’s Vascular Access Coordinator, Meghan Mencer shares a few important tips to help patients properly care for their vascular access.

• Exercise your arm before and after vascular access surgery

When diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, you should begin using light weight and doing exercises to strengthen the muscles of your arms. This can increase blood flow through the veins and allow them to become stronger. This can also increase your chance of being able to have a fistula created and the likelihood that it will mature and be usable when needed. If you have a fistula created, you will be given a small, rubber object (like a ball) to take home and “exercise” your fistula. You’ll allow your arm to hang by your side and squeeze the object with the hand of your access arm. It is best to do this a few times a day for at least five minutes at a time.

• Keep your access clean

Once your arteriovenous (or AV) access is ready to be used for hemodialysis, it is important that you keep it clean. Be sure to wash and pat-dry your fistula arm thoroughly every day right before treatment. Keep an eye out for redness, warmth, or swelling around the access area. If you experience any pain around the fistula, or drainage that smells funny and isn’t clear, contact your doctor immediately.

• Checking your fistula or graft blood flow

Check the blood flow through your AV fistula daily. This is done by touch and sound. When you place your fingers over your fistula, you should be able to feel the motion of blood flowing through it. This sensation is called a “thrill.” Let your doctor know if your thrill ever feels different, or unusual.

Your vascular access team and dialysis clinic staff will listen to the blood flow by using a stethoscope. The sound heard is called a “bruit” (pronounced broo-ee). Any change in the pitch may indicate a clot or narrowing of the fistula. Remember, it is important that you feel the “THRILL” of your access every single day!

• Appointments after surgery

The most important thing you do will be to go to all of your post-operative and follow-up appointments! Regardless of fistula or graft, your surgeon will want to see you one week after your access is created to look, listen, and feel to be sure everything is going well. If you have any questions or concerns, patients are encouraged to write them down and take advantage of the face-to-face time for education.

As East Tennessee’s leader in vascular services, the Premier Vascular Access & Imaging Center in Knoxville is focused on providing exceptional care for patients and their families. We offer comprehensive on-site diagnostic expertise and educational services to patients who are at risk for kidney disease.

The post Caring for Your Vascular Access first appeared on Premier Surgical.

November is American Diabetes Month. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 29 million people in the United States have diabetes.

About Diabetes

Diabetes is a condition that occurs when your blood glucose (also known as your blood sugar) is too high. The blood glucose is the body’s main source of energy and it is transported into the cells through the hormone insulin. However, there are cases on which the body doesn’t make enough or any insulin at all. In some cases, the body doesn’t use insulin well. As a result, glucose remains in the blood and doesn’t reach the cells.

There are two types of diabetes – type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

In type 1 diabetes, the body doesn’t make insulin. It’s an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the cells in the pancreas that make insulin. Although it can appear at any age, it is usually diagnosed in children and young adults. In order to stay alive, those with type 1 diabetes have to take insulin every day.

In type 2 diabetes, the body doesn’t make use of insulin effectively. It’s the most common type of diabetes, usually diagnosed in middle-aged and older people. It is also common among obese people.

Signs and Symptoms

The most common signs and symptoms of diabetes include unexplained weight loss, fatigue, frequent urination, extreme hunger, increased or excessive thirst, irritability, blurred vision, slow-healing sores, and frequent infections

How Diabetes Can Affect Your Health

When left unmanaged, diabetes can lead to a myriad of health complications. It can take a toll on almost every organ of the body including the eyes, heart and the blood vessels, kidneys, nerves, gastrointestinal tract, and even the gums and the teeth.

Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to vision loss, heart disease, loss of sensation in the lower extremities, gum disease, limb infections which can lead to amputation, and kidney disease.

Diabetes and Kidney Disease

When diabetes is left unmanaged, it may lead to diabetic kidney disease. Also known as diabetic nephropathy, this condition results from damage in the filters in the kidneys. Damage to the kidney’s’ filters can also result to accumulation of more salt, water, and waste material in the blood.

Kidney failure develops when kidney damage is left untreated. Dialysis is an option for patients with kidney failure. By removing excess salt, water, and wastes from the body, dialysis can help in keeping the body in balance.

Vascular access is an important passageway to the bloodstream created by a minor surgery to be used for dialysis. Premier Surgical Vascular Access Center in Knoxville provides exceptional care for Access patients and their families. Our highly trained vascular physicians and staff use state-of-the-art equipment and the latest in minimally invasive vascular access surgery techniques. We offer comprehensive on-site vascular diagnostic expertise and educational services to patients who are living with≠ kidney disease.

For more information about Premier Vascular Access Center, please visit our Access webpage.

The post American Diabetes Month first appeared on Premier Surgical.

The body’s vascular system is comprised of a network of blood vessels which include the arteries, veins, and the lymphatic system. Problems in the vascular system can occur and may lead to a more serious and life-threatening condition when left undiagnosed and untreated.

Premier Surgical in Knoxville has one of the largest vascular labs in the area where we are able to perform any and all vascular ultrasound procedures to diagnose and treat patients as quickly and efficiently as possible.

What is vascular ultrasound?

Vascular ultrasound is a type of diagnostic test use to show blood flow in vessels like the arteries and veins. It uses high-frequency waves to create images of soft tissue structures. Sound waves are transmitted through the tissues being examined, reflecting blood cells moving within the blood vessels. The sound waves are recorded and displayed on a computer screen, helping physicians identify possible blockages in the blood vessels.

What happens during a vascular ultrasound?

Little to no special preparation is required for vascular ultrasound, however, you may want to wear comfortable and loose-fitting clothing on the day of your examination. Once in the ultrasound room, you will have to lie down on a table while the technologist prepares for your examination. Depending on the area to be examined, you may be asked to lie in different positions or disrobe. You may feel some pressure as the wand is moved over your body, but there is no serious discomfort all throughout the procedure.

Why Premier Surgical?

Premier Surgical’s vascular lab has 8 full-time sonographers, 8 full-time ultrasound imagers, and 8 ultrasound rooms devoted specifically to our ultrasound procedures. Most of our patients are seen at the Papermill Drive office, but we have a satellite technologist who spends time throughout the week going out to see patients who are not able to drive to us. Our satellite technologists has satellite ultrasound machines that travel with them. These machines are similar to a laptop and house the software needed for the ultrasound without requiring the big, bulky machine.

Premier Surgical also has a dedicated Vascular Ultrasound Director, Josh Lee, who has worked in vascular ultrasound for 11 years. “We pride ourselves on quality. Quality is one of the most important aspects of what we do. High quality ultrasounds save our patients money and time, “ says Lee. “The technologists in our vascular lab are specifically trained to perform these exams and provide quality education and treatment for the best possible patient outcome.”

Vascular ultrasound is a safe, non-invasive way to diagnose and pinpoint vascular diseases. If you believe you are suffering from a vascular disease, contact Premier Surgical in Knoxville today at 865-588-8229 to request a consultation with one of our vascular experts.

The post Vascular Ultrasound Imaging first appeared on Premier Surgical.

Premier’s Vascular Access & Imaging Center offers comprehensive on-site diagnostic expertise and educational services to patients who are at risk for kidney disease. Our dedicated Vascular Access Coordinator, Meghan Mencer, works closely with patients, as well as the clinics and vascular surgeons to stay on top of everything involved in the vascular access process, and to ensure that everything is working properly and moving along accordingly.

Learn more about Meghan and the Vascular Access Process

The post Premier’s Dedicated Vascular Access Coordinator first appeared on Premier Surgical.

Diabetes mellitus is a lifelong disease that has been growing at an epidemic rate in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 30 million Americans have diabetes. There are two basic types of diabetes; classified as type 1 and type 2.

Type 1, or insulin-dependent diabetes often begins in childhood. It is an autoimmune condition as the body attacks its own pancreas, keeping it from producing insulin.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. It accounts for 95 percent of diabetes cases in adults. This type of diabetes is often associated with poor lifestyle choices. People who are overweight and with a family history of diabetes are at higher risk of developing type 2. It can often be controlled with weight management, regular physical activity, and dietary changes.

Diabetes and Kidney Disease

The rise in blood glucose can sometimes result to a rise in chemicals found in the kidneys. These chemicals tend to damage the filters of the kidney, and make the kidneys “leak” abnormal amounts of protein from the blood into the urine. So, when diabetes is left unmanaged, it may lead to this complication, which is called diabetic kidney disease.

Also known as diabetic nephropathy, this condition results from damage in the filters in the kidneys. Damage to the kidney’s’ filters can also result to accumulation of more salt, water, and waste material in the blood.

Renal failure develops when kidney damage is left untreated. Dialysis is an option for patients with kidney failure. By removing excess salt, water, and wastes from the body, dialysis can help in keeping the body in balance.

Premier Access Center

Vascular access is an important passageway to the bloodstream created by a minor surgery to be used for dialysis. Considered as the patient’s lifeline, the vascular access is what makes the dialysis possible. The vascular access should allow the full benefit of dialysis to help the patient feel as well as possible.

Two of the types of vascular access are the arteriovenous (AV) fistula and the AV graft. The AV fistula is a connection done by a vascular surgeon of an artery to a vein. The AV graft is a looped plastic tube that connects an artery to a vein.

Premier Surgical Vascular Access Center in Knoxville provides exceptional care for Access patients and their families. Our highly trained vascular physicians and staff use state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment and the latest in minimally invasive vascular access surgery techniques. We offer comprehensive on-site diagnostic expertise and educational services to patients who are at risk for kidney disease. Our dedicated Access Coordinator RN who  coordinates patients’ care with area dialysis clinics.  Our team will recommend and provide the vascular access best suited for your needs.

For more information about Premier Vascular Access Center, please visit our Access webpage.

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