Vaskulaarkirurgi

Vaskulaarkirurgi, or vascular surgery, is a surgical specialty that focuses on disorders of the body’s blood vessels. The field covers arteries, veins and, to a lesser extent, the lymphatic system, using a range of open surgical and endovascular techniques.

The specialty addresses a broad spectrum of conditions, including peripheral arterial disease, carotid artery disease, abdominal aortic and other aneurysms, venous insufficiency, deep vein thrombosis, varicose veins, and dialysis access issues. Treatments aim to restore or improve blood flow, relieve symptoms, and reduce risk of life- or limb-threatening events.

Procedures in vascular surgery include open operations such as bypass grafting, endarterectomy, and aneurysm repair; endovascular interventions such as angioplasty with stent placement, atherectomy and embolization; venous interventions such as vein stripping or laser ablation; and the creation and maintenance of arteriovenous fistulas or grafts for hemodialysis.

Diagnostics and planning rely on imaging modalities like duplex ultrasonography, CT angiography, and MR angiography to map vessels and evaluate disease severity. These tools help determine the most appropriate approach, whether open surgery or minimally invasive endovascular techniques.

Training and practice vary by country but generally require extensive medical education followed by a residency in surgery and a subspecialty fellowship in vascular surgery. Board certification or formal recognition of the vascular surgery specialty is common in many regions, reflecting its specialized expertise and standards of care.

Outcomes in vascular surgery depend on disease type and patient comorbidities; the goals are to prevent stroke or limb loss, relieve symptoms, and improve quality of life. Risks include bleeding, infection, stroke, myocardial infarction, graft or stent occlusion, and nerve injury.