Vascular and Endovascular Surgery

Vascular and endovascular surgery is a subspecialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and conditions that affect the vascular system. The vascular system includes the arteries and veins that circulate blood throughout the body. Arteries are the vessels that carry blood away from the heart while veins are the vessels that carry the blood back to the heart. Usually, vascular diseases affect blood flow which can be affected for various reasons including blocked blood vessels (through plaque buildup), weakened blood vessels or damaged valves within the veins.

Diseases

Diseases and conditions a vascular surgeon treats include:

• Abdominal aortic aneurysms
• Peripheral artery disease
• May-Thurner syndrome
• Venous insufficiency
• Pelvic congestion syndrome
• Peripheral artery aneurysms
• Vascular malformations
• Limb salvage

Everyone is at risk for vascular disease. However, there are some factors that can increase your risk of developing vascular disorders including obesity, diabetes, age, lack of exercsise, pregnancy, smoking and sitting or standing for an extended period of time.

Vascular disorders may be caused by various factors including:

• Atherosclerosis – fatty deposits within the arteries, or plaque buildup
• Blood clots
• Inflammation
• Trauma or injury
• Family history

Treatment Options

Treatment options for vascular disorders can vary depending on the type and location of the specific condition. Treatments can include lifestyle modification including healthy eating habits and exercise, medications, minimally invasive catheter-based treatments and surgery. A vascular surgeon can help you determine your treatment options.