Deep Venous Arterialization (DVA) – Frequently Asked Questions

DVA is an advanced minimally invasive procedure designed to improve blood flow in patients with severe Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) or Critical Limb Ischemia (CLI). It reroutes arterial blood into deep veins, bypassing blocked arteries to restore circulation, relieve pain, and promote healing.

DVA is an option for patients who:
✔ Have severe PAD or CLI with non-healing wounds, ulcers, or gangrene.
✔ Have no viable treatment options with traditional procedures like bypass or angioplasty.
✔ Are at high risk of limb amputation due to poor circulation.

A vascular specialist will determine if DVA is a suitable treatment.

DVA creates a new pathway for blood flow by connecting an artery to a deep vein in the leg or foot. This reroutes oxygen-rich blood into the venous system, bypassing diseased arteries and restoring circulation to tissues that need it most.

🔹 Step 1: Accessing the Arteries – A mini incision is made in the groin, and a diagnostic angiogram is performed to assess blood flow.
🔹 Step 2: Accessing the Foot Veins – A foot vein is carefully punctured using ultrasound guidance to evaluate suitability for DVA.
🔹 Step 3: Creating a New Blood Flow Pathway – A thin catheter and wire are used to create a connection (fistula) between the artery and the deep vein.
🔹 Step 4: Balloon Angioplasty & Stenting – The pathway is gradually opened with a balloon and stent to ensure stable blood flow into the foot veins.
🔹 Step 5: Final Check – A final angiogram confirms successful blood flow restoration to the foot.
Procedure time is typically under two hours, performed under general or regional anaesthesia.

✔ Limb Salvage – Reduces the risk of amputation by restoring circulation.
✔ Pain Relief – Improves blood flow, easing pain from ischemia.
✔ Promotes Wound Healing – Helps non-healing ulcers and infections recover.
✔ Minimally Invasive – mini incision
✔ Improves Quality of Life – Enhances mobility and daily comfort.

• Most patients stay in the hospital for a few days for monitoring.
• Light activity can be resumed within a few days.
• Follow-up appointments are necessary to ensure proper wound healing and maintained blood flow.

DVA is generally safe, but potential risks include:
⚠ Blood clot formation (thrombosis) in the treated vein.
⚠ Swelling or inflammation in the veins.
⚠ Infection at the incision site.
⚠ Possible need for additional procedures to maintain circuit patency, or if blood flow is insufficient.
Your vascular specialist will monitor for any complications and provide appropriate care.

DVA has shown promising results in improving blood circulation and reducing amputation rates in high-risk patients. Long-term success depends on post-procedure care, wound management, and regular follow-ups.

Unlike angioplasty or bypass surgery, which rely on opening blocked arteries, DVA works by rerouting arterial blood directly into deep veins. This makes it an ideal option for patients whose arteries are too diseased or calcified for traditional treatments.

If you or a loved one is facing severe circulation problems, we’re here to help.

📍 Visit: Novena Vascular & Varicose Vein Centre. 38 Irrawaddy Rd, #08-48, Singapore 329563
📞 Call or drop a message on WhatsApp: (+65) 9727-0788
📧 Email: contact@drdarryllim.com
🌐 Website: https://drdarryllim.com