By Jeffrey Edwards, MD, RPVI
Vascular surgeons are specialists who are highly trained to treat the disorders of the vascular system. Blood vessels and lymphatic vessels are vital for normal function, as arteries carry oxygen rich blood to all of your tissues, veins carry blood back to the heart, and lymphatic vessels provide vital transport to immune cells and other protein-rich fluids. Without adequate flow, vital body systems are unable to function. Conditions such as peripheral artery disease, a type of atherosclerosis, can obstruct flow and limit vital organ functions.
Vascular surgeons do much more than surgery. Often, vascular conditions may be treated with medications alone or lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise. When a procedure is needed, there are often multiple options available, ranging from minimally invasive endovascular treatments to traditional open surgery. A vascular surgeon will make sure that you understand vascular health issues and all of the treatment options available.
There are some types of specialists that are able to treat vascular conditions with only one or two types of procedures. Since a vascular surgeon is specially trained in all types of vascular treatments including complex open surgery and image-guided endovascular therapies, they are able to offer the best treatment for ever individual patient. This is important, because patients should be assured that they are offered the best type of treatment for their particular condition.
Once you become established with a vascular surgeon, there is often a relationship that develops as your surgeon will continue to follow you over time. Many vascular diseases are considered to be life-long conditions which require ongoing monitoring and maintenance. Rather than relinquishing surgical care after you heal, you may continue to see your vascular surgeon for years to come. You can trust that your vascular surgeon will continue to care about your long-term health and continually re-evaluate your treatment options as they become required.
Patients will often establish care with a vascular surgeon at the recommendation of their primary care providers. Other times, you may become acquainted with a vascular surgeon due to an emergency that results in hospitalization. If you have risk factors such as smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol then you may be a candidate to establish care with a vascular surgeon. Other reasons to seek a referral include aortic aneurysm (or family history of aneurysm), carotid stenosis, leg pain or swelling. Ask your primary care provider if you would benefit from seeing a vascular surgeon.
Sarasota Vascular Specialists
Sarasota Vascular Specialists have been the leading vascular specialists in the tricounty area for over 30 years. Their practice is the only medical practice in the region dedicated to the treatment of patients with disorders of the veins and arteries. They are uniquely trained and experienced to offer all forms of diagnosis and therapy including:
• Varicose veins, spider veins, deep venous thrombosis
• Carotid artery surgery and carotid stenting
• Medical management, angioplasty, bypass
• Thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysms
Sarasota Vascular Specialists has an onsite lab to perform ultrasound and give rapid diagnostics. Their vascular lab can non-invasively diagnose all arterial and venous diseases. Their experienced vascular lab staff includes eight registered vascular technologists.
It’s the first vascular laboratory in Sarasota to be certified by the Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Vascular Laboratories. The lab was also featured as the gold standard facility by ABC Television’s Prime Time when it evaluated vascular labs in Florida. They have state-of-the-art equipment and vascular imaging software.
To schedule your appointment, please call 941-371-6565, or visit www.veinsandarteries.com to find out more.
Sarasota Vascular Specialists
Sarasota
600 N. Cattlemen Road
Sarasota, Florida 34232