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.
Pacemaker Placement
A pacemaker monitors your heart rate and delivers small electrical shocks if it becomes too slow or irregular. A surgeon can implant this small device, no bigger than a matchbook, under the skin of your chest. Small wires, called leads, are then directed through your blood vessels and into your heart. These wires will deliver the electrical shock if necessary and help your heart pump blood normally.
Port Placement
A port is a small device that helps your medical team deliver medicine or draw blood quickly without multiple needle sticks. You may need a port if you receive infusions often, such as for cancer treatment. A vascular surgeon can place a port in a blood vessel in your chest or in your arm during a quick procedure that only requires local anesthetic. The port will stay in place throughout your treatment and can easily be removed when treatment is over.
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.