Treat Your Condition with Vascular Surgery in MA & RI

Treatment of vascular conditions of the heart is essential to promoting positive health. At Southcoast Health, we offer patient-focused care for vascular problems through a variety of procedures and surgeries. Our state-of-the-art vein center provides MA and RI residents with minimally invasive treatment methods. We specialize in caring for those with thoracic or abdominal aortic aneurysms, mesenteric vascular disease, stroke and cerebrovascular disease, renovascular hypertension, dialysis, pelvic congestion syndrome, thoracic outlet syndrome, varicose veins, superior vena cava syndrome, peripheral vascular disease, deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism.

Am I At Risk for Vascular Disease?

Vascular disease, which affects the blood vessels, becomes more common with age. Those with a vascular condition rarely show symptoms during the early stages and may be unaware that there is a problem present. About eight million people in the country have peripheral vascular disease (PVD), with a large percentage of them being men. The following factors increase the risk of vascular disease:

• Smoking
• Diabetes
• High cholesterol
• Family history of heart or vascular disease
• Increasing age
• Illness or injury
• Pregnancy
• Prolonged periods of standing, sitting, or bed rest
• Obesity
• Hypertension
• Lack of exercise

Vascular Conditions Treated at Southcoast Health

A vascular surgeon treats a vast array of conditions and diseases related to the arteries, lymphatic system, and veins:

• Aneurysm: This describes a weak area along the artery wall inside your abdomen or chest
• Carotid or vertebral artery disease: A blockage in a major neck artery
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): A blood clot inside a large vein
• Lymphedema: Fluid buildup in the legs or arms
• Mesenteric ischemia: A blockage of arteries in your small intestine or other digestive organs
• Peripheral arterial disease (PAD): A blockage in your pelvis, arms, or legs that causes weakness and pain
• Thoracic outlet syndrome: This is a compression of the main vein, nerve, or artery in your chest
• Varicose veins: Distended, painful veins. Refer to the Vein Center for more information
• Pulmonary embolism: A blood clot that travels to the lungs
• Diabetes: Vascular issues associated with diabetes include non-healing wounds, atherosclerosis, ulcers, PAD, and stroke.
• Venous insufficiency: Sometimes, the veins can’t return sufficient blood to your heart and this leads to venous stasis ulcers

What is Vascular Surgery?

Vascular surgery is a subspecialty involving the vascular system, or veins, arteries, and lymphatic circulation. Often, this type of surgery addresses areas outside of the heart. Our experienced vascular and endovascular specialists at Southcoast Health utilize a combination of minimally invasive catheter procedures, medical therapy, and surgical reconstruction to address vascular issues.

Southcoast Health vascular surgeons have received special training in the diagnosis and management of the entire vascular system. Together, our interventional cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons treat diseases involving the heart vessels. If you are facing a disease involving the blood vessels of the brain, you may be referred to a Southcoast Health neurosurgeon or neuroradiologist.

Examination by a vascular surgeon can take place in an office setting, but for more complex vascular problems, a hospital visit may be more suitable.

Vascular Services Provided at Southcoast Health

At Southcoast Health, our vascular surgeons can perform various procedures and surgeries to treat vascular conditions, including but not limited to:

• Aneurysm repair, including repair of endovascular, abdominal, and thoracic (chest) endovascular aneurysms.
• Surgery/stenting of the carotid arteries
• Surgical bypass/stenting of blocked kidney or intestinal arteries
• Removal of blood clots from the veins in the legs (DVT) or lungs (PE) without need for incision
• Dialysis vascular access procedures, including arteriovenous (AV) fistula and AV graft surgery for hemodialysis.
• Surgical bypass/stenting of blocked leg arteries
• Medications, including thrombolytic therapy to dissolve blood clots.
• Risk factor management, including diabetic foot care and stroke prevention.
• Thoracic outlet syndrome
• Vascular ultrasound
• Sclerotherapy and vein closures, which are offered through the Vein Center.

Vascular Surgery and Care Near You in MA & RI

At Southcoast Health, we are proud to promote positive vascular health and offer exceptional vascular surgery and other treatments to all who come to see us. Our experienced and dedicated vascular surgeons will always put you first, and ensure that you have a full understanding of your health and treatment plan. Residents of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and the surrounding areas trust Southcoast Health for comprehensive vascular care. To learn more about the services we provide and how we can help you, please contact us today.