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Blood flow problems can impact mobility, comfort and overall health. For patients experiencing blood flow problems, vascular surgery, which treats conditions of the arteries and veins, can often prevent serious complications before they become life-threatening.
What is vascular surgery?
Vascular surgery focuses on treating diseases of the blood vessels, including arteries and veins. These conditions can affect blood flow throughout the body and increase the risk of serious or life-threatening health problems.
“A common misconception is that vascular surgery is only for severe blockages,” said Timothy S. Pilla, MD, vascular and general surgeon at Inspira Health. “In reality, vascular surgery can treat a wide range of circulatory problems. The goal is to restore healthy blood flow, relieve symptoms and preserve patient health.”
What conditions does a vascular surgeon treat?
Vascular surgeons treat a variety of conditions, including:
- Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
- Carotid artery disease
- Aortic aneurysms
- Varicose veins
- Chronic venous insufficiency
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Peripheral vascular disease
- Nonhealing wounds caused by poor circulation
What are the symptoms of vascular disease?
Many symptoms of vascular disease are easy to dismiss. Many people assume they are simply signs of aging or a normal part of leading an active lifestyle. However, left untreated, they can become more difficult to manage and may lead to complications.
Symptoms to watch out for include:
- Leg pain or cramping while walking
- Coldness or numbness in the legs or feet
- Swelling in the legs or ankles
- Visible varicose veins
- Slow-healing wounds on the feet or legs
- Changes in skin color or texture
- Sudden weakness, numbness or difficulty speaking
“Leg pain when you walk is not something you should simply write off,” said Dr. Pilla. “If you are experiencing persistent, recurring leg pain, it could be a sign that your muscles are not receiving enough blood.”
While these symptoms often onset gradually, sudden symptoms, such as severe pain, weakness or numbness, may require immediate medical attention.
When is vascular surgery recommended?
Patients are often referred to a vascular surgeon by their primary care provider, cardiologist, wound care specialist or podiatrist, depending on symptoms. Surgery may be recommended when symptoms, imaging or other test results point to a circulation problem.
Certain populations, such as those with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or a history of smoking, are at a higher risk of developing vascular disease. An evaluation from a health care provider can help determine whether surgery is the best course of action to relieve symptoms.
How does vascular surgery help prevent serious complications?
Proper blood flow is essential for delivering oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. Treating vascular disease can help lower the risk of:
- Stroke
- Heart attack
- Limb-threatening ischemia
- Amputation
- Aneurysm rupture
- Chronic pain and mobility limitations
How is vascular surgery performed?
Some vascular conditions can be treated through minimally invasive techniques like laparoscopic or robotic surgery. Each treatment plan is tailored to the patient’s specific diagnosis, symptom severity and overall health. In many cases, vascular specialists will begin with the least invasive option that effectively restores circulation and helps prevent long-term complications.
Depending on the condition, treatment options may include:
- Angioplasty to open narrowed arteries
- Stent placement to improve blood flow
- Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR)
- Procedures to treat varicose veins
- Surgical bypass procedures for severe blockages
“Advances in vascular care allow for many patients to recover from surgery within days or a few weeks,” said Dr. Pilla. “When discussing vascular surgery, we always consider which treatment option will offer the best outcome for the patient’s lifestyle and condition.”
When should I talk to my doctor about my circulation?
If you are experiencing any signs of poor circulation, such as persistent leg pain, cramping while walking, numbness or tingling in the extremities, swelling in the legs or feet or wounds that are slow to heal, talk with your health care provider about whether a vascular condition could be the underlying cause. You should also seek medical advice if symptoms begin to interfere with your daily activities, such as needing to stop frequently when walking, noticing a decline in your ability to exercise or experiencing discomfort that does not improve with rest.
“The good news is that many vascular conditions are highly treatable,” said Dr. Pilla. “The key is recognizing the symptoms and seeking care before they become more serious. With prompt evaluation, we can often improve circulation, reduce discomfort and help patients avoid more serious complications such as tissue damage or loss of mobility.”
