The Vascular Surgeon
A vascular surgeon is a highly trained physician dedicated exclusively to the care of
disorders of the circulatory system, including arteries and veins. The arteries carry blood from the heart to the vital organs and limbs, and the veins return the blood back to the heart. Conditions that affect arteries include aneurysms (an enlargement or "bulge" in an artery) and atherosclerosis (plaque that builds up inside arteries blocking blood flow). Conditions that affect the veins include varicose veins and venous thrombosis (blood clots). Vascular surgeons provide comprehensive care for patients with these conditions.
To see when you should visit a vascular surgeon, click here.
Learn About Vascular Disease
Most Americans are familiar with heart disease and the consequences of blockages in the vessels that carry blood to and from the heart. But few realize that blockages caused by a buildup of plaque and cholesterol affect more than coronary arteries. Arteries throughout the body carry oxygenrich blood away from the heart, so blockages can occur in all arteries with serious effects. Three of the most recognized vascular diseases include abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), carotid artery disease(CAD) and peripheral arterial disease (PAD). For more information, click here. This patient information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Patients reading articles on this website and the Society for Vascular Surgery website should review the information carefully with their health care provider.
Find A Vascular Specialist
Find a vascular specialist who is trained in the diagnosis, medical management, critical care, surgical and endovascular techniques for the treatment of your condition. This search tool is provided by VascularWeb. The physicians within this database are members of the SVS.
For More Information
The Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) seeks to advance excellence and innovation in vascular health through education, advocacy, research and public awareness. The organization was founded in 1947 and has a membership of 3,000. SVS membership is recognized in the vascular community as a mark of professional achievement.
The Society for Vascular Surgery's website, www.vascular.org, provides both the vascular specialist and vascular patient with a wealth of knowledge specific to vascular disease and treatment.