Vascular Treatment and Procedures
Top-Notch Vascular Surgeons, Ready to Help
The vascular system is the body’s network of blood vessels (arteries, veins and capillaries) that carries blood to and from the heart. Vascular surgeons with Carondelet Heart & Vascular Institute Physician Group are experts in treating conditions
of the circulatory system and advancing treatments and technology in the field of vascular and endovascular surgery. Through ongoing clinical research, they continue to expand the possibilities for minimally invasive treatment of thoracic aneurysms,
renal artery stenosis, lower extremity disease and carotid artery disease. Using the advanced technology and procedures, our vascular surgeons provide you with effective, compassionate care.
Explore our Vascular Services
From aneurysm repair to complex wound management, the Carondelet Heart & Vascular Institute is proud to offer the following services and procedures:
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair
An aneurysm is an abnormal widening or ballooning of a portion of an artery due to weakness in the wall of the blood vessel. The aorta is the main blood vessel that supplies blood to the abdomen, pelvis and legs. An abdominal aortic aneurysm occurs when
an area of the aorta becomes very large or balloons out.
If surgery is recommended, there are two types:
- Traditional (open) repair: A large incision is made in your abdomen. The abnormal vessel is replaced with a graft made of man-made material.
- Endovascular stent grafting: This procedure can be done by making a small incision in your abdomen, so you may recover more quickly. The surgeon makes a small incision on each side of the leg at the groin in order to visualize the femoral arteries
in each leg. With the use of special endovascular instruments, along with X-ray images for guidance, a stent graft will be inserted through the femoral artery and advanced up into the aorta to the site of the aneurysm. The stent graft is inserted
into the aorta in a collapsed position and placed at the aneurysm site. Once in place, the stent-graft will be expanded, attaching to the wall of the aorta to support it. The aneurysm will eventually shrink down onto the stent graft.
Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm Repair
A thoracic aortic aneurysm occurs in the body's largest artery (the aorta) that passes through the chest. The most common cause of a thoracic aortic aneurysm is hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis). This condition is more common for people with
high cholesterol, long-term high blood pressure or who smoke.
The treatment depends on the location and shape of the aneurysm and your overall health status. If surgery is recommended, the vascular surgeon will decide whether an open surgery or a minimally invasive surgery is the best approach. In some cases, an
open surgery is required to replace the damaged portion.
Carotid Artery Surgery and Stenting
There is a carotid artery on each side of the neck, providing blood to the brain and face. A build-up of plaque in an artery can restrict blood flow to the brain and cause a stroke. With carotid artery surgery, the surgeon cuts open the carotid artery,
removes the plaque and then stitches up the artery. Alternatively, the surgeon can perform carotid angioplasty and stenting. In this case, a catheter (flexible tube) with a balloon on the end is inserted through an incision in an artery and moved
up to the blockage. The balloon is inflated, opening the artery. A stent (wire mesh tube) can be placed in the area of the blockage to keep the artery open.
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
PAD is the most common type of peripheral vascular disease and is similar to coronary artery disease because it occurs as a result of plaque buildup. PAD is often a sign of cardiovascular disease. It occurs as a result of plaque buildup that causes veins
or arteries outside of the heart and brain to narrow, most commonly in the legs but also in the arms and abdomen. If the plaque deposits are severe enough, they can block blood flow and result in tissue death.
Untreated, PAD can lead to amputation of the foot or leg. A vascular surgeon may use open surgery or minimally invasive surgery to open up the blockage and increase blood flow to limbs. The goals of PAD management are to save limbs, provide symptom relief,
improve function and prevent cardiovascular events, such as a heart attack, stroke or vascular death.
Learn more about the latest in treatment options available for PAD.
Vascular Access for Hemodialysis and Chemotherapy
If you suffer from kidney failure and are on hemodialysis, you may require a surgical procedure to create a connection between a vein and an artery for access to the dialysis machine. The options include grafts (connecting a vein to an artery using a
soft plastic tube) or fistulas (a surgical connection of an artery and a vein).
If you’re undergoing long-term treatments that deliver medicine or nutrients through the bloodstream, such as chemotherapy, a vascular surgeon can place a flexible plastic tube (catheter) into a blood vessel. This allows easier access when it is
necessary to draw blood or deliver medications and nutrients into the bloodstream over a longer period of time.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that forms in a vein deep in the body. Most deep vein clots occur in the lower leg or thigh. A deep vein thrombosis can break loose and cause a serious problem in the lung, called a pulmonary embolism. In certain
cases, a vascular surgeon can perform a minimally invasive treatment using a catheter to unblock the vein and reduce the chance for complications, such as pulmonary embolism and chronic venous insufficiency.
Varicose Veins and Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Inside veins are valves that work like flaps, keeping blood flowing toward your heart so it does not collect in one place. The valves in varicose veins are either damaged or missing, which causes the veins to stay filled with blood, especially while standing.
Chronic venous insufficiency is a long-term condition that occurs because a vein is partly blocked, or blood is leaking around the valves of the veins.
If you suffer from isolated superficial venous insufficiency and varicose veins, you may be able to find relief with minimally invasive treatments. Treatments can include vein ablation (use of a catheter and laser or radiofrequency energy to seal the
vein), varicose vein removal with combinations of sclerotherapy (injecting medicine into a vessel to cause it to shrink), laser therapy and limited surgical excision. Learn more about our vein treatment solutions
Complex Wound Management
Complex wounds include leg ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers, wound fistulae (an abnormal tunnel between two body cavities created by ruptured abscesses) and wounds that fail to heal. Treatment plans can include the use of:
- Negative pressure wound treatment (a vacuum is used draw wound edges together and remove infectious materials)
- Chemical/conservative or sharp removal of dead tissue
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (using repeated sessions in a hyperbaric chamber)
- Application of advanced biologic products
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