The vascular system, sometimes called the circulatory system, is made up of blood vessels and arteries that carry oxygen-rich blood throughout the body to different tissues and organs. When any of these areas become blocked with a buildup of plaque or cholesterol, it can put you at risk for certain vascular diseases such as:
Atherosclerosis — a buildup of fats and cholesterol in the arterial walls
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm — an enlarged area in the lower part of the aorta that may be fatal if it ruptures
Carotid Artery Disease — fatty deposits that cause blockages in the neck and arteries that may lead to stroke if left untreated
Peripheral Artery Disease — narrowing and hardening of the arteries that supply blood to the legs, hands and feet
Mesenteric Ischemia — a blockage in an artery that cuts off blood flow to the intestine
Renal Artery Stenosis — the narrowing of arteries leading to the kidneys that prevents blood flow
Risk Factors
Understanding your risk factors is important in minimizing the chances of developing vascular disease. These risk factors include:
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Lack of exercise
- Smoking
- Obesity
Treatment Options
Our vascular surgeons are extensively trained to treat even the most complex vascular conditions. Treatment for vascular disease begins with diagnostic testing and medication management, followed by vascular and endovascular surgery. Surgical techniques used include:
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm repair
- Aortofemoral bypass
- Catheter-directed thrombolysis
- Endovascular aneurysm repair and stent graft
- Angioplasty
- Carotid artery treatment
- Carotid endarterectomy
- Atherectomy
- Transcarotid artery revascularization
- Peripheral artery bypass surgery
- Stent placement
- Varicose vein treatment
To detect and diagnose your vascular condition, we use a variety of ultrasound imaging techniques and diagnostic tests including:
- Arterial duplex and doppler ultrasound
- Abdominal duplex
- Carotid duplex ultrasound
- Peripheral angiography
- Pulse volume recordings
- Renal artery ultrasound
- Mesenteric duplex scanning
- Vein mapping
- Venous duplex ultrasound
Connect With Us
To explore options for your vascular care, call (901) 478-0900 to contact our team.