Track 16 : Vascular Surgery

In the intricate network of arteries and veins that transport blood throughout the body, even a small blockage or damage can have serious consequences. That’s where vascular surgery steps in — a critical medical specialty dedicated to diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the circulatory system outside of the heart and brain.

What Is Vascular Surgery?

Vascular surgery is a branch of medicine that focuses on the surgical and minimally invasive treatment of diseases of the blood vessels — including arteries, veins, and lymphatic circulation. Unlike cardiologists who deal with the heart or neurologists who treat brain-related vascular issues, vascular surgeons handle everything in between.

These highly trained specialists manage conditions such as:

• Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
• Aneurysms (especially abdominal aortic aneurysm)
• Carotid artery disease
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
• Varicose veins and venous insufficiency
• Vascular trauma or injuries
• Renal and mesenteric artery disorders

When Is Vascular Surgery Needed?

Many vascular conditions can be managed with medications and lifestyle changes, but when these are not enough, surgical intervention becomes necessary. For example:

• A patient with a blocked leg artery due to PAD may need bypass surgery or angioplasty to restore circulation.
• Someone with a large aortic aneurysm may require a stent graft or open surgical repair to prevent rupture.
• People with severe varicose veins or venous ulcers may benefit from procedures like laser therapy, vein stripping, or sclerotherapy.

Early diagnosis and treatment are key — delays can lead to serious complications, including limb loss or life-threatening events like stroke or embolism.

Common Vascular Procedures

Vascular surgeons use both traditional and advanced techniques depending on the patient’s condition. Some common procedures include:

• Angioplasty and Stenting: Minimally invasive technique to open narrowed arteries using balloons and metal stents.
• Bypass Surgery: Redirecting blood flow using a graft when an artery is severely blocked.
• Endarterectomy: Removing plaque from the inner walls of arteries, commonly used in carotid artery disease.
• Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR): Inserting a graft through the blood vessels to treat aneurysms without open surgery.
• Thrombectomy: Removing blood clots from vessels in emergencies such as acute limb ischemia.
• Dialysis Access Surgery: Creating arteriovenous fistulas or grafts for patients requiring long-term hemodialysis.

Why Choose a Vascular Surgeon?

Vascular surgeons are uniquely trained to offer comprehensive care. Unlike some specialists who only focus on a particular type of intervention, vascular surgeons are capable of performing open surgery, endovascular procedures, and hybrid techniques, choosing the best approach based on each patient's needs.

They don’t just operate — they also provide long-term care for chronic conditions, helping patients manage risk factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, and smoking.

Prevention and Lifestyle

While vascular surgery can be life-saving, prevention remains the best strategy. Here are key ways to maintain healthy blood vessels:

• Exercise regularly to promote circulation.
• Avoid smoking, the leading preventable risk factor for vascular disease.
• Eat a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids.
• Manage diabetes, cholesterol, and blood pressure with medical guidance.
• Stay hydrated and avoid prolonged immobility to reduce clot risks.