Vascular Surgery

An aortic aneurysm is an abnormal bulge in the wall of the aorta, the body's largest artery. An aneurysm in the abdomen is an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).

The Heart and Vascular Center vascular surgery team specializes in both AAA and thoracoabdominal aneurysms that affect the chest and abdomen.

Learn more about Aortic diseases including aneurysms and dissections

A vascular malformation is a type of abnormal growth or development of blood vessels, usually present at birth. These malformations can occur in any part of the body and can involve arteries, veins, capillaries, or lymphatic vessels. Vascular malformations can range from mild and harmless to life-threatening. Since vascular malformations are usually present at birth, there is no known way to prevent them. However, early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications and improve outcomes.

Learn more about arteriovenous malformations

The carotid arteries are two large arteries on each side of the neck that supply oxygen-rich blood to the brain. Carotid artery disease occurs when plaque builds up in these arteries.

The first sign of the condition might be a stroke or transient ischemic attack. A transient ischemic attack (TIA) can be the prelude to a full-blown stroke. A TIA is like a stroke but without brain damage. It may present with sudden and temporary onset of visual, speech, language, balance, strength or sensation disturbances.

Critical ischemic limb disease occurs when an artery in the legs is partially or completely blocked by atherosclerotic plaque, limiting blood flow and reducing the amount of oxygen supplied to the extremities.

This is the most severe form of peripheral arterial disease and patients with critical limb ischemia are at risk for tissue necrosis and limb loss.

Learn more about Critical Limb Ischemia

A diabetic foot wound or ulcer is an open sore or wound that occurs in about 15 percent of patients with diabetes and it is commonly located on the bottom of the foot. Approximately six percent of patients with diabetic foot ulcers develop infections or other complications that often require an inpatient stay in a hospital. A devastating consequence for a percentage of these patients is amputation, but proper care can sometimes prevent such an extreme outcome.

Learn more about coordinated care for diabetic foot ulcers

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can occur when plaque builds up in the arteries that carry blood to the legs and arms.

Treatment for PAD begins with making lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, exercising, lowering cholesterol and blood pressure levels and managing diabetes.

There are also medications that can help. If the condition persists, PAD can be treated using minimally invasive procedures, such as balloon angioplasty, stenting, and atherectomy (plaque removal). Traditional surgery may be an option for patients who are not candidates for the minimally invasive techniques.

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) occurs when there is compression or squeezing to the blood vessels or nerves below the neck. It can cause pain in the shoulder, arm and neck. TOS can have varied causes.

This aneurysm affects the aorta in the chest and abdominal regions. It is usually asymptomatic and often detected incidentally or through surveillance in patients with chronic aortic dissection disease. HVC cardiothoracic surgeons and vascular surgeons work with a multidisciplinary team to provide care and treatment of these aneurysms.

Learn more about Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Yale New Haven Health offers treatment for venous disorders including spider veins, varicose veins, chronic venous insufficiency, and venous ulcers.

Varicose veins appear as swollen or raised leg veins and are often blue or dark red in color. They result from a weakness in the vein walls. They almost always occur in the legs (because gravity makes it harder for blood to flow upward), but they can show up anywhere on the body. A milder version of varicose veins usually seen in the legs is often called “spider veins,” which are typically smaller and thinner.