Vascular surgery is a surgical subspecialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the arterial, lymphatic, and venous systems. Physicians who specialize in providing care for patients with such conditions are referred to as vascular surgeons.
Get a better understanding of vascular surgery by learning about the specific conditions vascular surgeons treat and the interventions they offer, as outlined below.
Conditions Vascular Surgeons Treat
The extensive and rigorous training vascular surgeons go through makes them highly equipped to treat a gamut of health issues—from superficial vein problems to life-threatening conditions— affecting the lymphatic system and blood vessels (excluding those in the brain and heart). Below are some of the conditions vascular surgeons provide treatment for:
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm– This is a balloon-like bulge in the major artery that transports blood from your heart to the rest of your body (aorta).
- Carotid artery disease (carotid artery stenosis)- This refers to the narrowing of the carotid arteries, which are located in either side of the neck, usually due to a build-up of plaque within in the arteries (atherosclerosis).
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)– This occurs when a blood clot forms in one of the deep veins in your body, most often in your legs. DVT can be serious because the blood clot can break off into your bloodstream and travel all the way up into an artery in your lung where it can restrict the blood supply.
- Peripheral artery disease (PAD)- This is a circulatory problem also caused by atherosclerosis. PAD causes the arteries outside your heart to narrow, thereby restricting the blood flow to your limbs.
- Lymphedema – This is chronic swelling caused by the buildup of lymph fluid in the body. Lymphedema can develop in any part of the body, but commonly affects the arms and legs.
- Venous disorders- This is an umbrella term for conditions characterized by high pressure buildup in the veins. These include varicose and spider veins, chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), superficial venous thrombosis, etc.
Treating Vascular Diseases
While vascular surgeons are highly trained in a vast variety of complex surgical procedures, they often recommend surgical intervention as a last-resort option and make sure to exhaust all non-operative treatment options first.
In the last decade, vascular surgery has undergone a paradigm shift: catheter-based, minimally invasive, nonsurgical procedures have been developed as an alternative to the traditional approach (open surgery).
When you see a vascular surgeon, they will work with you to devise a treatment plan that best suits your needs. Depending on your specific condition, your treatment plan could include any or some of the following interventions:
- Prescription medications
- Lifestyle changes- e.g., smoking cessation, exercise, healthy eating, etc.
- Compression therapy- wearing special stockings to alleviate swelling and improve blood flow in your legs
- Varicose vein radiofrequency therapy
- Catheter-based procedures- e.g., catheter ablation, carotid angioplasty and stenting, endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms, etc.
- Surgery – e.g., thrombectomy, arterial bypass surgery, etc.
Trusted Vascular Surgeon in Sarasota, FL
At Intercoastal Medical Group, Dr. Ryan Suplee, our board-certified vascular surgeon, has earned the trust and confidence of scores of patients in Sarasota and all of its surrounding communities, including Lakewood Ranch, FL, for the exceptional care and treatment outcomes he delivers for the entire range of vascular conditions—from simple to complex.
Be one of Dr. Suplee’s most satisfied patients today. To schedule a visit with Dr. Suplee, please obtain a referral from your PCP. If you don’t currently have a PCP, we recommend that you see one of our internists or family physicians, who can coordinate your care with Dr. Suplee. Give our staff a call today at an office nearest you, or simply use this appointment request form. Dr. Suplee sees patients at our Cattleridge office in Sarasota, phone (941) 341-0042.
