Advanced Vascular Surgical Expertise
Our expert vascular and endovascular surgeons, trained at some of the most advanced academic centers in the nation, use cutting-edge procedures as a standard of care. We also train the next generation of surgeons with these innovative techniques.
The vascular surgeons at Piedmont offer the most up-to-date and minimally invasive procedures, including percutaneous endovascular aneurysm repair (PEVAR), fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair (FEVAR) and trans-carotid stenting (TCAR). These procedures eliminate many of the risks of open surgery, leading to shorter hospital stays and quicker recovery. The vascular surgery group also participates in myriad clinical trials and is helping to define the future standard of care.
Vascular Conditions & Treatments
Our team of vascular specialists provides care for routine and complex vascular and endovascular conditions and diseases:
Carotid Artery Disease
Plaque build-up or the narrowing of the carotid arteries is known as carotid artery disease. A serious issue that can lead to stroke, our vascular experts at Piedmont Heart Institute care for a range of issues and conditions with precise treatments:
- Atherosclerosis - plaque build-up
- Blood clots
- Mini stroke, also called transient ischemic attack (TIA)
- Removal of plaque and clots from the carotid arteries
- Endovascular stent surgery to open arteries
- Surgical removal of blockage
Peripheral Artery Disease
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a serious but treatable circulatory problem that restricts blood flow, most commonly in the arteries of the legs. Our team treats PAD with vascular specialists through minimally invasive endovascular and traditional open procedures, depending on the disease pathology.
Aneurysms
An aneurysm is an enlargement of an artery due to a weakening of the artery's wall. Generally, without symptoms, they can be life-threatening if weakened to the point of rupture. With expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of a range of aneurysm identification and repair, our vascular specialists are experts in the following conditions and treatments:
- Aortic aneurysm
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm
- Endovascular stent-graft surgery
- Emergency surgery, if ruptured
- Peripheral aneurysm
- Stenting to remove blockage
- Surgical repair
- Thoracic aortic aneurysm
Venous Disease
Chronic venous disease (CVD) results in diseased or abnormal veins and limits blood flow back to the heart. Our vascular specialists at Piedmont Heart Institute diagnose and repair the following with various treatments, including those available at our Piedmont Vein Clinic.
- Blood clots
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Endoscopic perforator surgery
- Endovascular surgical repair
- Sclerotherapy
- Spider veins
- Surgical repair
- Varicose veins
- Vein transplant
- Venous insufficiency
Hemodialysis
Our vascular specialists at Piedmont Heart Institute provide expertise in dialysis access and the placement of devices within arteries and veins for patients with kidney disease. Prior to regular hemodialysis sessions, it is necessary to have a vascular surgeon adequately prepare the site on your body where blood is removed, filtered and then returned during dialysis.
Level 1 Vascular Program
Utilizing the full resources and advanced technology at Piedmont Heart Institute, our Level I Vascular Program saves lives in emergency situations. We are a destination of choice for accepting urgent or emergency referrals from across the region. Some of the common vascular emergencies we treat include:
- Symptomatic/ruptured abdominal and thoracic aortic aneurysms
- Pulmonary embolism
- Aortic dissection
- Lower extremity/limb-salvage vascular emergency
- Catastrophic abdominal vascular emergency
- Carotid artery disease
- Thoracic outlet syndrome
- Iliofemoral venous obstruction
We also partner with the Piedmont Aortic Center to treat complex aortic conditions.
Innovations in Vascular Care
Innovations in our clinical care include:
- Level 1 Vascular Program
- Ambulatory vein care
- Venous Thromboembolism Program for PE and DVT
- Carotid endarterectomy (CEA)/carotid artery stenting (CAS) Clinical Pathway
- Device trials
- Founding member of the National PERT Consortium to advance best practices in pulmonary embolism care
What to Expect with Vascular Diagnostics and Procedures
Quality, safety and improved outcomes are the foundation of our program. We use conscious sedation, when appropriate, as an efficient and safer process so patients can respond with instant feedback. This process also improves recovery.
We help our patients and family members understand what to expect from vascular surgery. Recovery is generally within about a week for most routine procedures such as aneurysms and carotid repair. Our team works with patients and families to carefully educate them about surgery and what to expect after surgery for optimal recovery.
Vascular Wellness
Our specialists recommend low-impact exercises to improve vascular health and wellness and reduce your risk of vascular disease. In addition to improving overall health, our specialists can help with blood pressure control, monitoring blood sugar, good sleep habits, strong nutritional choices and an exercise plan that you will enjoy. Learn more about improving your vascular and heart health through our Living Better articles.