ST.LOUIS - Virtue Vein & Lymphatic Center, a locally owned clinic with seven locations throughout Southwest Missouri and Illinois, is promoting limb preservation during Limb Loss Awareness Month in April. According to the Amputee Coalition, more than 2 million Americans live with limb loss or limb difference, and more than 28 million are at risk of amputation surgery.
Dr. Raffi Krikorian, a local physician with more than 25 years of experience treating venous and cardiovascular conditions throughout Missouri and Illinois, is working to raise awareness about treatment methods that can help prevent the need for amputations. Dr. Krikorian is also a member of the global Critical Limb Ischemia (CLI) group which is dedicated to improving the quality of life of people experiencing limb loss.
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“Hearing you need an amputation can be devastating and is a life-altering decision,” said Dr. Krikorian. “It is important you always explore all options and seek a second opinion if necessary before moving forward. In some cases, amputation may seem like the only option, but oftentimes, it isn’t.”
Virtue Vein & Lymphatic Center offers a simple diagnostic test, called an angiogram, to determine the amount of blood flowing through veins and arteries and whether there are any blockages. If blockages are found, Dr. Krikorian recommends a minimally invasive procedure called deep vein arterialization (DVA) as an alternative to amputation. DVA involves taking the patient’s own vein and turning it into an artery, thereby restoring blood flow to the limb and preventing limb loss.
“DVA is a solution that can preserve the limb and hopefully improve the patient’s overall health outcome as compared to an amputation,” said Dr. Krikorian. “Too many times in the past, I’ve seen amputations happen as a result of not taking steps sooner to help preserve the limb. Saving someone’s leg or foot doubles that person’s chance of overall survival and makes a tremendous difference in their quality of life.”
Dr. Raffi Krikorian and the staff at Virtue Vein & Lymphatic Center are wearing white socks the month of April to spread awareness about limb loss and alternative treatment options. Dr. Krikorian says if people have been told to get an amputation, visit Virtue Vein & Lymphatic Center to see what alternative options are available.
Virtue Vein and Lymphatic Center has seven locations throughout Southwest Missouri and Illinois, including its flagship location at 3760 South Lindbergh Blvd, Suite 101 in St. Louis. With 25 years of experience in this field, Dr. Krikorian is one of only a few board-certified cardiologists throughout the St. Louis region to also practice in vascular, venous, and lymphatic health. The private practice specializes in offering its patients cutting-edge solutions to their unique vein problems. For more information about Virtue Vein and Lymphatic Center, go to www.VirtueVein.com or call 314-849-0923.
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