Vascular Disease Expertise You Can Count On
Our vascular experts can diagnose and treat the most serious vascular conditions with leading-edge solutions for greater healing.
We specialize in minimally invasive surgical techniques to promote faster healing and reduce pain and scarring, so you can reduce your time spent in the hospital and move past the uncertainty of vascular disease.
Our dedicated surgical team includes nurses, technicians, perfusionists and anesthesiologists who work with our vascular surgeons to provide expert care for:
- Aneurysm
- Carotid artery disease (CAD)
- Peripheral arterial disease (PAD)
- Stroke
- Venous diseases
- Deep-vein thrombosis
Count on our team to treat your vascular disease and care for your whole health in body, mind and spirit.
We’re here to help you find the right physician or a location that’s convenient for you.
World-Class Expertise, Whole-Person Care
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Experts in Minimally Invasive Procedures
Our physicians treat all arterial and venous conditions — and oftentimes with the latest minimally invasive surgical procedures for quicker healing and fewer side effects.
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State-of-the-Art Facilities
Our operating suites are specifically designed for cardiovascular surgery with the latest leading-edge equipment and technology required for the most complex cases.
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Better Outcomes for You
Your vascular system (arteries and veins) are in the best hands, as our local facilities have some of the best outcomes in the nation for treatment of vascular diseases.
Understanding Vascular Disease
Vascular disease refers to a variety of conditions affecting your blood vessels. These vessels are the pathways through which blood and oxygen are pumped to essential organs like the heart, brain and lungs, as well as the rest of the body.
Your body relies on an extensive network of arteries and veins to function normally. When a problem occurs anywhere along this system, we’re here to help you get the answers you need.
Our world-class physicians focus on finding the right plan of care for the whole you and are expertly trained in treating all types of vascular diseases, including:
- Venous diseases
- Peripheral arterial disease
- Aneurysmal disease
- Carotid artery disease
While some factors for vascular disease can be avoided and others can't, we’ll help you identify your risks and make a plan to treat the issues.
Common risk factors for vascular disease include:
- Alcohol: limit your alcohol consumption
- Autoimmune conditions
- Cholesterol: high LDL or low HDL
- Diabetes: increases the risk even when glucose levels are under control
- Diet and nutrition: a healthy diet is key to fighting cardiovascular disease
- Ethnicity: African, Asian, Mexican, and/or Native Americans have a higher risk
- Gender: men have a greater risk of vascular disease than women
- High blood pressure: 120/80 Hg or higher
- Increasing age: risk for both men and women increases significantly after 50+
- Physical inactivity: exercise is key to a healthier heart
- Stress: take steps to reduce or manage stress
- Tobacco use: smoking severely speeds up the rate of plaque formation and aneurysm occurrence
- Weight and obesity: maintain a healthy weight
By recognizing the risk factors that you can change, you can take control and break lifelong habits. With the help of your care team, you can start taking steps toward a healthier you.
If you have an arterial or venous condition, you won’t have to go far for comprehensive treatment. Our experts can provide many different treatments, most commonly:
Abdominal aortic aneurysm repair and replacement: Most commonly, the abdominal aortic aneurysm is repaired with a stent that excludes the aneurysm. Sometimes open surgery is required to remove the aneurysm and replace it with a graft.
Arterial bypass: To address certain types of aneurysms where blockages cannot be reopened with a balloon or stent, arterial bypass surgery is used.
Endarterectomy: During an endarterectomy, surgeons clean out an arterial blockage — commonly in the carotid artery (the artery to the brain). The inner layer of the artery that contains the plaque is cleaned out and often repaired with a patch to minimize the risk of the blockage recurring.
Endovascular therapy: Endovascular therapy describes a group of minimally invasive techniques for treating arteries and veins.
Arterial blockages are treated via catheterization: a needle is placed into the artery and dye and X-rays identify the blockage. Then a balloon or stent is placed across the area and expanded to remove the blockage.
Varicose and spider vein therapy: We offer a variety of treatment options for vein problems. The most common procedure is called ablation. This is an office procedure in which an IV is inserted into the vein and the vein is “burned out.” Other treatment options include injection therapy (sclerotherapy) as well as phlebectomy in which small “nick” incisions are made and the veins are removed directly.
Transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR): This is a treatment option for carotid artery disease where a stent is implanted for long-term plaque stabilization and stroke prevention. This procedure is well-suited for someone at higher risk of complications.
It isn’t always possible to prevent vascular disease, but you can take action to lower your risk:
- Don’t smoke: nicotine causes blood vessels to narrow and restrict blood flow
- Eat healthily: eat lots of vegetables and lean meats
- Keep your blood pressure and cholesterol levels low
- Stay active: exercise regularly and maintain a healthy body weight
- Talk to your doctor: taking aspirin daily may help
Sometimes it takes more than lifestyle changes to keep your vascular disease symptoms under control. Once diagnosed, you and your care team will explore treatment options. Whether medication or surgery is recommended, your team will guide you throughout your plan of care.
Caring for the Spectrum of Vascular Diseases
- Aneurysm
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When an artery weakens, it creates a bulge in the artery wall. Any artery can be affected, but the most common is the abdominal aorta. Depending on the aneurysm’s location, it may be monitored instead of treated.
Tests to study aneurysms include ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) scans. Aneurysms can often be repaired with stents, but sometimes surgery is necessary. Stopping smoking and controlling your blood pressure can help prevent additional bulging.
Depending on its location, an aneurysmal disease can sometimes be diagnosed through a simple physical exam. To study the size and potential need for repair of the aneurysm, ultrasound or CT scans may be performed.
- Carotid Artery Disease (CAD)
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Your carotid arteries are the major arteries in your neck that supply blood to the brain. Carotid artery disease is a major cause of stroke in the United States.
Risk factors include tobacco use, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and advanced age. When symptoms occur and the blockage is 50% or higher, surgery or stenting is usually recommended.
To diagnose carotid artery disease, your physician will listen to your neck for a swooshing sound called a bruit, which may be a sign of a blockage. Further diagnosis is often done by ultrasound, X-ray or CT scan. Occasionally an MRI is needed.
- Deep-Vein Thrombosis
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Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a disorder that includes deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) develops when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the lower leg, thigh or pelvis.
A pulmonary embolism (PE) develops when a clot breaks loose and travels through the bloodstream to the lungs.
- Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)
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Peripheral arterial disease (PAD), also known as peripheral vascular disease (PVD), is a vascular disease that happens when plaque builds in the arteries, usually the legs.
Often, the first sign of PAD is pain or numbness in the calf while walking or climbing stairs. It can be treated with non-operative management, including lifestyle changes like diet and exercise. If invasive treatment is needed, an angiogram or catheterization can be performed, and surgical bypass may be necessary.
Diagnosing PAD involves a physical exam and an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI is done by measuring the blood pressure in the legs and comparing it to that of the arm. An ultrasound of the arteries and a CT scan may be done, too. Invasive testing includes angiography or catheterization, which allows for blockage treatment with a balloon or stent.
- Stroke
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A stroke happens when blood flow to a portion of the brain is blocked. After a few minutes without oxygen, brain cells begin to die. It can cause lasting brain damage, disability or even death.
Most importantly, a stroke is a medical emergency. Call 911 right away if you suspect a stroke in yourself or a loved one.
There are two main types of stroke, including:
- Ischemic stroke: This is the most common type, and happens when an artery in the neck or brain becomes blocked, often from a blood clot. This blockage prevents blood and oxygen from flowing to the brain, resulting in brain cell death.
- Hemorrhagic stroke: This type occurs when a blood vessel in the brain breaks, bleeding into the brain tissue. This also leads to the death of brain cells.
A transient ischemic stroke, also called a “mini-stroke,” is a short episode of stroke symptoms that does not cause permanent damage but can lead to a serious stroke in the future.
A stroke can include the sudden onset of:
- Loss of balance or coordination, difficulty walking and dizziness
- Difficulty seeing, double vision or loss of vision
- Numbness or weakness in the face, arms or legs (particularly on one side of the body)
- Difficulty speaking or understanding language
- Severe headache with no known cause (sometimes called a “thunderclap” headache)
When you understand stroke symptoms, you can be better prepared and empowered to recognize them and call 911 right away.
- Venous Diseases
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Venous diseases are abnormalities like varicose and spider veins.
Symptoms can include fatigue, aching, throbbing, heaviness in the legs, as well as discoloration and skin ulcerations.
Treatments include conservative, noninvasive management, as well as outpatient procedures like vein injections or removal.
To diagnose a venous disease, your doctor will evaluate your symptoms and your medical history. A physical exam can show if varicose veins are present. Ultrasound of the legs can identify clots in the vein as well as problems with vein function. Occasionally, a CT scan will be done to examine the veins in your abdomen and pelvis.
Vascular Surgeons Who Care About Your Comfort
When a surgical procedure is a necessary part of your treatment, you want the most compassionate and experienced surgeons at your side — and that’s what you can expect here. Our vascular surgeons will explain your options and answer every question you have, ensuring your comfort and safety at every step.
Expert, Award-Winning Care
Awarded High Performing Hospital in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair
AdventHealth Orlando is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a nationally rated leader in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair
Feel Whole With Support Groups and Rehab
A strong community encourages a strong heart. From connecting you with others through our cardiac support groups to helping you through our rehab programs as you recover after vascular surgery, we’re here to give you the guidance you need to feel whole.
Find Vascular Disease Care Near You
If you're facing a vascular disease, know that you don't have to go far for the expert care you deserve. Explore your options for treatment close to home at our locations.