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Vascular surgeons treat diseases of the arteries, veins, and lymphatic circulation. While many vascular conditions are manageable with medication or lifestyle changes, some require surgical intervention. These surgeons perform a range of procedures from minimally invasive operations to complex open surgeries. Here are some surgical techniques they might use:
Microphlebectomy Surgery
Microphlebectomy is a procedure surgeons use to remove varicose veins near the surface of the skin. A surgeon typically marks the veins for removal while the patient is standing, which improves visibility. They then numb the area with a local anesthetic, so the patient remains awake during the procedure.
Small incisions are made next to the targeted vein, and the surgeon inserts a special hook to grasp it. They then pull the vein out through the small openings, and because the incisions are so tiny, they may not require stitches. Patients typically go home the same day and resume their normal activities quickly.
The procedure is performed in an outpatient setting, meaning you will not have to stay overnight. Vascular surgeons may treat one leg at a time, though a patient might return later for treatment of the other leg. This approach removes the problematic vein sections directly.
Thrombectomy Procedure
A thrombectomy is a procedure to remove a blood clot, known as a thrombus, from inside an artery or vein. When a blood clot obstructs blood flow, it may cause severe symptoms, and this surgery aims to restore circulation. Numerous methods exist for performing a thrombectomy, each with specific techniques and applications.
One standard method is catheter-directed thrombectomy, in which a surgeon inserts a thin tube into a blood vessel and guides it to the clot. The surgeon may then use various tools through the catheter to break up or suction out the thrombus. This procedure typically takes place in a hospital’s interventional radiology suite or operating room.
Balloon Angioplasty
Balloon angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that opens narrowed or blocked arteries and veins. A surgeon accesses a blood vessel through a small puncture, typically in the groin or arm, after which they guide a thin tube with a deflated balloon to the narrow area. Once in position, the balloon is inflated to compress the plaque against the artery wall and widen the vessel.
- The balloon is inflated for a short period.
- It presses the plaque buildup flat against the vessel wall.
- The balloon is then deflated and removed.
In some cases, a small mesh tube called a stent is left in place to help keep the artery open.
Atherectomy Surgery
Atherectomy is a procedure that removes plaque from a blood vessel. Surgeons use a catheter with a sharp blade or a laser tip. Once the catheter reaches the blockage, the device is activated to shave, cut, or vaporize the plaque. For more extensive blockages, a vascular surgeon might perform bypass surgery, which reroutes blood flow around a blocked artery using a graft from another part of your body or a synthetic tube.
Visit Vascular Surgeons Today
Understanding the available surgical options is a step toward managing your vascular health. These procedures address specific conditions within the body’s complex network of blood vessels. If you are experiencing symptoms of a vascular issue, you should schedule a consultation with a vascular surgeon, and you will receive a professional evaluation.
