Traditional or Conventional surgery

Significant advances in vascular surgery have been made recently, even within the past few years. Minimally invasive and computer-assisted techniques are reducing the time, cost and trauma of vascular procedures. Nevertheless, there are many areas in which well-established traditional methods are preferable or the only option.

Traditional surgery is performed for a full range of arterial, venous and peripheral vascular disorders, including atherosclerosis, carotid artery disease, aortic aneurysm, peripheral arterial disease, and many more.

Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis, or "hardening of the arteries," is one of the most common diseases in the United States.

In atherosclerosis, fatty material or plaque collects on the inside of the blood vessel. The artery can become partially blocked and narrowed. The narrowing, called a stenosis, decreases the amount of blood flow to different parts of the body. This can occur at any age but usually affects adults over the age of 55. People are more likely to develop atherosclerosis if they have certain risk factors such as:

• Smoking
• High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
• High Cholesterol
• History of Diabetes
• History of Heart Disease
• Obesity
• Family History of Atherosclerosis

The treatment of atherosclerosis depends on the degree of blockage, the number of symptoms you are experiencing, your health history and other risk factors. If the blockage is mild or moderate, your doctor may treat you with medications and recommend that you try to modify your risk factors. If the blockage is more pronounced or you have severe symptoms, an operation may be indicated. Depending on the location of the blockage, minimally invasive surgery options may be available. However, conventional methods of surgery may be required. Conventional surgery is done with long open incisions and standard surgical instruments and tools.

Aortic Aneurysm

Surgery may be needed if the aorta, the large blood vessel leading out of your heart, has an aneurysm (a bulge or balloon caused by weakened vessel walls) that may break. The operation is done by making a 12-14 inch incision in the abdomen starting just under the breastbone and extending to the pubic bone. The aneurysm is opened and a graft or artificial blood vessel is sewn in place.

Peripheral Arterial Disease (blockage of the leg artery)

Blockage of the arteries in the leg can lead to ulcers (sores), pain in the legs or gangrene. The purpose of surgery is to improve the blood flow through your leg. Incisions may be made in the abdomen, groin and/or the legs. The surgeon may use a piece of your own vein or an artificial blood vessel (graft) to correct the problem. The operation is tailored to the specific patient.

Carotid Artery Disease/Carotid Endarterectomy

Surgery for carotid artery disease is intended to improve the blood flow through your carotid artery, which supplies blood to your brain. This helps to prevent a stroke. In order to perform this procedure, the surgeon will make an incision in the neck and locate the carotid artery. Clamps are placed on the artery, which is opened and plaque is carefully removed. The blood vessel is then closed with sutures or a patch made from a vein or synthetic material. The neck incision may then be closed with stitches or staples.