Vascular surgeon

A vascular surgeon is a medical specialist who examines and treats diseases of the blood vessels. These include the arteries and veins throughout almost the entire body. Only the blood vessels of the heart and brain come under other specialties. 

What does a vascular surgeon do?

A vascular surgeon treats, among other things, narrowing of the arteries, varicose veins, aneurysms (enlargements of a blood vessel) and problems with blood circulation in the arms and legs.

Blood vessels carry oxygen and nutrients to muscles, skin and organs. When blood circulation decreases, symptoms such as pain when walking, cold feet or wounds that heal poorly can develop.

When do you see a vascular surgeon?

The GP refers you to a vascular surgeon if there are indications of a blood vessel condition. An internal medicine specialist, cardiologist or dermatologist can also refer patients. The vascular surgeon investigates the cause of the symptoms and discusses which treatment is most suitable.

Common conditions include:

• Peripheral arterial disease (intermittent claudication).

• Abdominal aortic aneurysm.

• Narrowing of the carotid artery.

• Varicose veins.

• Thrombosis and other conditions of the veins.

• Poorly healing wounds due to reduced blood circulation.

What does a vascular surgeon do?

During the first visit, the vascular surgeon discusses your symptoms, health and lifestyle. This is followed by a physical examination. The doctor often supplements this with an ultrasound, Doppler ultrasound, CT scan or MRI scan to obtain a clear image of the blood vessels.

Surgery is far from always necessary. Treatment often begins with lifestyle advice, stopping smoking, medicines and an exercise programme. If this approach does not produce sufficient results or blood circulation is severely reduced, the vascular surgeon performs a procedure, such as angioplasty, inserting a stent or a bypass operation.

The relationship between the vascular surgeon and the physiotherapist

A vascular surgeon regularly works with a physiotherapist, especially for intermittent claudication. Narrowing of the arteries means that too little oxygen-rich blood reaches the leg muscles during walking. This causes pain or cramping, meaning that people increasingly have to stop and stand still.

For this condition, supervised walking therapy is usually the first step in treatment. The vascular surgeon therefore often refers patients to a physiotherapist who specialises in peripheral arterial disease. Regular supervised walking increases walking distance, improves fitness and reduces symptoms. Only if this treatment has insufficient effect or blood circulation remains severely restricted does angioplasty or surgery become necessary.

The physiotherapist also plays an important role after a procedure. Treatment then focuses on improving fitness and muscle strength, and regaining confidence when moving. You also receive advice about an active lifestyle and preventing new vascular problems.