[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/08\/about-vascular-surgeons\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/08\/about-vascular-surgeons\/","headline":"What Is a Vascular Surgeon?","name":"What Is a Vascular Surgeon?","description":"Vascular surgeons specialize in treating conditions of the vascular system. Learn how they differ from other heart doctors, and when you should visit one. ","datePublished":"2016-08-11","dateModified":"2022-03-01","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/heart-vascular","name":"Heart and Vascular Institute","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/heart-vascular","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/heart-and-vascular-institute\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/about-vascular-surgeons.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/about-vascular-surgeons.jpg","height":325,"width":754},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/08\/about-vascular-surgeons\/","about":["Heart and Vascular Health"],"wordCount":724,"keywords":["cardiovascular","HVI","medical professionals","vascular disorders","vascular surgeon","what do vascular surgeons do"],"articleBody":"Learn About What Vascular Surgeons DoA vascular surgeon diagnoses, treats, and manages conditions in your arteries and veins, also called your blood vessels. These specialists treat a range of health problems, from spider and varicose veins to life-threatening aneurysms, and can help patients manage chronic conditions throughout their lives.Training for Vascular SurgeonsTo become a vascular surgeon, a doctor undergoes several years of training, beginning with medical school and a medical residency.After medical school, doctors must complete an additional five to seven years of specialized training in order to become vascular surgeons. This includes training in both traditional vascular surgery procedures as well as in minimally invasive endovascular surgery. Surgeons may then become board-certified in vascular surgery by taking a rigorous exam that measures their expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of vascular disease.What Conditions Do Vascular Surgeons Treat?A vascular surgeon treats many conditions that affect the blood vessels in every part of your body except for your heart and brain. This can include:Aneurysm, a bulge or weak spot in an arteryAtherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, where plaque builds up on your artery wallsCarotid artery disease or peripheral artery disease (PAD), where the arteries that bring blood to your neck or limbs become narrow or blockedCompression disorders like nutcracker syndrome and thoracic outlet syndromeDialysis access, or the placement of a graft or fistula that allows you to receive dialysis treatment for kidney diseaseDeep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot in a vein deep below your skinSpider veins, or small webs of veins just below the surface of the skinTrauma to arteries and veins caused by accidents or injuriesVaricose veins, or large, swollen, twisted veins that can cause pain or aching in your legsVenous ulcers and arterial and diabetic (neuropathic) wounds, which are nonhealing wounds that result from poor blood flow, especially in the legsDiagnosing Vascular DiseaseTo make a diagnosis, your vascular surgeon will start by talking with you about your medical history, lifestyle, and symptoms and give you a physical exam. If necessary, your surgeon may order additional tests, which can include:Ankle brachial index, which is used to check the severity of PAD. During this test, your blood pressure is measured in both of your arms and both of your ankles, then compared.Ultrasound, which can be used to diagnose many conditions. This test uses sound waves to make pictures of your blood vessels and is commonly used to diagnose aneurysms, carotid artery disease, and varicose veins.Treating Vascular DiseaseVascular surgeons develop treatment plans to fit each patient’s needs. Depending on your condition, this might include:Lifestyle changes, like quitting smoking, becoming more active, and choosing healthy foodsMedicines that lower your risk of blood clotsCatheter-based procedures, such as:Ablation, which safely closes damaged blood vesselsAngioplasty, which uses a balloon to open up blocked arteries and veinsStenting, which uses a tube of metal mesh to hold an artery or vein open to allow for healthy blood flowCompression therapy, which uses special stockings to help manage symptoms like pain and swelling and increase blood flowSclerotherapy, or injections that safely close spider veins and varicose veinsThrombolysis, which dissolves dangerous blood clots either through injections or a catheterSurgery to repair or remove damaged or diseased blood vesselsWhat is a vascular surgeon? Talking to your doctorBefore your appointment, write down a list of your symptoms, the medicines you take, and any questions you have. Some questions, even if they might seem simple, can include:What is my diagnosis?What are my options for treatment?What will this medicine do? Will I have side effects?How long will my procedure take?How often do you do this procedure?When will I be able to get back to my regular routine?It’s a good idea to take notes, or ask someone to come with you to your appointment so you can have help remembering what your surgeon told you. And, if you need your surgeon to explain something again, or in a simpler way, don’t be afraid to ask. It’s very important to understand your condition and treatment options.To schedule an appointment with a vascular surgeon at the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute, call 412-802-3333."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2016","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"08","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/\/08\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"What Is a Vascular Surgeon?","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/08\/about-vascular-surgeons\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]