What is vascular surgery?

Vascular surgery is for patients with vascular disease that cannot be treated by less invasive, nonsurgical treatments. It is performed for conditions such as aneurysms and embolisms.

Vascular surgery may involve endovascular procedures in which catheters (thin, flexible tubes) or stents (mesh-like tubes) are inserted to maintain open arteries or veins.

Vascular surgery is also used to redirect blood vessels in patients with poor circulation and to help prevent strokes.

What vascular surgery treats

Vascular surgery may be performed for patients with vascular diseases such as:

• Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
• Carotid artery disease
• Aortic aneurysms 
• Atherosclerosis balloon angioplasty and/or stenting
• Aortic and peripheral vascular endovascular stent-graft placement
• Balloon angioplasty and/or stenting
• Diseases of veins (varicose veins, venous insufficiency, deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolus and pelvic congestion syndrome)
• Thoracic outlet syndrome (compression of nerves and blood vessels at the shoulder)
• Thrombolysis

Why choose Ohio State for vascular surgery?

Vascular surgeons at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center have expertise in treating all of the conditions that make vascular surgery necessary. We are also skilled and experienced in treating them with medication, before moving on to a surgical solution.

We have extensive experience with minimally invasive procedures, including coronary angioplasty and stenting for peripheral artery disease, stent grafting or endovascular repair for aneurysms, and carotid stenting. We also are experts at open surgical repair for cases where minimally invasive treatments are not possible.

What to expect during vascular surgery

Your physician may do an evaluation of all organ systems including the heart, lungs, circulatory system, kidneys and the gastrointestinal system. The decision whether to have surgery or not is based on the outcome of these evaluations.

Prior to your vascular surgery, you’ll meet with your surgeon to discuss your medical history, the medicines you take and any questions you have about your procedure.

During your procedure

Depending on your condition, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center offers minimally invasive procedures, endovascular procedures and standard open procedures.

After your procedure

Recovery time in intensive care and the hospital varies with each surgery and depends on a variety of factors. Like any part of your body that has been injured, your surgical site needs time to rest and mend itself.

Your physician or vascular surgeon will give you the special instructions you need to follow after your surgery. Cardiac rehabilitation may be required.