With India becoming the diabetic capital of the world, it is no surprise that Indians are at a critical risk of developing peripheral arterial diseases or PAD. It is estimated that around 27% of the population is at risk of developing PAD, one of the many vascular conditions requiring care by a vascular surgeon. Read on to learn more about different types of vascular surgery.
What are Vascular Diseases?
Conditions that affect the circulatory system are called vascular diseases. This could include diseases of the arteries, veins, lymph vessels and blood disorders that affect blood circulation. Common vascular diseases include peripheral artery disease, atherosclerosis, carotid artery disease, and deep vein thrombosis. Some conditions that lead to vascular diseases include age, smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, injury, and infection.
What are the Different Types of Vascular Surgeries?
There are different types of vascular surgeries while some are open surgeries, and some are less invasive procedures. Some of the most common vascular surgery procedures treat conditions that affect the veins, arteries, and lymphatic vessels. Some of the common vascular surgery procedures include:
Endovascular Procedures
This minimally invasive procedure involves making small incisions and requires a shorter recovery time with little risk of negative outcomes. The procedure involves placing a thin, flexible tube called a catheter into the blood vessels to perform different procedures. Depending on the procedure, the doctor may insert various tools and medications. Some common vascular surgery procedures under this process include ablation, angioplasty, stent placement, stent graft placement, and thrombolytic therapy.
Open Surgery
As the name suggests, the procedure involves accessing the blood vessel directly by making a large incision. This procedure may take a longer recovery time and a more extended hospital stay. Open surgeries are now less common but still performed for some conditions like carotid artery diseases.
Sub Types of Vascular Surgeries
Now that we have classified the different types of vascular surgeries, here is a lowdown of the different surgeries to treat different conditions.
Carotid Artery Surgery
Carotid artery surgeries are performed to remove blockages on either of the carotid arteries that carry oxygenated blood from the heart to the brain and the rest of the head. It is performed to reduce your chances of a stroke after a carotid artery disease. The procedure involves removing plaque buildup from the carotid artery.
Periphery Artery Bypass
This procedure involves bypassing the blocked artery, thereby rerouting blood to other blood vessels and restoring normal blood flow.
Angioplasty and Stenting
During angioplasty, the surgeon may suggest placing a tiny balloon catheter to treat a blocked artery. The balloon is inflated to open and relieve blockages when inside the blood vessel. Sometimes, a stent is placed in the now-opened blood vessel to ensure it stays open to allow blood fluids to flow freely.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair
This procedure helps treat a bulging abdominal aorta caused by damaged blood vessel walls due to high blood pressure or atherosclerosis. An abdominal aortic aneurysm is a minimally invasive procedure that can fix a bulged abdominal aorta, i.e., the large vessel that passes oxygenated blood from the heart to the abdomen and the rest of the body.
What are the Risks Associated With Different Types of Vascular Surgery?
While there are risks associated with most surgeries, vascular surgeries are particularly risky and must be complemented with lifestyle changes. Some common risks associated with different types of vascular surgeries include bleeding, infection, heart attack, stroke, kidney injury, nerve injury, blood clots, and in some cases, even death. The risks are especially prevalent in elderly patients and those with poor overall health.
Choosing a Reputable Heart Hospital in Nagercoil
Our highly qualified heart specialists in Nagercoil are skilled in performing vascular surgeries and caring for your vascular conditions. We can perform the most advanced vascular surgical procedures, from bypass surgeries to angioplasty and aneurysm repair. Visit us if you are looking for an experienced heart specialist in Nagercoil.