Vascular Surgery:
Better Care for Better Blood Flow

Vascular surgeons have received specialized training in performing procedures that affect your blood flow. At Bristol Health, our expert surgeons use many different techniques to diagnose blood vessel problems and correct issues that could put your health at risk.
 
Our vascular surgeons perform procedures such as:

Carotid Angiogram

A carotid angiogram uses a special dye and X-ray technology to study the blood flow in your carotid artery, which provides blood to your face and brain. For this procedure, your vascular surgeon inserts a thin tube (catheter) through an incision in your leg and guides it up into your carotid artery in your neck. They then inject a dye which shows how blood flows and reveals any narrowing or blockages in the carotid artery.

 

Carotid Endarterectomy

If the carotid artery becomes narrowed or blocked by plaque, it can put you at high risk for a stroke. During a carotid endarterectomy, your vascular surgeon uses a single incision to clear out plaque and help open up the artery, reducing your stroke risk.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Repair

Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) are weakened areas of the aorta, the major blood vessel that runs from your heart to your lower body. These weakened areas can bulge out (form an aneurysm), putting you at risk for a life-threatening condition called aortic dissection. Vascular surgeons can use minimally invasive procedures to strengthen the aorta with a stent (a mesh metal tube) and prevent blood from flowing into the aneurysm. This procedure reduces your risk for aortic dissection.

Peripheral Artery Bypass (PAB) Surgery

Peripheral artery bypass (PAB) is surgery to reroute the blood supply around a blocked artery.

Endovascular/Angiography of Peripheral Arteries

Peripheral vascular angiography is a diagnostic test that involves injecting a contrast dye through a catheter into the peripheral arteries. The radiologist then use X-rays to pick up the areas where the contrast dye shows plaque buildup in the arteries.

AV Fistula/Hemodialysis Access

An AV fistula is a connection that's made between an artery and a vein for dialysis access. A surgical procedure is required to stitch together two vessels to create an AV fistula.