What Is Vascular and Varicose Vein Surgery?
Taking Control of Your Circulation
Our bodies have a complex system for moving blood around, called the circulatory system. It’s really important for our health that the blood flows smoothly through this system. But sometimes, things like peripheral artery disease (PAD) and varicose veins can mess up this flow and cause problems. Luckily, there are surgeries that can help fix these issues and make life better.
Peripheral artery disease happens when the arteries in your limbs get narrow because of plaque buildup. This can lead to pain and numbness in your legs, making it hard to move around. Varicose veins are swollen, twisted veins that often show up in the legs and can be painful and look weird.
Vascular surgery is the type of surgery that deals with fixing these kinds of problems in your blood vessels. There are different types of surgeries depending on what’s wrong and how bad it is. Some surgeries are pretty simple and use small tools to fix things without needing big cuts. Others might need more serious surgery to bypass blocked arteries or seal off faulty veins.
Common Conditions Treated by Vascular Surgeons
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
- Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) happens when the arteries in the legs become narrow, reducing blood flow and causing symptoms like leg cramps, pain, and difficulty walking.
- Symptoms – Leg pain during activity, numbness or weakness in legs, coldness in lower leg or foot, sores on toes or feet that won’t heal.
- Treatment – Lifestyle changes (exercise, diet), medications to lower cholesterol and blood pressure, and procedures like angioplasty or bypass surgery for severe cases.
Aortic Aneurysm
- An aortic aneurysm is a bulge or weak spot in the body’s main artery, the aorta, which can be life-threatening if it ruptures.
- Symptoms: Often asymptomatic until rupture, which can cause severe pain, dizziness, fainting, shortness of breath, and shock.
- Treatment: Monitoring small aneurysms, surgery to repair or remove the aneurysm to prevent rupture, medications to control blood pressure.
Carotid Artery Disease
- Carotid artery disease occurs when the arteries in the neck that supply blood to the brain become blocked or narrowed, increasing the risk of stroke.
- Symptoms: Often asymptomatic until a stroke occurs, symptoms may include weakness or numbness in the face or limbs, difficulty speaking or understanding speech, sudden vision problems.
- Treatment: Lifestyle changes (smoking cessation, diet), medications to prevent blood clots and lower cholesterol, surgery (carotid endarterectomy) to remove plaque buildup.
Varicose Veins
- Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins, usually in the legs, that can cause pain, swelling, and skin discoloration.
- Symptoms: Visible, bulging veins, aching or cramping pain, itching around veins, swelling in legs, skin discoloration or ulcers near the ankle.
- Treatment: Compression stockings, lifestyle changes (exercise, weight loss), minimally invasive procedures (sclerotherapy, laser therapy), surgery (vein stripping) for severe cases.
When is Vascular or Varicose Vein Surgery Recommended?
If you’re struggling with painful, unsightly varicose veins, you may be wondering if vascular or varicose vein surgery is the right solution. While not everyone with varicose veins requires surgery, there are certain cases where it becomes the recommended treatment option. These are the key factors that indicate when vascular or varicose vein surgery is advisable.
Severe Symptoms
- If your varicose veins are causing significant pain, swelling, skin discoloration, or other symptoms that significantly impact your quality of life, surgery may be the best course of action. Vein procedures can provide lasting relief and improve your overall wellbeing.
Cosmetic Concerns
- While appearance alone may not be the sole reason for surgery, if your varicose veins are causing significant self-consciousness or impacting your daily life, discussing surgical options with your doctor can be worthwhile.
Ineffective Conservative Treatments
- If you’ve tried conservative treatments like compression stockings, lifestyle changes, or minimally invasive procedures, but your varicose veins persist or worsen, surgery may be the next logical step. Vascular surgeons can evaluate your condition and determine if more advanced treatment is needed.
Increased Risk of Complications
- Varicose veins that are left untreated can lead to more serious complications like blood clots, skin ulcers, or bleeding. In these cases, prompt surgical intervention is often recommended to prevent further health issues.
Schedule a Consultation for Your Vascular and Varicose Vein Surgery
Don’t let vascular and varicose veins hold you back any longer. Take the first step towards improved circulation and a more confident appearance by scheduling a consultation with us.
Our treatments are designed to effectively address a wide range of vein issues, from spider veins to more severe venous conditions. With minimally invasive procedures and advanced techniques, we can help restore the health and appearance of your legs, improving your quality of life.
Don’t wait to regain your comfort and confidence. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
