A vascular surgeon is a medical professional who has been trained to diagnose and treat diseases of the vascular system. The vascular system is made up of blood vessels and veins. It helps blood get to the organs, and if something stops the blood from flowing properly, organs can suffer and patients can become extremely sick. Vascular surgeons can help fix any vascular problems that may occur. They may also work with other doctors and specialists to give their patients the best treatment possible.
To become a vascular surgeon a person must first attend an accredited undergraduate program. Next, they must attend medical school for four years. They must then complete a two- to a four-year residency program in a vascular surgery department where they will work an experienced vascular surgeon. They will then complete another two- to four-year residency in the cardiovascular department. Vascular surgeons must also pass a board exam to become licensed and certified.
Vascular surgeons treat diseases that affect the vascular system. This can include diseases that affect the veins, arteries, and blood vessels. They may not necessarily treat the cause of the problem, but they can treat complications related to certain diseases or disorders. Some of these diseases include:
Before vascular surgeons decide to do surgery on a patient, they need to diagnose them with the disease that is causing the problem. They may conduct diagnostic tests or order them from other departments of a hospital or clinic. Some common types of diagnostic test used include:
Vascular surgeons know which procedures work best for which diseases and they use various treatment methods to help their patients. Some procedures and treatment are more effective at treating certain diseases than others. Vascular surgeons also take into consideration the preferences and overall health of their patients before choosing the right treatment. Some common treatments include:
In many cases, patients are referred to a vascular surgeon by their primary doctor. There are several things that may mean it’s time for a patient to see a vascular surgeon. Some of these things include: