Vascular Surgery

The aorta is a soft hollow tube and the largest artery in the human body. Its branches supply all the blood from the heart to every organ and limb. The aorta runs the entire length from the upper chest to the lower abdomen. Many conditions of the aorta require intervention to prevent death or improve the circulation. These conditions include:

• Aortic aneurysm: A ballooning or bulge that can lead to rupture and death
• Aortic dissection: A tear in the inner lining of the aortic wall that can lead to an aneurysm or reduce circulation to one or more branches of the aorta
• Aortic stenosis: A buildup of plaque in the aorta. Plaque is also called atherosclerosis. Severe plaque buildup can clog the aorta leading to decreased circulation to the legs.

Our vascular surgeons offer a variety of state-of-the-art surgical and endovascular treatment options to repair or reconstruct the aorta. We customize treatment to your specific condition to restore function in the aorta.

The carotid artery is one of the main blood vessels to the brain. Narrowing of the carotid artery — caused by a small clot or plaque buildup — can lead to a stroke. Our vascular surgeons treat carotid artery blockages that occur in the neck. We work with Marcus Neuroscience Institute, a part of Baptist Health Brain & Spine Care, to offer advanced treatments for cerebrovascular disease. Treatments include:

• Carotid Endarterectomy (CEA)
• Transcarotid Artery Revascularization (TCAR)
• Carotid Artery Stenting (CAS)

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is caused by narrowing of the arteries to the legs, typically caused by plaque buildup. PAD reduces circulation in the legs. PAD can cause cramping pain while walking or during other types of physical activity. Severe forms of PAD, if left untreated, can result in ulcers in the foot that can lead to major amputations. PAD treatments include:

• Angioplasty and/or stenting
• Surgical bypass
• Medications
• Supervised exercise therapy

If you have kidney failure, we provide a variety of access options for hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Our vascular surgeons work closely with your nephrologist to plan the best type of access to enable rapid and efficient dialysis. Options include:

• Arteriovenous (AV) fistula
• Arteriovenous (AV) graft
• Peritoneal dialysis catheter
• Tunneled hemodialysis catheter

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Venous diseases affect the veins, which are low pressure blood vessels that return blood from the rest of the body back to the heart. We treat a variety of venous conditions, including:

• Deep venous thrombosis (DVT): Clotting of the major veins in the legs and arms leading to swelling, pain, and skin changes
• Spider veins: Damaged blood vessels just below the skin
• Varicose veins: Swollen or twisted veins just below the skin
• Venous reflux: Veins that have valvular damage and chronic swelling and pain from a variety of conditions including DVT, pregnancy or trauma

Our vascular surgeons work at our Vein Clinic to treat varicose veins and other vein diseases.

We treat a variety of vascular conditions affecting areas within the abdomen and around the intestines. Our vascular surgeons offer a full spectrum of open, endovascular (stenting) and hybrid treatments for each of these conditions:

• Mesenteric artery disease: Narrowing or blockage in one or more of the mesenteric arteries (celiac artery, superior mesenteric artery, inferior mesenteric artery), which supply blood to your gastrointestinal tract and other solid organs
• Renal artery stenosis: Narrowing of the blood vessel to your kidneys, which can lead to high blood pressure and decreased kidney function