Vascular Surgeon
A vascular surgeon is a medical specialist focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of diseases and conditions affecting the blood vessels, including arteries, veins, and lymphatic vessels. These conditions may involve the peripheral vascular system (outside the brain and heart), such as peripheral artery disease (PAD), aneurysms, varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and chronic venous insufficiency. Vascular surgeons also treat conditions affecting the carotid arteries and the renal arteries, which can lead to stroke or kidney problems if untreated.
Vascular surgeons are skilled in both surgical and non-surgical treatment methods. They perform procedures such as angioplasty, stent placement, endovenous laser therapy (EVLT), vein stripping, and open surgeries for aneurysm repair or bypass procedures. In some cases, minimally invasive techniques are used to treat conditions with fewer risks and quicker recovery times.
To become a vascular surgeon, a physician must complete medical school, followed by a residency in general surgery, and then a fellowship in vascular surgery. Vascular surgery often requires knowledge of advanced imaging techniques like ultrasound, CT scans, and MRIs to assess and plan treatment.
Vascular surgeons collaborate with other specialists, such as cardiologists, interventional radiologists, and primary care physicians, to provide comprehensive care. Their work is vital in preventing life-threatening complications, like strokes or limb loss, and improving the quality of life for individuals with vascular diseases.
