Vascular surgeon

A vascular surgeon is a medical specialist who examines and treats disorders of the blood vessels. These include the arteries and veins throughout almost the entire body. Only the blood vessels of the heart and brain fall under 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 carry oxygen and nutrients to muscles, skin and organs. When blood circulation is reduced, symptoms such as pain while walking, cold feet or wounds that heal poorly can occur.

When do you see a vascular surgeon?

A family physician refers a patient to a vascular surgeon when there are indications of a blood vessel disorder. An internist, cardiologist or dermatologist may also refer patients. The vascular surgeon investigates the cause of the symptoms and discusses which treatment is most appropriate.

Common conditions include:

• Peripheral arterial disease (intermittent claudication).

• Abdominal aortic aneurysm.

• Narrowing of the carotid artery.

• Varicose veins.

• Thrombosis and other disorders of the veins.

• Poorly healing wounds due to reduced blood circulation.

What does a vascular surgeon do?

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

Surgery is by no means always necessary. Treatment often begins with lifestyle advice, quitting smoking, medication and an exercise program. If this approach does not produce sufficient results or blood circulation is severely reduced, the vascular surgeon performs a procedure. Examples include angioplasty, placing a stent or performing a bypass operation.

The relationship between the vascular surgeon and the physiotherapist

A vascular surgeon regularly works with a physiotherapist. This is particularly the case with 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 a while.

For this condition, supervised walking therapy is usually the first step in treatment. The vascular surgeon therefore often refers the patient to a physiotherapist who specializes in peripheral arterial 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 physiotherapist also plays an important role after a procedure. Treatment then focuses on improving fitness and muscle strength and regaining confidence while moving. You also receive advice about an active lifestyle and preventing new vascular problems.