Vascular Surgery Treatment Options

Our vascular surgery program dates back to 1952, when doctors at Henry Ford performed one of the world’s first aortic aneurysm repairs. Years later, our team of experts helped develop emerging treatments such as using man-made materials to reinforce weakened arteries.

Our vascular surgeons carefully evaluate your health and then recommend treatment options that best address your specific needs. With minimally invasive, open and hybrid approaches, we expertly treat conditions affecting your arteries and veins.

Minimally invasive procedures for vascular disease

Minimally invasive procedures require only needle punctures or small incisions to reach treatment areas. Our vascular surgeons have advanced training and extensive experience in these procedures, allowing them to successfully treat a wide variety of conditions.

We specialize in endovascular procedures, using catheters (thin, flexible tubes) to provide treatment inside blood vessels. We specialize in endovascular procedures such as:

• Angioplasty to open narrowed or blocked vessels, sometimes placing a tiny, metal-mesh tube (stent) to help keep vessels open
• Atherectomy to remove the buildup of cholesterol and other fatty substances from arteries
• Placement of stent grafts (fabric-covered, metal-mesh tubes) to repair or replace diseased sections of the aorta
• Thrombolysis, or thrombolytic therapy, to deliver clot-dissolving medication to blood clots

Benefits of endovascular procedures

Endovascular treatment provides an option for people who are too sick for open surgery or those who prefer to avoid it. Some of the benefits, compared with open surgery, include:

• Less blood loss during treatment
• Less pain afterward
• Shorter hospital stay, or none at all
• Faster recovery

Open surgery for vascular disease

Our vascular surgeons also have expertise with open surgery, which many centers no longer offer for vascular disease treatment. An open procedure can be the best option for:

• Areas with complex anatomy, such as the aortic arch, a curved section of the aorta near the heart
• Conditions that require several endovascular procedures versus just one open surgery
• Vascular disease complicated by infections
• People with connective tissue disorders
• Younger people who want to avoid long-term monitoring and possible complications of repeat testing

Hybrid procedures for vascular disease

Our vascular surgeons sometimes combine minimally invasive and open approaches to treat complex conditions. One example of these hybrid procedures is transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR) to open narrowed or blocked carotid arteries, which supply blood to the brain. Vascular surgery: Conditions we treat

Our vascular surgeons deliver lifesaving treatments for even the most complex forms and advanced stages of vascular disease. Conditions we treat include:

• Aortic disease: Our vascular surgeons were the first in Michigan to perform endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). They were also among the first to complete fenestrated EVAR, a more advanced form. In the Multidisciplinary Aorta Program, our surgeons lead the field in complex aortic repairs for aortic aneurysms and aortic dissections. Using the latest stent grafts, our team treats sections of the aorta that are difficult to access.
• Carotid artery disease: Our vascular surgeons are among the few teams in the country trained in TCAR, a hybrid procedure for carotid artery disease. The procedure briefly reverses blood flow in the carotid artery receiving treatment, reducing the risk of stroke.
• Peripheral artery disease (PAD): Our vascular surgeons provide treatments that keep you safe from serious complications of peripheral artery disease. Our team has years of experience with angioplasty and bypass to restore blood flow to your arms and legs.
• Deep vein and valve damage: Our skilled surgeons restore blood flow in damaged veins and valves deep in the legs. They have experience with both minimally invasive procedures and open surgery to do so. Learn more about deep vein thrombosis and chronic venous insufficiency.
• Thoracic outlet syndrome: Our vascular surgeons treat the arterial and venous forms of thoracic outlet syndrome. We work with colleagues in neurosurgery to coordinate your care for neurogenic (neurological) thoracic outlet syndrome.
• Varicose veins: Whether you want to improve your appearance or relieve pain from bulging and twisted veins, we can help. Our vascular experts provide advanced diagnosis and treatment for these varicose veins.