Learn About Vascular Surgeons: Diseases They Treat and When to see one?

What is a Vascular Surgeon?

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.

How does a doctor become a Vascular Surgeon?

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.

What types of diseases do Vascular Surgeons treat?

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:

• Blockages in the arteries or veins
• Blood clots
• Aneurysms
• Varicose veins
• Abdominal aortic aneurysm
• Carotid stenosis and stroke
• Peripheral arterial occlusive disease
• Acute limb ischemia
• Thoracic aortic dissection

What diagnostic tests and procedures do Vascular Surgeons order?

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:

• Abdominal vascular ultrasound testing
• Aorta and iliac duplex testing
• Mesenteric duplex testing
• Renal duplex testing
• Arterial evaluation of extremities
• Dialysis access duplex testing
• Venous evaluation of extremities
• Doppler ultrasound exam
• Plethysmography
• Carotid duplex ultrasound
• Vertebral duplex ultrasound
• Transcranial Doppler

How do Vascular Surgeons treat diseases?

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:

• Femoral bypass
• Aorta femoral bypass
• Femoral popliteal bypass
• Leg Bypass surgery
• Open repair thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair
• Thoracic aortic fenestration visceral bypass surgery
• Endovenous ablation
• Perforation vein ligation
• Perforation vein sclerotherapy
• Spider vein injection sclerotherapy
• Multilayered compression wrap therapy
• Split-thickness graft
• Carotid endarterectomy
• Carotid aorta stenting carotid bypass
• Hybrid – carotid endarterectomy and stenting

When to see a Vascular Surgeon?

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:

• Leg Swelling
• Leg Pain
• Irregular veins
• Discoloration of legs
• Poor circulation
• Varicose veins
• Spider veins