Vascular surgeons do much more than perform surgery. These highly-trained specialists treat diseases of the vascular system, which contains blood vessels (veins and arteries) that bring oxygen to every living cell in your body. Without smoothly flowing blood, your body cannot function. Vascular surgeons treat inadequate blood flow problems of the veins and arteries in all parts of the body except the brain and the heart.
Conditions Treated by Vascular Surgeons, With or Without Surgery
Vascular surgeons are trained in everything from complicated surgery to minimally invasive endovascular procedures. While they are skilled at surgery, they see and treat many patients who don’t require it. A vascular surgeon makes sure patients with vascular health issues know and understand all their options. In fact, many vascular problems can be treated with medication or exercise.
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.
Some patients see a vascular surgeon on an ongoing basis for years or even decades. A vascular surgeon very often has long-term relationships with patients because vascular disease can be a long-term condition.
When Should I See a Vascular Surgeon?
Patients are typically referred to a vascular surgeon by their primary care physician. You might be referred to a vascular surgeon if you visit your regular doctor for pain in your legs, for example, and find out that the cause is peripheral arterial disease. If you are in a high-risk category (you’re a smoker, diabetic, and/or have high blood pressure, for example), you may be a candidate for starting a relationship with a vascular surgeon.
Quality Care, Close to Home
Muskegon Surgical Associates surgeons possess a combination of passion, skill, and experience that enable them to provide the highest quality vascular care services possible. Our vascular lab is supported by a team of Registered Vascular Technologists (RVT) who work alongside our vascular surgeons to make the diagnostic and treatment processes seamless. Contact us for an appointment or more information.
Sources:
Muskegon Surgical Associates
Vascular.org