What is a vascular surgeon?
A vascular surgeon is a doctor trained to treat diseases of the vascular system. Your vascular system consists of the arteries and veins throughout your body that transport blood and oxygen to organs and tissues from the heart. Vascular surgeons treat patients using medications, exercise, and surgery. Not all patients who visit vascular surgeons require surgery for treatment.
What does a vascular surgeon look for?
A vascular surgeon looks for problems with your circulatory system. This includes:
- atherosclerosis–a buildup in your arteries that can cause further health problems
- venous valve defects
- varicose veins
- leg ulcers
Vascular surgeons handle cases where blockages occur in the carotid arteries and the aorta. They also treat peripheral vascular disease, which affects the arteries in the feet and legs.
Why am I being referred to a vascular surgeon?
You are referred to a vascular surgeon if you’re exhibiting common symptoms of a vascular disease or your primary care physician has diagnosed you with a vascular condition.
People who smoke, have diabetes, high blood pressure, renal artery disease, or have experienced blood clot issues, including deep vein thrombosis, may be referred to a vascular surgeon for further diagnosis and treatment.
What happens at your first visit to a vascular surgeon?
During your first visit to a vascular surgeon, you’ll be asked about your medical and family history. They’ll want to know the medical conditions you have and any medications you currently take.
Your vascular surgeon performs a physical exam and discusses your diagnosis and treatment options. They may use an ultrasound machine to check your blood flow as part of your exam.
What procedures do vascular surgeons perform?
Vascular surgeons perform various surgeries and procedures. They perform minimally invasive procedures using a catheter to carry out aortic repairs, aneurysm repairs, stents, and angioplasty.
Common vascular surgeries they perform include:
- Open abdominal aorta
- Thoracic outlet
- Open carotid and femoral endarterectomy
- Femoral bypass
- Bypass for peripheral, renal, mesenteric, and vertebrobasilar diseases
- Dialysis access
- Renal transplant
- Thrombolytic therapy
- Varicose vein stripping
What are symptoms of vascular problems?
The symptoms of a vascular problem correlate to the vascular condition you’re suffering from. People with peripheral artery disease may experience pain, weakness, tingling, or numbing in their legs or feet.
While people suffering from aortic aneurysms may have pain in the chest or back, shortness of breath, or trouble swallowing.
Less common symptoms include sudden hair loss on the affected limb, gangrene, and red-blue skin discoloration.
What is the difference between a cardiologist and a vascular surgeon?
The difference between a cardiologist and a vascular surgeon is the area they treat. Cardiologists are trained to diagnose and treat the heart. They treat patients suffering from heart disease and people who have genetic or congenital heart disorders.
While vascular surgeons are trained to treat and diagnose conditions affecting the veins and arteries outside the heart, they also deal with problems related to poor circulation.
