Vascular surgery is focused on diseases which affect the arteries and veins. Common vascular conditions include diabetes, aneurysms, blood clots, and varicose veins. Vascular surgeons are specially trained in the diagnosis, management, and treatments of diseases affecting all parts of the vascular system except that of the heart and brain. Typical treatment include: therapy, minimally-invasive procedures, and surgical reconstruction.
Common Vascular Conditions
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)
The aorta carries blood pumped out of the heart to the other parts of the body. If the wall of the blood vessel becomes weak it will start to expand and bulge, like a balloon, due to the pressure from the blood flowing through the vessel. The bulge is called an aneurysm. Aneurysms are a significant risk because they can burst or rupture causing internal bleeding.
Carotid Artery Disease
The arteries in the neck which supply the blood to the brain are called the carotid arteries. Carotid artery disease occurs when these arteries become blocked or begin to narrow due to plaque buildup, which eventually restrict the blood flow to the brain. The disease is very serious because it can easily lead to a stroke.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Deep vein thrombosis is a blood clot that forms in a vein and typically occurs in the pelvis, thigh, or calf. DVTs needs to be treated quickly to ensure the clot doesn’t break free and lodge in a smaller vein blocking the flow of blood to the heart, brain or lungs.
Diabetic Vascular Disease
Diabetic vascular disease is often called “hardening of the arteries” and describes the damage and blockages in blood vessels caused by excessive amount of sugar (glucose) in the blood as a result of uncontrolled diabetes. Unfortunately diabetics cannot produce enough or use the insulin which is produced effectively to remove the extra glucose from the blood causing the blockages to form.
Pulmonary Embolism
A pulmonary embolism is a blood clot that forms in a vein, travels through the blood vessels, and becomes lodged in the lungs. The blockage causes the heart and lungs to work harder to supply the rest of the body with oxygen and can lead to the ultimate failure of the heart and/or lungs if it is not treated quickly.
Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are swollen veins that can be seen through the skin. The veins look like blue twisted snakes under the skin. If left untreated, the veins can cause pain and fatigue.