Healthcare Practices

Vascular Surgery

Vascular surgeons specialise in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the arteries and veins.

Arterial blockage may cause a restriction in the blood supply to the limbs. This may result in leg pain and ulcers.  Reduced blood flow to the brain may result in a stroke and to the heart, angina leading to a heart attack.

Sometimes the main arteries in the body balloon and bulge (aneurysm). This can occur in the aorta (the main artery from the heart). If an aneurysm ruptures, sudden death may be a consequence.

Vascular surgeons also treat diseases of the venous system.  The commonest of these is varicose veins and thrombosis.

Investigation of the vascular system usually involves an examination, x-ray and ultrasound.  Treatment of vascular conditions sometimes may be with medication but generally requires surgery to correct.