What is a Vascular Surgeon?
Vascular surgeons are highly-trained specialists who treat diseases of the vascular system. Blood vessels – arteries carrying oxygen-rich blood and veins carrying blood back to the heart – are the roadways of the circulatory system.
Vascular surgeons treat conditions of poor circulation in the blood vessels.
We assist with inadequate blood flow problems of the veins and arteries in all parts of the body, except the brain and the heart. Some of the conditions a vascular surgeon treats include:
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm: A bulging, weak spot in the arteries that may be at risk for rupturing
- Atherosclerosis: Plaque buildup inside of arteries that blocks blood flow
- Carotid arterial disease: A narrowing of the blood vessels that carry blood and oxygen to the brain
- Peripheral arterial disease: A slow and progressive circulation disorder that affects the brain, legs, and feet
- Varicose veins: Enlarged, twisted veins found throughout the body and especially in the legs
- Venous thrombosis: When a blood clot blocks a vein
A vascular surgeon does far more than surgery.
A vascular surgeon makes sure patients with vascular health issues know and understand all their options. Vascular surgeons can do surgery, but they see and treat many patients who don’t require surgery. Many vascular problems can be treated with medication or exercise.
A vascular surgeon builds relationships with patients.
A vascular surgeon may be someone who treats you on an ongoing basis for any length of time, even decades. A vascular surgeon very often has long-term relationships with patients because vascular disease can be a long-term condition.