Have you ever heard of a "Vascular Surgeon"? Perhaps a doctor has recommended one of your family members or friends to see one. When we hear the word "Surgeon," we get a little scared, don't we? "Oh, will I have to have an operation?" We think. But a Vascular Surgeon is not just someone who performs surgery. So today, let's talk about who this specialist is and what services you can get from him.
Simply put, who is this Vascular Surgeon?
A vascular surgeon is a specialist who diagnoses and treats problems related to the blood vessels in our body. But there is something special here. That is, these doctors have specialized knowledge about blood vessels in all parts of the body except the blood vessels in the heart and brain .
Imagine that our bodies are like a network of tiny roads. The blood that carries the oxygen and nutrients our bodies need travels along these roads. These roads are what we call blood vessels. To be precise, they include arteries, veins, and lymphatic vessels. Did you know that there are nearly 100,000 kilometers of these blood vessels in our bodies?
So, a Vascular Surgeon is someone who has a deep understanding of any problem that may arise anywhere in this vast system. He has a good knowledge of how a vessel works, the diseases that can occur in it, blockages, clots, and swellings.
Sometimes these specialists are also called "surgeons' surgeons." This is because if a blood vessel problem, such as unexpected bleeding, occurs during another surgical procedure, a vascular surgeon is the one who comes in for help and advice.
What services do you receive from a vascular surgeon?
Even though they say "surgeon," these doctors don't just perform surgeries. They help you in many ways.
- Diagnosis: Based on your symptoms, we can determine exactly what type of blood vessel problem you have.
- Treatment planning: Once the diagnosis is made, a treatment plan will be developed that best suits you. This does not always have to involve surgery. It may even start with medications, dietary changes, and exercise .
- Surgery and other treatments: If necessary, surgery is performed. There are many different types. Some are minimally invasive treatments that are done very small, without any incisions. Others are more complex, open surgeries.
- Long-term care: Vascular diseases are often things that need to be managed over a long period of time. So a Vascular Surgeon is someone who builds a long-term relationship with you, constantly monitors your condition, and provides necessary advice. It's like your family doctor, a friendly specialist who keeps an eye on your health.
Common conditions treated by a Vascular Surgeon
There are a number of medical conditions that these specialists treat. Let's simply understand some of them from the table below.
| Condition | Simply put... |
|---|---|
| Aortic Aneurysms | The wall of the body's main artery (the aorta) becomes weak and bulges like a balloon. This can burst. |
| Atherosclerosis | Cholesterol and other substances build up inside the blood vessels (plaque), clogging the arteries. This is the root of many problems. |
| Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) | Blood clots, especially in the deep veins of the legs, can be dangerous if they break loose and travel to the lungs. |
| Carotid Artery Disease | Blockage of the main artery that carries blood from both sides of the neck to the brain. This can cause a stroke. |
| Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) | Blockage of the arteries that carry blood to the legs. One of the main symptoms is pain in the legs when walking. |
| Varicose Veins | A condition in which the veins in the legs become swollen and appear blue or purple above the skin surface. |
| Dialysis Access | Providing special vein connections through surgery to purify the blood (dialysis) for patients with kidney failure. |
| Diabetes-related foot ulcers | Diabetes causes reduced blood flow to the legs, leading to non-healing wounds. |
What tests are used to diagnose the disease?
To determine exactly what problem you have, a vascular surgeon uses various tests. You may have heard of some of these.
| Test | What do you do with this? |
|---|---|
| Vascular Ultrasound | We know the scan (ultrasound). This can be used to see how blood flows inside the blood vessels, and whether there is any blockage or clot. |
| Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) | The blood pressure in your arm and ankle is measured and compared. This is a simple test to see if there is a lack of blood flow to your legs. |
| CT Angiogram | A CT scan is performed by injecting a special dye into a vein. This allows for three-dimensional (3D) images of the blood vessels. |
| Magnetic Resonance Angiogram (MRA) | This is similar to a CT Angiogram, but uses a magnetic field. It can produce clearer images than a CT. |
Surgeries and treatments performed by a Vascular Surgeon
As we said before, there are many treatment options. The doctor chooses one based on the need.
Minimally Invasive Procedures
These don't involve large incisions. Most things are done through small tubes (catheters) that are inserted like a needle.
- Angioplasty and Stenting: A small balloon-like device is inserted into a blocked blood vessel and inflated to widen the vessel. Sometimes a small mesh-like device (stent) is placed inside the vessel to keep it from getting blocked again.
- Atherectomy: The clogged cholesterol layer (plaque) is scraped away with a small instrument.
- Thrombolytic Therapy: A drug that can dissolve a blood clot is injected directly into the site of the clot.
Open Surgeries
In some cases, especially in major problems, open surgery may be necessary.
- Bypass Surgery: A new route for blood to flow through a blocked artery is created by bypassing it. This involves using a piece of vein taken from another part of the body or an artificial vein.
- Endarterectomy: The artery is directly opened, the cholesterol plaque inside is manually removed, and the artery is stitched back together. This is most commonly done for the carotid artery in the neck.
- Aneurysm Repair: The bulging part of the artery is removed and replaced with an artificial artery (graft).
Why are you being referred to a Vascular Surgeon?
If your primary care provider, after reviewing your symptoms, thinks this is a problem that needs to be seen by a vascular specialist, he or she will refer you to a vascular surgeon.
Remember, being referred to a Vascular Surgeon does not mean you will necessarily have surgery. It just means that you need a specialist opinion and treatment for your condition.
First, the doctor will talk to you thoroughly, ask you about your concerns and fears, and then perform the necessary tests and discuss the best treatment for you. So, don't be afraid to talk to your doctor about any questions or concerns you may have.
Take-Home Message
- A vascular surgeon is a specialist who treats diseases related to all blood vessels (arteries, veins) in the body, except those of the heart and brain.
- Don't be afraid of the word "surgeon." They perform many things in addition to surgery, such as medications, lifestyle changes, and minimally invasive treatments.
- If you receive a referral to a Vascular Surgeon, it means you need specialist care, not necessarily surgery.
- Because many vascular diseases are long-term, your Vascular Surgeon will likely be a long-term partner in your health journey.
- Never hesitate to ask your doctor questions. It is important to address all concerns you have about your condition and treatment options.
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