Have you ever felt pain in your legs while walking, noticed swelling, or had wounds that take too long to heal? These could be signs of problems with your blood vessels. A vascular surgeon is a doctor who treats these issues. If you're in Delhi and want to know what they do and when you might need one, this guide will help you understand.
Who is a Vascular Surgeon?
A vascular surgeon is a doctor who treats diseases of the blood vessels (arteries and veins). They help with conditions like varicose veins, blocked arteries, and blood clots. Unlike general surgeons, they focus only on blood circulation and offer both surgical and non-surgical treatments.
What Does a Vascular Surgeon Do?
A vascular surgeon:
- Finds and treats blood circulation problems
- Performs surgery and other non-surgical treatments
- Helps prevent stroke, blood clots, and limb loss
- Works with diabetes patients to manage blood flow issues
- Gives health tips to improve blood circulation
Common Conditions Treated by Vascular Surgeons
1. Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
- Arteries become narrow, reducing blood flow to legs
- Symptoms: Leg pain, numbness, slow-healing wounds
- Treatment: Walking, healthy diet, medicines, or surgery
2. Varicose Veins
- Swollen, twisted veins that look blue or dark purple
- Common in people who stand for long hours (teachers, shopkeepers)
- Treatment: Laser therapy, injections, or surgery
Laser Treatment for Varicose Veins in Delhi
3. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
- A blood clot forms in deep veins, mostly in the legs
- Symptoms: Swelling, pain, redness
- Causes: Obesity, long sitting hours, pregnancy
- Treatment: Blood thinners, compression stockings
4. Carotid Artery Disease
- Narrowed neck arteries, which can cause stroke
- Symptoms: Often, no symptoms until the stroke happens
- Treatment: Medicines, lifestyle changes, or surgery
5. Aneurysms
- A weak spot in a blood vessel that can burst
- Common areas: Abdomen, brain, chest
- Treatment: Regular checkups or surgery
When Should You See a Vascular Surgeon?
See a vascular surgeon if you have:
- Leg pain while walking
- Swollen legs or bulging veins
- Numbness or weakness in the arms or legs
- Wounds on feet or legs that don’t heal
- Sudden trouble seeing or speaking (sign of stroke)
How Vascular Surgeons Find the Problem
Step 1: Checkup & Questions
- Ask about symptoms, lifestyle, and family history
- Look for swelling, skin color changes, or weak pulses
Step 2: Tests
1. Doppler Ultrasound
- Uses sound waves to check blood flow
- Finds blocked or narrow arteries
2. Angiography
- Uses X-rays and dye to see blood flow
- Helps find blocked arteries
3. Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI)
- Measures blood pressure in the ankle and arm
- Used to check for poor circulation
How Vascular Diseases Are Treated
1. Healthy Lifestyle Changes
- Quit smoking (reduces risk by 50%)
- Exercise daily (improves circulation)
- Eat healthy food (low in fats and salt)
- Control diabetes and blood pressure
2. Medicines
- Blood thinners to prevent clotting (e.g., aspirin)
- Cholesterol-lowering drugs (e.g., statins)
- Pain relievers for leg pain
Note: Always consult with a doctor before using any medicine.
3. Small Procedures
Laser Treatment (for Varicose Veins & Spider Veins)
- Uses laser energy for damaged veins
- Minimally invasive; no incisions needed
- Quick recovery with little to no downtime
Angioplasty & Stenting
- A balloon opens blocked arteries, and a stent keeps it open
- Less pain, quick recovery
Sclerotherapy (for Varicose Veins)
- A liquid is injected into veins to close them
- Good for both medical and cosmetic reasons
4. Surgery
Bypass Surgery
- A new path is created for blood to flow
- Used for severe PAD cases
Carotid Endarterectomy
- Removes plaque from neck arteries
- Lowers stroke risk by 50% (Source: American Heart Association)
How to Find the Best Vascular Surgeon in Delhi
Things to Check:
- Experience (Check their years of practice)
- Hospital Facilities (Look for advanced treatments like laser treatment)
- Patient Reviews (Read real feedback online)
- Success Rate (Ask about past surgeries)
- Non-Surgical Options (Surgery isn’t always needed)
Myths vs. Facts About Vascular Surgeons
Myth | Fact |
Vascular surgeons only perform surgery | They also offer non-surgical treatments like lifestyle changes, medications, and minimally invasive procedures (laser therapy) |
You need a referral to see a vascular surgeon | Many vascular surgeons accept patients without a referral |
Vascular surgeons only treat leg problems | They treat blood vessel issues throughout the body, including the neck, arms, and abdomen |
Tips for Healthy Blood Vessels
✅ Walk 30 minutes daily
✅ Maintain a healthy weight
✅ Keep blood sugar in control
✅ Drink water to keep blood thin
✅ Avoid sitting for too long (take breaks)
✅ Get regular health checkups
Study Background: Education and Training of a Vascular Surgeon
Vascular surgeons undergo rigorous education and training to become experts in their field. The typical path includes:
- MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) – 5.5 years in India.
- MS in General Surgery – A 3-year postgraduate specialisation.
- MCh in Vascular Surgery or Fellowship – Additional training in vascular procedures.
- Hands-on experience – Years of surgical practice under expert supervision.
This extensive training ensures vascular surgeons have the skills to handle complex vascular conditions effectively.
FAQs About Vascular Surgeons
Q1: Do vascular surgeons only perform surgeries?
No, they also provide non-surgical treatments, including lifestyle recommendations, medications, and minimally invasive procedures (laser treatment).
Q2: What is the difference between a vascular surgeon and a cardiologist?
A vascular surgeon focuses on blood vessels throughout the body, while a cardiologist specialises in heart-related issues.
Q3: Is vascular surgery painful?
Minimally invasive procedures cause little discomfort, while open surgeries may require recovery time and pain management.
Q4: How can I prevent vascular diseases?
Healthy eating, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking can reduce your risk.
Q5: Where can I find a trusted vascular surgeon in North India?
Essentia Medicals collaborates with experienced vascular surgeons and specialists to provide top-quality care.
Essentia Medicals: Home of The Experts
Essentia Medicals has been providing top-quality healthcare since 2012, working closely with the best doctors and hospitals in North India. Our goal is to ensure affordable and high-quality treatments without compromising on standards.
- Collaborates with experienced vascular surgeons and specialists
- Over 15,000 successful surgeries
- Continuous upgrades in technology for better patient outcomes
Need expert care? Call us today at +91-98-116-116-70 to schedule a consultation.