Surgery

Vascular Surgery

Common Conditions and Treatments

The vast majority of vascular problems can be safely and effectively treated at Emerson Hospital. The following examples illustrate just a few of the most common conditions treated by our vascular experts.

Carotid artery disease: Narrowing and ulceration within the carotid artery may lead to reduced blood flow to the brain and result in a stroke. Patients with severe carotid artery disease are at greater risk of having a stroke and may benefit from "carotid endarterectomy," a procedure which removes obstructions inside of the carotid artery.
Aneurysmal disease: Aneurysms result from weakness within the walls of major blood vessels. Left alone, aneurysms can rupture and lead to life threatening problems. Repair of these vessels before complications develop can save both life and limbs. Emerson Hospital practices both traditional open aneurysm resection as well as newer endovascular aortic exclusion techniques.
Leg pain and ulcerations: Blockages in the arteries that bring blood to the legs are similar to blockages in the heart. Decreased blood flow can lead to pain with walking, pain at rest and/or ulcers that do not heal. Balloon dilatation, placement of stents and/or bypass surgery can relieve pain and allow better circulation to healing wounds.
Raynaud's syndrome: Spasms within the small arteries of the hands and feet can lead to pain and discoloration with exposure to the cold. Other conditions involving inflammation within the vessels can mimic Raynaud's syndrome. Medical therapy and sometimes surgical intervention may relieve these discomforts.
High blood pressure/Kidney failure: Narrowing within the arteries to the kidneys can lead to high blood pressure which cannot be controlled through medications. Balloon dilatation, stent placement and/or bypass surgery may lower blood pressure and protect the kidneys from progressive failure. Renal replacement therapy involves dialysis for which long term access to blood vessels is necessary. The placement of fistulas and grafts requires specialists who understand the pathology and physiology of renal failure.
Vein problems: Varicose veins, chronic swelling and ulcerations, and venous blood clots can be disabling problems. Aggressive testing can often identify the source of these problems leading to directed therapy. Varicose veins can be compressed, injected or stripped depending on the size and depth. Minimally invasive laser ablation of the saphenous vein has now nearly replaced vein stripping and is practiced routinely at Emerson Hospital. Swelling and ulceration can be treated with compression or surgical ligation of incompetent veins. Blood clots may be removed by using "clot-busting" drugs and often may be prevented through the use of blood thinners.

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	Surgery Vascular Surgery Common Conditions and Treatments The vast majority of vascular problems can be safely and effectively treated at Emerson Hospital. The following examples illustrate just a few of the most common conditions treated by our vascular experts. Carotid artery disease: Narrowing and ulceration within the carotid artery may lead to reduced blood flow to the brain and result in a stroke. Patients with severe carotid artery disease are at greater risk of having a stroke and may benefit from "carotid endarterectomy," a procedure which removes obstructions inside of the carotid artery. Aneurysmal disease: Aneurysms result from weakness within the walls of major blood vessels. Left alone, aneurysms can rupture and lead to life threatening problems. Repair of these vessels before complications develop can save both life and limbs. Emerson Hospital practices both traditional open aneurysm resection as well as newer endovascular aortic exclusion techniques. Leg pain and ulcerations: Blockages in the arteries that bring blood to the legs are similar to blockages in the heart. Decreased blood flow can lead to pain with walking, pain at rest and/or ulcers that do not heal. Balloon dilatation, placement of stents and/or bypass surgery can relieve pain and allow better circulation to healing wounds. Raynaud's syndrome: Spasms within the small arteries of the hands and feet can lead to pain and discoloration with exposure to the cold. Other conditions involving inflammation within the vessels can mimic Raynaud's syndrome. Medical therapy and sometimes surgical intervention may relieve these discomforts. High blood pressure/Kidney failure: Narrowing within the arteries to the kidneys can lead to high blood pressure which cannot be controlled through medications. Balloon dilatation, stent placement and/or bypass surgery may lower blood pressure and protect the kidneys from progressive failure. Renal replacement therapy involves dialysis for which long term access to blood vessels is necessary. The placement of fistulas and grafts requires specialists who understand the pathology and physiology of renal failure. Vein problems: Varicose veins, chronic swelling and ulcerations, and venous blood clots can be disabling problems. Aggressive testing can often identify the source of these problems leading to directed therapy. Varicose veins can be compressed, injected or stripped depending on the size and depth. Minimally invasive laser ablation of the saphenous vein has now nearly replaced vein stripping and is practiced routinely at Emerson Hospital. Swelling and ulceration can be treated with compression or surgical ligation of incompetent veins. Blood clots may be removed by using "clot-busting" drugs and often may be prevented through the use of blood thinners.