Vascular and Endovascular 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).

Numerous factors can contribute to AAA including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and genetics. Most abdominal aortic aneurysms do not cause symptoms. However, they can be life-threatening if they grow too large and rupture or burst. An aneurysm can be found on imaging studies intended for other reasons or can be identified on screening ultrasounds for patients over age 55 who have a history of tobacco use or a strong family history of aneurysms.

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

Patient Care Treatment

Depending on aneurysm size, treatment may include medication to control blood pressure and cholesterol or aneurysm repair by vascular surgeons. This may be through an open surgical operation or, more commonly, endovascular, minimally invasive techniques. Our skilled aortic surgery team has excellent surgical outcomes.

Post-surgical care

Most patients undergoing endovascular aneurysm repair will be able to return home on the day after surgery. Patients undergoing open repair will typically stay in the hospital four to seven days. After surgery, your vascular surgeon will monitor you regularly using either ultrasound or CT scans to evaluate your repair. These tests are usually performed on an annual basis.

Aortic Surveillance Program

The Heart and Vascular Center Aortic Surveillance Program provides long-term monitoring of a patient’s aorta for those with aortic disease (e.g., aneurysm, dissection, ulcer, and hematoma) and those who have had surgery involving the aorta.

Learn more about the Aortic Surveillance Program

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.

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.

Bridgeport Hospital 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.