Vascular Surgery
The vascular system is the lifeblood of our body, responsible for delivering blood, oxygen, and nutrients to all parts of the body. When arteries, veins, or lymphatic vessels become diseased, the consequences can be serious and potentially life-threatening, such as heart attacks, strokes, aneurysms, varicose veins, or complications of diabetes, like diabetic foot.
Vascular surgery, as a specialized branch of medicine, focuses on diagnosing and treating these conditions, using advanced surgical techniques to preserve vascular function. The Puls Cardiology Center leads in this field, providing top-notch diagnostics for vascular problems.
When should you see a vascular surgeon?
Many vascular diseases develop gradually, so symptoms are often ignored or attributed to other health problems. This is why it’s important to recognize the early signs and act in time. If you notice any of the following symptoms, it is essential to schedule an appointment with a vascular surgeon as soon as possible:
- Pain in the legs, whether it occurs during walking or at rest, may indicate reduced blood flow.
- Swelling in the legs, especially with the presence of slow-healing ulcers, often signals venous problems.
- Changes in the color of the skin on the legs, such as darkening or cooling, could be a sign of arterial issues.
- Weak or absent pulses in the legs are a serious indication of vascular obstruction.
- Chest pain or difficulty breathing may suggest diseases of the arteries supplying the heart.
- Bulging in the arteries can be a sign of a weakened artery wall, prone to rupture, indicating the presence of an aneurysm, which requires urgent attention.
- Cold hands and feet often indicate poor circulation, which also requires professional evaluation.
Common conditions treated by vascular surgeons
At the Puls Cardiology Center, our team of vascular surgeons specializes in diagnosing and treating a wide range of vascular diseases. Here are some of the most common conditions that require a vascular surgeon’s care:
1. Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is a condition where fat deposits, cholesterol, and calcium build up on the walls of arteries, obstructing blood flow. If left untreated, atherosclerosis can lead to serious complications like heart attacks or strokes. Treatment includes minimally invasive techniques such as angioplasty and stent placement to widen narrowed arteries and restore blood flow.
2. Arterial aneurysm
An aneurysm is the enlargement of an artery due to the weakening of its walls. If it ruptures, it can cause dangerous internal bleeding. It most commonly occurs in the aorta but can also affect other arteries. Modern endovascular procedures allow for safe aneurysm treatment, often without the need for open surgery.
3. Diabetic foot
Patients with diabetes often experience circulation problems, which can lead to nerve damage, infections, and foot ulcers. Methods to improve circulation and wound healing are used in these cases to prevent serious complications and possible amputations.
4. Varicose veins
Varicose veins are not only an aesthetic issue but also a medical problem that can cause pain, swelling, and discomfort. They are treated with further invasive procedures to remove the varicose veins and restore normal circulation.
5. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
DVT occurs when a blood clot forms in deep veins, most often in the legs, blocking blood flow. If the clot dislodges and reaches the lungs, it can cause a pulmonary embolism, a life-threatening condition. Various methods are used to remove the clot and restore blood flow, ranging from medication therapy to thrombolytics that directly dissolve the clot or catheter-guided interventions.
Diagnostics
A consultation with a vascular surgeon begins with a detailed medical history and physical examination, including pulse checks, examination of the veins and arteries, and possibly the use of Doppler ultrasound to visualize blood flow. Depending on the condition, additional tests may be required, such as angiography or CT scans, to get an accurate picture of the state of the blood vessels.
Treatment sometimes involves a wide range of techniques, from traditional surgical procedures to the latest endovascular interventions. These procedures are minimally invasive, which means less pain, shorter recovery periods, and lower risks of complications.
Multidisciplinary approach by the Puls Cardiology Center team
Treating vascular diseases often requires collaboration between multiple specialists. At the Puls Cardiology Center, vascular surgeons Assoc. Dr. Perica Mutavdžić and Dr. Ivan Tomić work closely with cardiologists, endocrinologists, nephrologists, and other specialists to provide comprehensive care for patients, especially in complex cases like diabetic complications.
You can view the prices of vascular surgery services in our price list.