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Why Choose a Vascular Surgeon?

What is a vascular surgeon?

Vascular surgeons are highly trained specialists who treat diseases affecting the vascular system. Your blood vessels, which include arteries that carry oxygen-rich blood and veins that return blood to the heart, serve as the roadways of your circulatory system. Without smooth blood flow, your body cannot function properly. Conditions such as hardening of the arteries can create "traffic jams" in your circulatory system, obstructing blood flow to any part of the body.

A vascular surgeon does far more than surgery.

A vascular surgeon ensures that patients with vascular health issues are fully informed and understand all their available options. In essence, while vascular surgeons are skilled in performing surgery, they also see and treat many patients who do not require surgical intervention. Many vascular problems can be effectively managed with medication or lifestyle changes, such as exercise.

A vascular surgeon is capable of performing a wide range of procedures.

Some specialists specialize in one or two kinds of vascular interventions, so their patients tend to get those treatments. Vascular surgeons are trained in everything: open, complicated surgery and in minimally invasive, endovascular procedures. Some patients need one, some need the other, while many need no surgery at all. Vascular surgeons are “treatment agnostic,” that is, they don’t prefer any kind of treatment over another. Patients can be assured they will get the best treatment for their particular need. Often vascular surgeons get involved in a patient’s care after their other treatments have failed.

A vascular surgeon builds strong, lasting relationships with patients.
Some types of surgeons enter your life to perform a procedure, ensure your recovery, and then move on; that is the nature of their role. In contrast, a vascular surgeon may become a long-term partner in your healthcare journey, treating you over many years. Vascular surgeons often develop long-term relationships with their patients because vascular diseases are typically chronic conditions that require ongoing management. If you have vascular disease, you can trust a vascular surgeon to prioritize your long-term health and consider all available treatment options.
Vascular surgeons manage veins and arteries in every part of the body except the brain and the heart.
For example, vascular surgeons handle blocked carotid arteries in the neck. They treat the problems of the aorta (a large main artery) after it leaves the heart and enters the abdomen. Peripheral vascular disease, which often affects the arteries in the legs and feet, also is treated by a vascular surgeon.

How Do I Know If I Need to See a Vascular Surgeon?

In most cases, patients are referred to a vascular surgeon by their primary care physician. Sometimes, they meet a vascular surgeon unexpectedly after a medical emergency leads to hospitalization.

You might be referred to a vascular surgeon if you visit your doctor for leg pain and are diagnosed with peripheral arterial disease. Additionally, if you fall into a high-risk category—such as being a smoker, diabetic, or having high blood pressure—you may benefit from consulting a vascular surgeon proactively.

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  • © Dr. Neil Desai, Vascular Surgeon Cypress, Houston, TX