Vascular specialists are surgeons who specialize in arterial and vascular issues. Vascular surgeons are physicians who treat diseases and problems within the vascular system, which is a network of arteries and veins that carry blood throughout the body. Vascular surgeons do more than surgery, though. They advise their patients on all the different ways to treat vascular problems, including with medication or diet, exercise, and other lifestyle changes.

What Does ‘Vascular’ Mean?

The word vascular refers to our body’s circulatory system — the blood vessels which carry blood from the heart to the body’s organs (the arteries) and from the organs back to the heart (the veins). The vascular system is comprised of three parts of the human body: arteries, veins, and capillaries.

Arteries carry nutrients and oxygen-rich blood from the heart and throughout the body. The largest artery is the aorta, which stems from the heart, continues through the abdomen, and branches into smaller arteries as they travel throughout the body, eventually becoming the smallest capillaries which provide oxygen-rich blood and nutrients to every inch of the body.

Once arteries and capillaries have delivered blood all the way down to the tip of our big toe, veins are responsible for getting the blood which is now oxygen-deficient, holding carbon dioxide, and other waste back to the right atrium and ventricle of the heart, and lungs for recycling and recharging.

Getting blood back up to the heart from the lower extremities (your toes and legs), is no easy task. The pressure of heart compressions is not strong enough to return the blood to the heart against the pull of gravity. Because of this, veins aren’t simple vessel-like tubes like arteries. Veins have an extra feature; flaps. These flaps are responsible for keeping blood from sliding back against the pull of gravity as blood travels back up the legs and to the heart.

What Kind of Training Do Vascular Surgeons Need?

In order to become a vascular surgeon, an individual needs to meet educational and training requirements. There are additional skills that can come in handy for those who wish to become a vascular surgeon, such as good communication skills, being well-coordinated, having composure under pressure, being a leader, and having empathy.

Up until recently, board certified vascular surgeons completed medical school, residency in general surgery, and  vascular fellowships where they completed vascular surgery specialty training. This training program culminated in over 12 years of training ending with a specific focus on the vascular system. Today, there are new integrated vascular surgery programs popping up around the nation which allow medical residents to begin vascular surgery training earlier, and therefore their training is now shorter.

What Does a Vascular Surgeon Do?

Vascular surgeons use treatments that range from noninvasive procedures to complicated surgeries. They treat arteries and veins in all parts of the body except for the heart and brain, which are handled by other specialists.

Vascular surgeons are primarily concerned with matching the person to the best treatment option available. In many cases, surgery isn’t the best solution.

What Conditions Does a Vascular Surgeon Treat?

Vascular surgeons treat many different conditions, including:

• Aneurysm: a bulge or a weak spot in an artery

• Atherosclerosis: when plaque builds up inside arteries and could lead to blocked blood flow

• Carotid artery disease: narrowing of the arteries in the neck

• Deep vein thrombosis: a blood clot in a vein deep inside your body, such as in your leg

• Peripheral artery disease: narrowing of the arteries in your arms or legs

• Spider veins: small webs of veins inside the skin

• Damage to blood vessels after an injury

• Varicose veins: swollen and twisted veins that cause pain in your legs

Why Would You Need to See a Vascular Surgeon?

The most likely scenario for a patient to see a vascular surgeon is by referral from their primary care physician. However, it is also common for a specialist to refer a patient to a vascular surgeon. If your physician notices an issue with the health of your blood vessels they may send you for an evaluation. For example, a podiatrist may notice ulcers on the feet of a patient that is not properly healing, which can be a sign of peripheral artery disease. They can refer that patient to a vascular surgeon to be evaluated for peripheral artery disease to determine if the patient has it and how severe it is.

If you are referred to a vascular surgeon, it isn’t a guarantee that you will undergo surgery. Their clinics have diagnostic tools and trained staff to look for blockages in the blood vessels. Some of the tools and techniques used to diagnose vascular disease are X-rays, ultrasounds, tomography, and angiography. You may be considered for a procedure if the provider decides that it’s the best treatment for the state of your condition.

Schedule an Appointment Today!

At Vascular Care Specialists of Los Angeles, we strive to provide the best service, care, and results possible. If you are interested in our board-certified vascular surgeon regarding your vascular condition, give us a call at 626-275-9566 to schedule an appointment. You can also visit us at www.vcsla.com for more information.