Expert Treatment of Common Peripheral Vascular Problems

Aneurysms

Abdominal aortic aneurysms result from expansion of a weakened aorta like a balloon. An aneurysm seldom causes symptoms, but can be a deadly condition if it ruptures. Fortunately, aneurysms can be treated with a variety of procedures depending on their size, location, and specific characteristics. We offer a full range of operations--both minimally invasive and open repairs--to treat aortic and peripheral vascular aneurysms.

Each patient is evaluated and considered for endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms. Our fully trained surgeons have access to numerous devices available for aneurysm repair, allowing optimal treatment selection in each patient. These minimally invasive procedures are performed in a specialized endovascular suite with state-of-the-art imaging equipment. While traditional aortic aneurysm operations required a long incision in the abdomen, endovascular repair with stent-grafts allow aneurysms to be repaired through small, minimally visible groin incisions. This new technology has resulted in quicker patient recovery and discharge from the hospital one to two days after repair.

For patients in whom endovascular repair cannot be performed, our surgeons are also trained in a laparoscopic approach to the abdominal aorta, allowing repair of the aorta with minimal incisions.

Peripheral Arterial Disease

Peripheral arterial disease is most often caused by atherosclerosis, or "hardening of the arteries," and can result in a range of symptoms from leg cramps with exercise (claudication) to severe pain in the feet even at rest (rest pain). Untreated, this can progress to gangrene and limb loss.

Our vascular surgeons are trained to treat peripheral arterial disease using medical, interventional, and surgical techniques. The treatment plan is individualized for each patient and depends on the severity of symptoms, location of the disease, and other patient factors.

For some cases, our surgeons will help a patient control their cardiovascular risk factors, prescribe medical treatment, and advise an exercise program. For more serious cases, our surgeons may treat a patient with transluminal balloon angioplasty--inserting a catheter to open an arterial narrowing or blockage. The most serious cases may be treated with bypass grafting. In this procedure, the surgeon attaches an alternative blood vessel (either a prosthetic tube or the patient's own vein) to the blocked artery, creating a new and unobstructed passage for the blood to flow. To optimize recovery of our patients, we use minimally invasive options including the use of small incisions to harvest vein whenever possible.

Cerebrovascular Insufficiency

Also known as carotid artery disease, this condition is characterized by a narrowing in one or both of the two carotid arteries in the neck, and can lead to stroke. Most frequently, the narrowing results from atherosclerosis, or "hardening of the arteries," which can be associated with high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and other health problems.

Plaque forms in the carotid artery in the neck, a blood vessel which normally provides blood flow to the brain. If the carotid artery becomes narrowed enough, tiny blood clots and pieces of plaque can break off, travel to the brain, and cause a stroke or mini-stroke (TIA).

University of Chicago surgeons work in a multidisciplinary team with neurologists and interventionalists to provide optimal care to patients with carotid artery disease. Our vascular laboratory provides ultrasound imaging options for carotid artery disease which can often preclude further invasive testing. Treatment plans--including medical, interventional, and surgical options--are individualized for each patient. Our surgeons may elect to medically treat and closely follow patients with mild carotid artery disease. For more severe disease, carotid artery stenting or surgical removal of the plaque inside the carotid artery (carotid endarterectomy) may be performed to reduce the risk of stroke.

Our staff is knowledgeable and fully trained in minimally invasive and surgical techniques, providing the patient with a full range of options. We also provide both medical, interventional, and surgical treatment of less common cerebrovascular conditions--such as fibromuscular dysplasia, vertebral artery disease, subclavian artery disease, and aneurysms in the blood vessels of the neck.

Venous Disease

Venous disease occurs most frequently in the lower extremities. The most common disorders are inflammation of the vein, deep vein thrombosis, and chronic venous insufficiency--including varicose veins. Deep vein thrombosis is often treated with an anticoagulation agent administered by a vascular surgeon. Chronic venous insufficiency may be treated by vein valve reconstruction. At the University of Chicago Medical Center, varicose veins are often treated medically with special stockings or injected medications. Such injection of sclerosing medication, or sclerotherapy, can be further optimized by using ultrasound localization with our state-of-the-art vascular lab facilities. In rare cases, varicose veins may be treated by surgically removing the vein.

More Information

• Services Offered
• Peripheral Vascular Problems
• Why Choose Us?