About vascular surgery
Vascular surgery is a surgical specialty focused on the diagnosis and management of diseases affecting the arteries, veins, and lymphatic system. This includes blocked arteries, bulging blood vessels (called aneurysms), varicose veins, and problems with fluid drainage. Vascular surgeons use both traditional surgery and less invasive techniques, such as using balloons or small tubes (called stents) to help blood flow better. They also help other specialists by creating access points in blood vessels for certain procedures.
Vascular surgeons treat blood flow issues throughout the body, except for the heart and the vessels inside the brain. They work closely with vascular scientists, who use called a Doppler ultrasound to create detailed images of your blood vessels and help diagnose vascular conditions. This information allows the surgical team to carefully plan the most appropriate treatment for your condition, which may involve a minimally invasive endovascular procedure or open surgery.
Some conditions of the vascular system can be serious and even fatal, so early diagnosis and treatment are extremely important. At Cromwell Hospital, our expert teams are skilled at identifying early signs of vascular disease. This includes conditions like abdominal aortic aneurysms – often found men aged over 60 – which, left untreated, can rupture and be fatal. We also assess carotid artery disease, which can significantly increase stroke risk if left unmanaged. Additionally, patients with diabetes may develop peripheral arterial disease (PAD), which can lead to limb amputation.
