What Is Vascular Surgery?

Vascular surgery is a specialized field of medicine focused on diagnosing and treating diseases of the blood vessels. These include arteries, veins, and lymphatic vessels.

Vascular surgeons are highly trained to provide care for patients with conditions affecting circulation, ensuring that blood flows properly throughout the body.

Unlike other types of surgery, vascular surgery involves both minimally invasive procedures and traditional open surgery.

Vascular surgeons also play a key role in helping patients manage chronic conditions and prevent serious complications through medical therapies and lifestyle changes.

Diseases Treated by Vascular Surgeons

Vascular surgeons manage a wide range of conditions that affect circulation. These include:

Arterial Diseases

• Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): Narrowing of arteries, usually in the legs, that reduces blood flow.
• Aneurysms: Weak spots in blood vessel walls that can enlarge or rupture.
• Carotid Artery Disease: Blockages in the arteries that supply blood to the brain, increasing the risk of stroke.
• Critical Limb Ischemia: Severe blockages in arteries that can lead to tissue death and amputation if untreated.

Venous Diseases

• Varicose Veins: Enlarged, twisted veins causing discomfort and cosmetic concerns.
• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Blood clots in deep veins, often in the legs, which can be life-threatening if they travel to the lungs.
• Chronic Venous Insufficiency: Poor circulation in the veins causing swelling, pain, and ulcers.

Lymphatic Diseases

• Lymphedema: Swelling caused by fluid buildup when lymphatic vessels are damaged or blocked.

Emergency Conditions

• Arterial Trauma: Injuries to arteries that require immediate repair.
• Acute Limb Ischemia: Sudden loss of blood flow to a limb requiring urgent intervention.

Training to Become a Vascular Surgeon

Becoming a vascular surgeon requires years of education and specialized training. Here’s what the path looks like:

1. Undergraduate Education – 4 years of college focusing on pre-medical courses like biology, chemistry, and physics.
2. Medical School – 4 years of medical education to earn an MD (Doctor of Medicine) or DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine).
3. General Surgery Residency – 5-7 years of training in general surgery to learn foundational surgical techniques.
4. Vascular Surgery Fellowship – 2 additional years of advanced training focused exclusively on vascular diseases and procedures.

During this journey, vascular surgeons develop expertise in:

• Treating arterial and venous diseases
• Performing complex surgeries and minimally invasive procedures
• Managing chronic vascular conditions with medications and lifestyle changes

Vascular Surgeons are unique as they not only perform surgeries through small needle sticks in the artery but also can perform major open procedures to reroute blood flow or repair diseased arteries. No other specialty has this capability.

How Vascular Surgery Can Help You

If you’re experiencing symptoms like leg pain, swelling, or changes in skin color, a vascular surgeon can evaluate your condition and recommend the best treatment options. Common treatments include:

• Minimally Invasive Procedures: Such as angioplasty and stenting to open blocked arteries.
• Open Surgery: For more complex cases like aneurysm repair.
• Medical Management: Prescribing medications and recommending lifestyle changes to improve circulation.

At Zenith Vascular, we’re dedicated to providing expert care to improve your vascular health and quality of life. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and learn how we can help you feel your best!