Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is vascular surgery?
A. Vascular surgery is the assessment and treatment, operative or non-operative, of peripheral arterial and venous disorders. It encompasses a wide range of diagnosis from simple spider veins to life-threatening abdominal aortic aneurysms.
Q. When are some of the signs/symptoms or reasons to consult with a vascular surgeon?
A. There is a range of signs/symptoms; however, some of the common reasons to contact a vascular surgeon include: leg pain, heaviness or swelling in the legs, varicose veins, a history of stroke or stroke-like symptoms, or a family history of aneurysms or vein-related problems.
Q. Do I need a referral for an office visit or testing?
A. Most insurance companies require a referral for an office visit or testing. Please consult with your primary care physician to request a referral.
Q. Who is at greatest risk for vascular disease?
A. While vascular disease can affect anyone, people who smoke, have diabetes, or have high blood pressure and/or high cholesterol are more likely to have poor vascular health. People with a family history of vascular disease are also more susceptible.
Q. Is surgery always the solution?
A. No. Sometimes not performing surgery is the right answer. It all depends on the individual…their diagnosis, their overall health, their expectations, etc. Vascular surgeons have a responsibility to their patients to critically examine a patient, assess the situation, and know when and when not to recommend surgery. Sometimes it’s best to go other routes first and save surgery as a last resort. Whether to treat a patient surgically must be decided case-by-case. There is no single right answer.
Q. Is vascular surgery always invasive?
A. No. Vascular surgery has evolved a lot, especially in the past 10 years. Today, vascular surgeons offer a variety of new, minimally invasive, catheter-based procedures in addition to traditional surgical approaches to therapy. Patients who benefit from these simpler vascular procedures often resume quickly resume normal activities following short hospital stays.
Q. Where can I turn for additional information related to vascular disease/treatment?
A. Here are some helpful links. Click on them to visit each website:
- American Vascular Association
- Southeast Vascular Group
- Vascular Disease Foundation
- American Diabetes Association
- American Heart Association
- American Stroke Association
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (Peripheral Arterial Disease)
- National Stroke Association
- QuitNet (Smoking Cessation)