Vascular surgeon

A vascular surgeon is a medical specialist who examines and treats conditions affecting the blood vessels. These include the arteries and veins throughout almost the entire body. Only the blood vessels of the heart and brain are covered by other specialties. 

What does a vascular surgeon do?

A vascular surgeon treats, among other conditions, narrowing of the arteries, varicose veins, aneurysms (enlargements of a blood vessel) and problems with blood circulation in the arms and legs.

Blood vessels supply oxygen and nutrients to muscles, skin and organs. When blood circulation decreases, symptoms such as pain while walking, cold feet or wounds that heal poorly can occur.

When do you see a vascular surgeon?

A primary care physician refers you to a vascular surgeon when there are indications of a blood vessel condition. An internist, cardiologist or dermatologist can also refer patients. The vascular surgeon investigates the cause of the symptoms and discusses the most appropriate treatment.

Common conditions include:

• Peripheral artery disease (intermittent claudication).

• Abdominal aortic aneurysm.

• Narrowing of the carotid artery.

• Varicose veins.

• Thrombosis and other conditions affecting the veins.

• Wounds that heal poorly due to reduced blood circulation.

What does a vascular surgeon do?

During the first visit, the vascular surgeon discusses your symptoms, health and lifestyle. This is followed by a physical examination. The doctor often supplements this with an ultrasound, Doppler examination, CT scan or MRI scan to visualize the blood vessels clearly.

Surgery is not always necessary. Treatment often starts with lifestyle advice, quitting smoking, medication and an exercise program. If this approach produces insufficient results or blood circulation is severely reduced, the vascular surgeon performs a procedure, such as angioplasty, placement of a stent or a bypass operation.

The relationship between the vascular surgeon and the physical therapist

A vascular surgeon regularly works with a physical therapist, especially for intermittent claudication. Narrowing of the arteries means that too little oxygen-rich blood reaches the leg muscles while walking. This causes pain or cramping, so people increasingly have to stop and stand still.

For this condition, supervised exercise therapy is usually the first step in treatment. The vascular surgeon therefore often refers patients to a physical therapist who specializes in peripheral artery disease. Regular supervised walking increases walking distance, improves fitness and reduces symptoms. Only if this treatment has insufficient effect or blood circulation remains severely restricted does angioplasty or surgery become an option.

The physical therapist also plays an important role after a procedure. Treatment then focuses on improving fitness and muscle strength and regaining confidence while moving. Patients also receive advice on an active lifestyle and preventing new vascular problems.