Vascular Surgery

Information about Vascular Surgery

Vascular disease is any condition affecting the blood vessels outside of the heart, as well as the lymphatic system. There are many types of vascular disease, some of which can become life-threatening. This surgical subspecialty involves diseases affecting the veins, arteries, capillaries, and lymphatic system. Surgical treatments offered include minimally invasive catheter procedures and surgical reconstruction.

Some examples of vascular diseases include:

• Acute venous thrombosis
• Aortic aneurysm
• Carotid artery disease
• Critical limb ischemia
• Diabetes vascular disease and limb salvage
• Diseases of the aorta
• Dialysis graft and fistula management
• Non-healing wounds caused by vascular disease
• Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
• Thoracic outlet syndrome
• Varicose veins
• Vascular malformations
• Visceral artery disease

Approaches to vascular surgery

Surgery may be “open” or “endovascular,” depending on your needs. The difference is the invasiveness of the technique – some more complex cases may combine minimally invasive endovascular and open approaches. Examples of vascular surgery include aortic aneurysm repair, bypass surgery, carotid artery stenting, vascular reconstruction, and vein removal. Surgery can improve quality of life by relieving pain and improving mobility, not to mention it can help you potentially avoid serious cardiac events like a heart attack or stroke.