What kinds of problems do vascular surgeons treat?

Although there are a number of diseases that can affect arteries and veins throughout the body, the most common problem that vascular surgeons treat is atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, as it is more commonly known. This condition affects virtually every artery within the body. However, its preference for several specific locations results in a limited number of disease patterns. ... more

Although there are a number of diseases that can affect arteries and veins throughout the body, the most common problem that vascular surgeons treat is atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, as it is more commonly known. This condition affects virtually every artery within the body. However, its preference for several specific locations results in a limited number of disease patterns. Blockage or narrowing of the arteries in the neck can predispose patients to suffer a stroke which occurs when a portion of the brain receives inadequate blood flow and dies. Since it is very difficult to reverse the damage once it has occurred, successful management of this condition requires early recognition of the disease, often even before symptoms occur, and prompt, safe treatment. The aorta which is the main artery carrying blood from the heart to every part of the body can develop a focal weakness of its wall due to atherosclerosis. This results in the formation of a dilated segment, or an ... more