Vascular Surgery FAQ from Dr. Bryan Tillman

February 21, 2023

Why do people need vascular surgery?

According to Dr. Tillman, the two most common reasons for vascular surgery are:

1. Blockages: when there’s no blood flowing due to conditions such as a clot or buildup of plaque (deposits of fat, calcium and other waste products) in the arteries

2. Aneurysms: when a blood vessel gets too large

How does a person typically get referred to a vascular surgeon?

“Most patients are referred to vascular surgeons by other doctors who identify the source of their problem. This can happen when you visit your podiatrist for a foot wound that’s not healing, or you complain to your primary doctor that your legs hurt all the time, which could be a sign of peripheral artery disease.

There are times, in the case of a trauma — such as an automobile accident — when a vascular surgeon is called into emergency surgery.

When you are referred to a vascular surgeon, your doctor will diagnose and recommend the best treatment for your condition. This can range from relatively minor issues, such as varicose veins, to more serious problems, such as aneurysms or arterial blockages. Surgery isn’t always the best option. At The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, we try to pursue the least-invasive options first before exploring surgical options.”

Read Dr. Tillman’s full article “Having vascular surgery? Here’s what you need to know” at Ohio State Health & Discovery.

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