Vascular surgery is a specialized field of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the circulatory system, including arteries, veins, and lymphatic vessels outside the heart and brain. Vascular surgeons are highly trained to treat conditions involving poor blood flow or blocked vessels, which can affect areas like the legs, arms, kidneys, and the brain. They offer both minimally invasive procedures and traditional surgeries to restore proper blood circulation and manage vascular diseases.
Common Conditions Treated
Vascular surgeons address a wide range of conditions related to the circulatory system. Some common conditions include:
- Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): A condition where the arteries, especially in the legs, become narrowed or blocked, reducing blood flow and causing pain, numbness, or ulcers.
- Aneurysms: Weak or bulging areas in blood vessels (such as an aortic aneurysm) that can rupture if untreated.
- Carotid Artery Disease: Narrowing or blockages in the carotid arteries, which can lead to strokes.
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): A blood clot in a deep vein, typically in the legs, which can lead to pulmonary embolism if it travels to the lungs.
- Varicose Veins and Chronic Venous Insufficiency: Enlarged, twisted veins that cause pain, swelling, or ulcers, often in the legs.
- Renal Artery Disease: Blockages in the arteries supplying blood to the kidneys, which can lead to high blood pressure or kidney failure.
- Lymphedema: A condition that causes swelling due to improper drainage of the lymphatic system.
- Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms (AAA)
- Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms (TAA)
- Popliteal Artery Aneurysms
- Venous Ulcerations and other Chronic Problems Related to Venous Insufficiency
- Carotid Artery Stenosis
- Renal Artery Stenosis
- Mesenteric Artery Insufficiency
Common Treatments and Procedures Performed
Vascular surgeons use a variety of treatment approaches, from minimally invasive techniques to open surgeries, depending on the condition and its severity.
- Angioplasty and Stenting: A minimally invasive procedure where a balloon is used to open up narrowed arteries, often followed by the placement of a stent to keep the artery open.
- Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR): A minimally invasive technique for treating aneurysms by placing a graft inside the affected artery to reinforce its walls and prevent rupture.
- Carotid Endarterectomy: A surgery to remove plaque buildup from the carotid arteries, reducing the risk of stroke.
- Bypass Surgery: A procedure where a graft is used to bypass a blocked artery, restoring blood flow to the affected area, often in the legs.
- Thrombectomy: A procedure to remove blood clots from blood vessels, often used to treat DVT or prevent pulmonary embolism.
- Sclerotherapy: A treatment for varicose veins and spider veins, where a solution is injected into the veins, causing them to collapse and fade.
- Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) or Laser Ablation: Minimally invasive treatments for varicose veins that use heat or laser energy to seal off the affected veins.
- Vein Stripping: A surgical procedure to remove varicose veins that do not respond to other treatments.
- Limb Salvage Procedures: Includes all endovascular techniques and open bypass.
- Endovascular and open surgery for Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). Our providers offer the latest technology and treatments for arterial blockages that cause pain in the legs with walking, or claudication. These are continuing to evolve, and include angioplasty, atherectomy, laser, lithotripsy, and stenting.
- Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm and Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm Surgery: This includes the latest technical developments in endovascular surgery including fenestrated and branched endografts.
- Popliteal Artery Aneurysms: Includes open and endovascular repair varicose vein treatments. We offer all of the latest treatments for varicose veins including venous ablation, glue, and phlebectomy.
- Carotid Artery Stenting: Treatment of carotid stenosis, TCAR (Trans – Carotid Artery Revascularization). This is a minimally invasive hybrid approach to placing a carotid stent safely using flow reversal to prevent any embolization.
- Carotid Endarterectomy: Treatment of carotid stenosis in standard risk patients.
- Renal Artery Stenting
When to See a Vascular Surgeon
You should consider seeing a vascular surgeon if you have symptoms or risk factors for vascular diseases, including:
- Persistent leg pain, especially when walking (a sign of PAD)
- Numbness, weakness, or poor wound healing in the legs or feet
- Swollen or twisted veins, or persistent leg swelling
- A known aneurysm or family history of aneurysms
- Symptoms of a stroke, such as dizziness, weakness, or numbness on one side of the body
- Sudden, unexplained leg swelling, redness, or pain (possible signs of DVT)
- High blood pressure that is difficult to control (could be due to renal artery disease)
Individuals with risk factors like smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, or a family history of vascular disease should seek preventive care or early intervention from a vascular surgeon.
Benefits
Vascular surgery provides life-changing and life-saving treatments for a variety of circulatory conditions. By addressing vascular diseases early, patients can avoid serious complications and improve their long-term health.
- Improved Blood Flow: Vascular surgery treatments help restore proper blood circulation, reducing pain, preventing tissue damage, and improving mobility and quality of life.
- Stroke and Heart Attack Prevention: Treating conditions like carotid artery disease and PAD reduces the risk of life-threatening events like strokes and heart attacks.
- Minimally Invasive Options: Many vascular conditions can now be treated with less invasive procedures, leading to faster recovery times, less pain, and shorter hospital stays.
- Comprehensive Care: Vascular surgeons not only treat immediate conditions but also work with patients on long-term management strategies to reduce recurrence and manage risk factors such as smoking, high blood pressure, and cholesterol.
