When Do You Need To See A Vascular Surgeon?

A vascular surgeon is a highly trained medical doctor who specialises in diagnosing and treating diseases of the vascular system. The vascular system consists of the arteries, veins, lymphatics and capillaries that carry blood and lymph throughout the body. Vascular surgeons treat a wide range of conditions, including blood clots, varicose veins, aneurysms, lymphedema, diabetic foot ulcers and peripheral artery disease. They perform minimally invasive procedures as well as complex surgeries to restore blood flow. 

This article will discuss when one might need to see a vascular surgeon, the conditions they treat, and the signs that indicate a vascular consultation is warranted. 

Who Is a Vascular Surgeon?

• A vascular surgeon has completed 5 years of medical school, 3 years of general surgery training and then 3 years of specialised surgical training in vascular surgery.
• They are experts in the entire vascular system including arterial, venous, and lymphatic circulatory systems.
• Vascular surgeons treat conditions, such as peripheral artery disease, varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis, aneurysms, and other disorders of the circulatory system.
• They perform minimally invasive techniques, such as angioplasty and stenting as well as open surgical procedures including bypass grafts.
• Vascular surgeons work closely with specialists in cardiology, radiology, podiatry, and wound care to optimize patient outcomes.

What Brings People To A Vascular Surgeon?

There are several reasons one might get referred to or consult a vascular surgeon:

• Having risk factors for vascular disease, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity or family history.
• Experiencing symptoms of vascular disease like leg pain with walking, swollen legs, sores/ulcers on the legs or feet.
• Being diagnosed with a vascular condition that requires treatment such as peripheral artery disease, varicose veins, or abdominal aortic aneurysm.
• Facing a situation like critical limb ischemia or gangrene that requires revascularization to save a limb.
• Seeking a second opinion after being told a vascular condition requires amputation.
• Having a vascular emergency such as a blood clot, ruptured aneurysm, or stroke.

8 Signs You May Need To See A Vascular Specialist

Here are 8 symptoms and conditions that indicate a consultation with a vascular surgeon may be warranted:

1. Diabetes

Diabetes refers to when your body is not able to regulate blood sugar levels properly. 

• Over time, elevated blood glucose causes damage to blood vessels and arteries. 
• This leads to a condition called atherosclerosis which is characterised by narrowing and blockage of the arteries that restricts blood flow. 
• Reduced blood circulation deprives tissues and organs of oxygen and nutrients, resulting in complications. 
• Routine screening of the blood flow is advised for patients with diabetes in order to monitor vascular health and intervene early if any disease is detected. 

2. Legs hurt when you walk

Claudication is a condition that causes leg pain and cramping that starts after walking a short distance. 

• The pain is relieved by resting and resolves quickly when activity is stopped. 
• Claudication results from peripheral artery disease, which is a narrowing of the arteries that reduces blood flow to the legs. 
• When walking, the legs do not get adequate oxygen due to the arterial blockages. 
• Resting allows the oxygen demand in the muscles to subside, relieving the pain. 
• Leg pain that comes on with exertion should not be ignored, as it can signify an underlying circulation disorder such as peripheral artery disease that requires medical or surgical treatment.

3. Have been Diagnosed with a Vascular Condition

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a common circulatory disorder caused by atherosclerosis, which is a buildup of plaque in the artery walls. 

• This narrows the arteries and makes it difficult for blood to flow normally. 
• PAD most commonly affects the arteries supplying the legs but blockages due to atherosclerosis can also occur in arteries to the kidneys, abdomen, feet, pelvis, and upper extremities. 
• A diagnosis of PAD or any localized blockage of arteries signifies advanced vascular disease requiring medical care to prevent complications like tissue damage or limb loss. 
• Other common vascular conditions with which patients are referred to a vascular surgeon are deep venous thrombosis, aneurysms, carotid disease, aortic disease, and non-healing diabetic foot ulcers. 

4. Been told Amputation is the only option

Many patients have avoided limb amputations by seeking a second opinion from vascular surgeons with experience providing alternative treatment methods in these situations. 

• Your healthcare providers can assist you in gathering relevant medical records and test results before an initial consultation. 
• The vascular specialist will comprehensively review your case and advise you of any further recommended tests to understand your condition in detail.. 
• Extensive experience in successfully treating patients facing potential amputation through non-surgical or surgical techniques has been demonstrated when patients obtain a second opinion.

5. Legs are swollen, aching and discoloured, and develop wounds or ulcers

A common cause of this condition is a chronic venous disease. Varicose vein is a common cause of chronic venous disease. These are enlarged, twisted veins visible under the skin that over 30 million men and women have. 

• Varicose veins can progress to chronic venous insufficiency over time, impeding proper blood flow back to the heart. 
• While initially a cosmetic issue, varicose veins can become a serious medical condition. 
• Consulting a vascular specialist can help assess and treat varicose veins in the early stages. 
• Minimally invasive treatments are available at specialised facilities dedicated to diagnosing and addressing venous conditions.

6. Experiencing sudden, severe back and abdominal pain

This may signal an aortic aneurysm. 

• An aneurysm occurs when an artery weakens and bulges out. 
• In the abdominal aorta, the large artery from the heart to the chest and abdomen, it can become a serious health risk. 
• Blood clots can also form, blocking blood flow and causing pain, numbness, potential tissue damage, and risk of limb amputation. 
• Consulting a reputable vascular doctor is critical, as they can assess if an abdominal aortic aneurysm is present and provide necessary treatment. 
• Taking prompt action when this symptom arises gives the best chance at preventing the potentially devastating effects of a ruptured aortic aneurysm.

7. Suddenly have blurred vision and tingling, numbness, and weakness in one side of your body. You may also feel confused

• Strokes occur when blood flow to the brain is disrupted, caused either by a blockage depriving oxygen (ischemic stroke) or rupture of a vessel (hemorrhagic stroke). 
• Swift treatment is critical to prevent permanent brain damage, disability or death, as strokes can rapidly kill brain tissue. 
• If you or a loved one show these symptoms, immediately call the doctor. 
• Treating the carotid disease with surgery or stenting can prevent recurrent strokes and avoid a disabling event. 
• New minimally invasive procedures like TCAR (TransCarotid Artery Revascularization) can also help prevent strokes for those at risk. 
• Recognizing the signs and acting fast are key to preventing lasting harm from strokes.

8. Digestion Problems

• Your body relies on healthy circulation to properly digest consumed foods and absorb vital nutrients. 
• Reduced blood flow can impair this process, resulting in gastrointestinal symptoms that are often misdiagnosed. 
• These signs indicate a need to consult a vascular specialist to evaluate your overall circulation. 
• Early intervention and customised treatment planning focused on restoring blood flow along with adopting a healthier lifestyle can help resolve these digestion issues stemming from compromised vascular function. 
• Do not hesitate to contact a specialist if digestive problems arise, as restoring circulation is key.

9. Long-standing leg swelling like lymphedema

• Lymphedema is a condition characterized by the swelling of body parts, typically arms or legs, due to the accumulation of lymphatic fluid.
• It often occurs as a result of impaired lymphatic drainage, which can be caused by various factors such as surgery, trauma, or congenital abnormalities.
• Expertise in vascular surgery ensures a meticulous diagnosis, pinpointing the vascular issues at the root of lymphedema.
• Armed with surgical finesse, we perform advanced procedures like lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA) and vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT) to enhance lymphatic drainage.
• Collaboration is key, and we seamlessly integrate into a multidisciplinary team, ensuring a well-rounded and effective approach to lymphedema management.
• Beyond the operating room, we take on the role of educator and supporter, guiding patients on self-care, compression therapy, and lifestyle adjustments for sustained well-being.
• Our commitment to ethical practices not only ensures top-notch medical care but also contributes to our reputation as a compassionate and trustworthy vascular surgeon in Telangana.

Conclusion

Vascular surgeons are specialists in diagnosing and treating all conditions affecting the circulatory system. They have extensive training in medical and surgical management of vascular disease. One should consider consulting a vascular surgeon if they have risk factors like diabetes or symptoms like leg pain with walking. Vascular conditions require specialised expertise. Seeing a vascular surgeon promptly can prevent the progression of disease, disability, and threat of limb loss in some cases. They offer both minimally invasive and open surgical options to restore blood flow.