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Getting to Know Your Vascular Care Team
When it comes to your vascular health, a team of skilled healthcare professionals works together to provide the best care possible. Each member plays an important role in diagnosing, treating, and managing conditions that affect your blood vessels (arteries and veins). The goal of your care team should be to find the right treatment for you, ensuring you get comprehensive, effective care. Here are the specialists you might meet:
Vascular Surgeon
Vascular surgeons are doctors with focused training in diagnosing vascular conditions, medical and lifestyle treatment of these conditions and performing surgeries and minimally invasive procedures that involve blood vessels (except for those in heart and the brain). They are experts in treating conditions like blocked arteries, aneurysms, and varicose veins. Vascular surgeons can perform both open surgeries and minimally invasive procedures (like angioplasty or stenting) to improve blood flow. They are the only doctors who can manage all aspects of vascular care, from imaging, diagnosis and vascular health maintenance to procedures and long-term care. Because of their comprehensive skill set, they can partner with you to offer a personalized treatment plan.
Did you know a vascular surgeon does far more than surgery?
Your vascular surgeon will take time to explain all the treatment options for your vascular health issues. While vascular surgeons can perform all types of vascular intervention, many problems can be treated with medication or exercise. Even if you don’t need surgery, they are still likely to play an important role in managing your care. As one vascular surgeon explained – “I spend 80 percent of my time trying to talk my patients out of having surgery.”
Did you know a vascular surgeon is able to do every kind of procedure?
Some specialists, like interventional cardiologists or radiologists, focus on one or two kinds of vascular interventions, so their patients tend to get those treatments. Vascular surgeons are trained in everything from complex “open” surgery to less invasive procedures (called endovascular) that only result in a small incision. Your vascular surgeon will help determine what treatment makes the most sense for you, whether it’s surgery or not.
Did you know that vascular surgeons often build long-term relationships with patients?
Some types of surgeons come into your life to perform a procedure, make sure you heal, and then leave - that’s their role. Vascular surgeons often have long-term relationships with patients because vascular disease can be a long-term condition. If you have vascular disease, you can trust a vascular surgeon to care about your long-term health and help you consider all your options.
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Interventional Cardiologist
Interventional cardiologists are heart doctors who specialize in treating the blood vessels around the heart. They use minimally invasive techniques (like stents or balloons to open blocked arteries). While they focus on the heart, they can also treat some vascular conditions that affect the rest of the body.
Interventional Radiologist
Interventional radiologists are doctors who use medical imaging (like X-rays) to guide minimally invasive procedures. They can treat vascular conditions without surgery, often using techniques like those used by vascular surgeons and interventional cardiologists to place stents or use catheters to treat blockages. They are experts in using imaging technology to see inside the body. This helps them treat conditions in blood vessels and other areas.
Vascular Medicine Specialist
Vascular medicine specialists are doctors who complete an extra year of training learning to diagnose and treat vascular conditions after their standard residency. They rely on medications and lifestyle changes. They do not perform surgery, but some may have received training in minimally invasive techniques. They are experts in managing chronic vascular conditions like deep vein thrombosis (DVT), peripheral artery disease (PAD), and blood clotting disorders. Their goal is to prevent and manage vascular problems through non-procedural methods.
Vascular Nurse
Vascular nurses are trained to care for patients with vascular conditions. They may assist with procedures, provide patient education, and help manage long-term treatment plans. Vascular nurses work with your doctors to make sure you get the care and information you need.
Primary Care Provider
Your primary care provider (PCP) could be a doctor, nurse practitioner or physician assistant. They are often the first provider you see for your overall health. They play an important role in keeping your vascular system healthy by focusing on prevention, early detection, and managing risk factors. If they suspect a vascular issue, they will refer you to a vascular surgeon or specialist and help monitor your care.
Each of these specialists has years of training in their field. Depending on your condition, you may work with one or more members of this team. Their goal is to work together, combining their expertise to provide the best care for your vascular health.
Other Providers
Other providers that can be an important part of your care team depending on what other conditions you have:
- General Cardiologist
- Nephrologist
- Endocrinologist
- Neurologist
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