Vascular Surgery

Vascular Surgery – Specialty Description

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Vascular Surgery is a surgical specialty focused on the diagnosis, management, and treatment of diseases affecting the blood vessels—including arteries, veins, and lymphatic circulation—excluding those of the heart and brain. Vascular surgeons are highly trained to perform both open surgeries and minimally invasive endovascular procedures.

Core Focus Areas

• Arteries and veins throughout the body (except coronary and cerebral vessels)
  
• Peripheral vascular disease
  
• Aneurysms and dissections
  
• Vascular trauma and malformations
  
• Dialysis access surgery

Conditions Commonly Treated

• Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
  
• Aortic aneurysms (abdominal or thoracic)
  
• Carotid artery disease (stroke prevention)
  
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and venous insufficiency
  
• Varicose veins and spider veins
  
• Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs)
  
• Limb ischemia (reduced blood flow to limbs)
  
• Vascular access for hemodialysis (e.g., AV fistulas)

Diagnostic Tools & Procedures

• Vascular ultrasound (Doppler studies)
  
• CT angiography and MR angiography
  
• Conventional angiography
  
• Ankle-brachial index (ABI)
  
• Vein mapping

Common Surgical & Endovascular Procedures

• Angioplasty and stenting
  
• Carotid endarterectomy
  
• Aneurysm repair (open or endovascular aneurysm repair—EVAR)
  
• Bypass surgery (femoral-popliteal, aorto-bifemoral)
  
• Thrombectomy and thrombolysis
  
• Endovenous laser therapy (EVLT) for varicose veins
  
• Sclerotherapy and vein stripping

Role in Patient Care

Vascular surgeons manage both chronic and acute vascular conditions, often working alongside cardiologists, interventional radiologists, nephrologists, and wound care specialists. They also emphasize preventive care and long-term vascular health, often treating patients with complex comorbidities like diabetes and hypertension.