What Is Vascular Surgery?

Vascular surgery involves the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting:

• Arteries (carry blood away from the heart)
• Veins (return blood to the heart)
• Lymphatic system

Conditions Treated by Vascular Surgery

Vascular surgery covers a wide range of conditions, including:

• Arterial Diseases: Peripheral artery disease (PAD), aortic aneurysms, aortic dissection, carotid artery disease, renal artery stenosis, mesenteric ischemia
• Venous Diseases: Varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), chronic venous insufficiency, venous ulcers
• Other Vascular Conditions: Diabetic foot and limb ischemia, vascular trauma, arteriovenous fistulas, dialysis access creation

Types of Vascular Surgery

Open Vascular Surgery

• Traditional surgery with direct access to blood vessels
• Used for complex or advanced disease
• Examples include bypass surgery and aneurysm repair

Endovascular (Minimally Invasive) Surgery

• Performed through small punctures, usually in the groin
• Uses catheters, balloons, and stents
• Smaller incisions, less pain, shorter hospital stay, faster recovery

Common Vascular Surgical Procedures

• Angioplasty and stenting
• Bypass surgery
• Endarterectomy (removal of plaque from arteries)
• Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR/TEVAR)
• Carotid endarterectomy
• Varicose vein procedures (laser or radiofrequency)
• Creation of dialysis access (AV fistula)

How to Prepare for Vascular Surgery

Before surgery, doctors may recommend:

• Blood tests and imaging (ultrasound, CT, MRI)
• Heart and lung evaluation
• Optimization of blood sugar and blood pressure
• Smoking cessation
• Medication review

Recovery After Vascular Surgery

Recovery depends on the procedure performed.

In Hospital

• Monitoring of blood flow and vital signs
• Pain control
• Early mobilization

At Home

• Wound care
• Medications as prescribed
• Gradual return to activity
• Follow-up visits and imaging

Risks and Complications

While vascular surgery is generally safe, potential risks include:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Blood clots
• Graft or stent problems
• Stroke or heart complications (in some cases)

Your surgeon will explain specific risks related to your condition.

Life After Vascular Surgery

Long-term success depends on lifestyle changes and follow-up care:

• Control blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol
• Maintain a healthy diet and regular exercise
• Stop smoking
• Take medications consistently
• Attend regular check-ups

When Should You See a Vascular Surgeon?

Consult a doctor if you experience:

• Leg pain while walking
• Non-healing wounds on feet or legs
• Sudden limb pain or coldness
• Swelling or visible veins
• Stroke warning signs
• Persistent abdominal or back pain

Early treatment can prevent serious complications.