Vascular Surgeon

Conditions Treated

• •Varicose Veins — Enlarged, twisted veins in the legs caused by faulty valves. Very common in people who stand for long hours.
• •Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) — Narrowing of arteries supplying the legs, usually from atherosclerosis. Common in diabetics and smokers.
• •Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) — Blood clot forming in deep leg veins. Can travel to lungs causing life-threatening pulmonary embolism.
• •Diabetic Foot — Foot complications from diabetes — neuropathy, poor circulation, and infection leading to ulcers and potential amputation.
• •Carotid Artery Disease — Narrowing of neck arteries supplying the brain, increasing stroke risk.

Health Tips

• •Walk daily to improve leg circulation
• •Don't cross legs for long periods
• •Elevate legs when resting if you have varicose veins
• •Check feet daily if you have diabetes
• •Stay hydrated and move during long flights

How to Prepare for Your Visit

• •Bring Doppler ultrasound reports if available — this is the key investigation for most vascular conditions
• •Note when and how your symptoms occur — walking distance before pain, position that relieves symptoms
• •List medications including blood thinners, diabetes drugs, and cholesterol medications
• •Bring photographs of wound progression if you have a non-healing ulcer
• •Show the affected area — wear loose clothing that allows easy examination of legs
• •Mention smoking history honestly — including how much and for how long
• •Discuss diabetes control — HbA1c levels directly affect wound healing and surgery outcomes
• •Ask about compression stockings — type, pressure grade, and how to use them correctly
• •Wear prescribed compression stockings daily — they prevent varicose vein progression and DVT recurrence
• •Walk daily — walking is the single best exercise for peripheral artery disease
• •Check feet daily if diabetic — catch wounds early before they become serious
• •Take blood thinners exactly as prescribed — missed doses increase clotting risk

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

• •Do my varicose veins need treatment or just monitoring?
• •Is laser/radiofrequency treatment an option instead of surgery?
• •What is my risk of amputation?
• •How long do I need blood thinners for DVT?
• •Will I need angioplasty or bypass for my leg arteries?
• •How can I prevent this from worsening?

When to See a Specialist

A Vascular Surgeon treats conditions of arteries and veins (excluding heart and brain vessels).

• •Varicose veins causing pain or swelling
• •Peripheral artery disease — leg pain when walking
• •Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
• •Aortic aneurysm
• •Diabetic foot with poor circulation
• •Non-healing leg ulcers
• •Dialysis access creation (AV fistula)

Seek emergency care for sudden severe leg pain with blue/cold foot (possible arterial blockage), or sudden leg swelling with chest pain (DVT with pulmonary embolism).