vaskulaarikirurgi

Vaskulaarikirurgi, or vascular surgery, is a specialized field of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of diseases and conditions affecting the vascular system. This system includes arteries, veins, and lymphatic vessels throughout the body, excluding those within the heart and brain, which are handled by cardiac and neurosurgeons respectively.

Vascular surgeons perform both open surgical procedures and minimally invasive endovascular techniques. Open surgery involves traditional incisions to access and repair blood vessels, while endovascular procedures utilize catheters and guidewires inserted through small punctures, often in the groin or arm, to treat conditions from within the vessel.

Common conditions treated by vascular surgeons include peripheral artery disease (PAD), which restricts blood flow to the limbs; aortic aneurysms, a dangerous widening of the aorta; carotid artery disease, which can lead to stroke; deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot in a deep vein; and varicose veins. They also manage vascular access for dialysis patients.

Diagnosis typically involves physical examination, medical history, and imaging studies such as ultrasound, CT scans, MRI, and angiography. Treatment options are tailored to the specific condition, patient's overall health, and the severity of the disease. Prevention and lifestyle modifications are also an important part of vascular care. The goal of vascular surgery is to restore proper blood flow, prevent complications like limb loss or stroke, and improve the patient's quality of life.