Vascular Surgery Conditions Treated
Atherosclerosis is the process in which deposits of fatty substances, cholesterol, cellular waste products, calcium and other substances build up in the inner lining of an artery. This buildup, known as plaque, can grow large enough to significantly reduce the amount of blood flowing through an artery. These plaques often rupture causing blood clots to form and completely block blood flow. If the blockage occurs in one of the vessels that supply the heart, it may result in a heart attack. Similarly, if the vessels that feed the brain are blocked, a stroke may result.
- Symptoms: Atherosclerosis does not produce symptoms until damage to the artery is severe enough to reduce blood flow. Once this occurs you may feel pain in your chest or extremities depending on the location of the block. You may also experience intermittent symptoms of Carotid Artery Disease
Carotid Artery Disease/Stroke: Carotid artery disease occurs when the major arteries in your neck become narrowed or blocked. These arteries, called the carotid arteries, supply your brain with blood.
- Symptoms: There are often no symptoms in the early stages of CAD. Some later warning signs may include; feelings of weakness or tingling on one side of your body, loss of extremely control, loss of vision in one eye, slurred speech
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) occurs when a weakened area of the Aorta (the largest artery in the body, it carries blood away from the heart) expands or bulges due to pressure from blood flow. Some stretch it the Aorta is normal, but excessive bulging can cause the artery to burst leading to severe internal bleed, shock and even death. Another type of aneurysm is a Peripheral Aneurysm, most commonly effecting the vessels in the leg, arms and neck
- Symptoms: A pulsing (similar to a heartbeat) in your abdomen, Severe, sudden pain in your jaw, neck, abdomen and/or back, difficulty breathing
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) occurs when the arteries in your legs become blocked and do not supply adequate blood and oxygen to your legs.
- Symptoms: Many people do not experience symptoms in early stage of PAD. Later signs my include; tightness, cramping,discomfort or pain in legs when walking, Pain, discoloration and/or sore on the feet
Varicose Veins occur when valves in the vessels of the legs no longer function properly due to prolonged high blood pressure. The vessels become swollen and bulge toward the surface of the skin.
- Symptoms: Legs may feel heavy, tired, or achy, Small clusters of veins appear in a winding pattern on your leg
Deep Vein Thrombosis is a condition in which a blood clot forms in one of the deep veins which supply the vena cava, your body's largest vein, which runs directly to your heart. DVT most often occurs in the pelvis, thigh, or calf, but can also occur in the arm, chest, or other locations.
- Symptoms: About half of all DVT cases do not cause symptoms. Depending on the size and location symptoms may include swelling, tenderness, leg pain that may worsen when you walk or stand, a sensation of warmth, and skin that turns blue or red.
Chronic Venous Insufficiency occurs when prolonged high pressure in the veins causes stretch of the vessel walls and damages the valves with in the vein. This effects the vessels ability to deliver adequate blood.
- Symptoms: Swelling of ankles and tightness in calves, Legs may feel heavy, tired, or achy, Pain when walking, Varicose Veins
