Vascular Surgery With the advancement of medical imaging, our board-certified vascular surgeons are now able to diagnose and treat patients using minimally invasive techniques. This is particularly true in the areas of vascular surgery. We bring state-of-the-art care to our patients for the treatment of aneurysms, carotid artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, stroke and more. A vascular surgeon makes sure patients with vascular health issues know and understand all their options. In short, vascular surgeons can do surgery, but they see and treat many patients who don’t require surgery. Many vascular problems can be treated with medication or exercise. To schedule an appointment or learn more about Vascular Surgery services, please call 828-213-9090. Services Vascular Surgery The vascular system contains an intricate network of veins and arteries that carries blood to every part of the body. Using the latest guided imaging technology, vascular surgeons are now able to treat vascular problems such as abdominal aortic aneurysms, peripheral vascular disease, strokes and other life-threatening conditions without the large incisions. This means shorter hospital stays and shorter recovery time. Conditions Aneurysms An aneurysm is an abnormal bulge occurring in a blood vessel. It is cause for concern and must be carefully monitored, because any aneurysm has the potential to rupture, creating a life-threatening situation. Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), the most common aneurysm, occurs in the largest artery in the human body, the aorta, where it passes through the lower abdomen. Often an AAA is diagnosed by a physician during a regular physical examination. With minimally invasive surgical techniques, AAA repair is now possible without a prolonged hospital stay. Intracerebral aneurysms can also occur in the brain, often at the base, just inside the skull. In the case of an intracerebral aneurysm, the blood vessel weakens and develops a “blister” that can become increasingly thin to the point of rupturing. The result can be a stroke, coma and/or death. Carotid Artery Disease The carotid arteries are located on either side of the neck. Their job is to carry oxygenated blood to the brain. Like any blood vessel, the carotid arteries can develop a buildup of a waxy substance called plaque. As plaque accumulates and hardens, it narrows the carotid arteries, increasing the risk of a blockage from a blood clot or a dislodged piece of plaque. When this occurs, the blood supply to the brain is interrupted, causing a stroke. One treatment for carotid artery disease is a carotid endarterectomy. During this surgical procedure, the vascular surgeon removes plaque from the carotid arteries. Peripheral Vascular Disease As we age, blood vessels begin to narrow and lose their elasticity. In some individuals this produces peripheral vascular disease, a condition that lessens the flow of blood to arms, legs and feet. In some instances, patients benefit from vascular surgery. During the procedure, the vascular surgeon restores healthy circulation by bypassing the blocked blood vessel with a healthy vessel. Stroke Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability in the United States. It occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, depriving the brain of essential oxygen and nutrients. When this occurs, brain cells begin to die almost immediately. Vascular surgeons play an important role in helping patients survive strokes by controlling bleeding and the pressure it puts on the brain in the case of hemorrhagic strokes, and by delivering medication to the site of the stroke or removing a blood clot in the case of ischemic strokes. Vascular surgeons also help prevent strokes by removing clots and plaque before a life-threatening incident occurs.