Vascular surgery is a subspecialty of general surgery focuses on diagnosing and treating diseases of the arterial and venous systems, including the arteries, veins, and lymphatic vessels.
Scope: Conditions, Diseases, Treatments, and Procedures
The scope of vascular surgery is broad and encompasses many different types of arterial and venous disorders. Vascular surgeons diagnose and treat conditions related to the circulatory system, such as aneurysms, blockages, varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and peripheral artery disease (PAD). They may also diagnose and treat diseases of the lymphatic system, such as lymphedema. Vascular surgeons perform a variety of procedures to diagnose and treat these conditions, including angiography, stent placement, bypass surgery, aneurysm repair, endovascular embolization, thrombolysis, and vein stripping.
Qualifications, Training, and Certifications
Becoming a vascular surgeon requires extensive education and training. To become a vascular surgeon, a physician must complete five years of general surgery training followed by a fellowship in vascular surgery during which they learn about all aspects of vascular surgery, including diagnosis, treatment, and surgical techniques.
Related Medical Specialties
While vascular surgeons specialize in conditions related to the arterial and venous systems, they often collaborate with medical professionals from other specialties to ensure optimal patient care. Cardiologists, neurologists, endocrinologists, and radiologists are some of the related medical specialties that vascular surgeons may work with. These collaborations may involve monitoring patients with cardiovascular conditions or planning treatments such as bypass surgeries or stent placements.