Health Information

Vascular Surgery

What is it?

Vascular surgery is a specialty dedicated to the evaluation and treatment of diseases and conditions affecting the arteries and veins. These diseases include life-threatening aneurysms and blockages that slow or stop blood flow to the brain, limbs and vital organs. If untreated, blood vessel problems can result in serious damage, such as limb-loss, kidney failure or stroke.

Vascular surgeons focus on preventing threatening conditions, while working to maintain each patient's quality of life. This is accomplished through timely repair of aneurysms; stroke prevention with carotid artery surgery; and restoration of blood flow to threatened legs and organs with a variety of techniques.

UHN Resources

UHN Brochures and Pamphlets

• AVM/Aneurysm Peer Mentor Program
• Carotid & Intracranial Stenosis Angioplasty and Stenting Procedure
• Carotid Endarterectomy - Going Home after Surgery
• Vein Surgery
• Venous Ulcer Prevention
• Why Do I Need a Carotid Endarterectomy

UHN Clinics or Centres

• AVM Clinic
• Brain Vascular Malformation
• Neurovascular - Neural & Sensory Science
• Peter Munk Cardiac Centre
• Vascular Centre
• Vascular Surgery - Heart & Circulation

Related Web Sites

• Peripheral Vascular Surgery Society – Patient Information
  This site provides information with questions and answers about common vascular diseases and their treatment.
• University of South Carolina, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery
  A guide to the heart and lung surgery process focuses on the needs and questions of the surgery patient.
• Vascular Web
  Information about common vascular conditions, tests and treatments from the Society of Vascular Surgery.

Support Groups

• Cardiac Surgery Family Support
• Cardiac Pre and Post-Operative Visiting Program