about vascular surgeons

Learn About What Vascular Surgeons Do

A vascular surgeon diagnoses, treats, and manages conditions in your arteries and veins, also called your blood vessels. These specialists treat a range of health problems, from spider and varicose veins to life-threatening aneurysms, and can help patients manage chronic conditions throughout their lives.

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Training for Vascular Surgeons

To become a vascular surgeon, a doctor undergoes several years of training, beginning with medical school and a medical residency.

After medical school, doctors must complete an additional five to seven years of specialized training in order to become vascular surgeons. This includes training in both traditional vascular surgery procedures as well as in minimally invasive endovascular surgery. Surgeons may then become board-certified in vascular surgery by taking a rigorous exam that measures their expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of vascular disease.

What Conditions Do Vascular Surgeons Treat?

A vascular surgeon treats many conditions that affect the blood vessels in every part of your body except for your heart and brain. This can include:

Diagnosing Vascular Disease

To make a diagnosis, your vascular surgeon will start by talking with you about your medical history, lifestyle, and symptoms and give you a physical exam. If necessary, your surgeon may order additional tests, which can include:

  • Ankle brachial index, which is used to check the severity of PAD. During this test, your blood pressure is measured in both of your arms and both of your ankles, then compared.
  • Ultrasound, which can be used to diagnose many conditions. This test uses sound waves to make pictures of your blood vessels and is commonly used to diagnose aneurysms, carotid artery disease, and varicose veins.

Treating Vascular Disease

Vascular surgeons develop treatment plans to fit each patient’s needs. Depending on your condition, this might include:

  • Lifestyle changes, like quitting smoking, becoming more active, and choosing healthy foods
  • Medicines that lower your risk of blood clots
  • Catheter-based procedures, such as:
    • Ablation, which safely closes damaged blood vessels
    • Angioplasty, which uses a balloon to open up blocked arteries and veins
    • Stenting, which uses a tube of metal mesh to hold an artery or vein open to allow for healthy blood flow
  • Compression therapy, which uses special stockings to help manage symptoms like pain and swelling and increase blood flow
  • Sclerotherapy, or injections that safely close spider veins and varicose veins
  • Thrombolysis, which dissolves dangerous blood clots either through injections or a catheter
  • Surgery to repair or remove damaged or diseased blood vessels

What is a vascular surgeon? Talking to your doctor

Before your appointment, write down a list of your symptoms, the medicines you take, and any questions you have. Some questions, even if they might seem simple, can include:

  • What is my diagnosis?
  • What are my options for treatment?
  • What will this medicine do? Will I have side effects?
  • How long will my procedure take?
  • How often do you do this procedure?
  • When will I be able to get back to my regular routine?

It’s a good idea to take notes, or ask someone to come with you to your appointment so you can have help remembering what your surgeon told you. And, if you need your surgeon to explain something again, or in a simpler way, don’t be afraid to ask. It’s very important to understand your condition and treatment options.

To schedule an appointment with a vascular surgeon at the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute, call 412-802-3333.

About Heart and Vascular Institute

The UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute has long been a leader in cardiovascular care, with a rich history in clinical research and innovation. As one of the first heart transplant centers in the country and as the developer of one of the first heart-assist devices, UPMC has contributed to advancing the field of cardiovascular medicine. We strive to provide the most advanced, cutting-edge care for our patients, treating both common and complex conditions. We also offer services that seek to improve the health of our communities, including heart screenings, free clinics, and heart health education. Find an expert near you.