• What do vascular surgeons do?
  • How do I know I need to see a vascular surgeon?
  • Vascular Conditions
  • Vascular Tests
  • Vascular Treatments
  • What is Vascular Disease?
  • What is Vein Disease?​
  • Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
  • Carotid Artery Disease - Stroke
  • Peripheral Arterial Disease

What is Vascular Disease?

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) is an enlargement or “bulge” that develops in a weakened area within the largest artery in the abdomen  causing the aneurysm to enlarge. If the AAA remains undetected, the aortic wall continues to weaken, and the aneurysm continues to grow. Eventually, the aneurysm becomes so large, and its wall so weak, that rupture occurs. When this happens there is massive internal bleeding, a situation that is usually fatal. The only way to save a life from fatality, is to find the AAA before it ruptures.

Carotid Artery Disease - Stroke

Carotid arteries occur when the main blood vessels to the brain are narrowed due to cholesterol plaque caused by atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. When the plaque breaks up into blood clots and  becomes very severe, it can cause a stroke. A stroke occurs when part of the brain is damaged by these vascular problems; in fact, 80 percent of strokes are “ischemic strokes” where part of the circulation to the brain is cut off, usually due to blockages in the carotid arteries. This process is similar to blocks  in arteries in the heart that causes heart attacks.

Peripheral Arterial Disease

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) occurs when atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, causes a block or occlusions in the blood vessels that carry oxygen and nutrients to  visceral organs  and Extremities. As these plaques worsen, they reduce essential blood flow to the limbs and can even cause complete blockages of the arteries. Early on, PAD may only cause difficulty walking, but in its most severe forms, it can cause painful foot ulcers, infections, and even gangrene, which could require amputation. People with PAD are three times more likely to die of heart attacks or strokes than those without PAD.

One common condition will be patients with diabetic foot disease with non healing ulcer having a peripheral arterial occlusive disease.