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Answer - Vascular surgery is open surgery involving large incisions, while endovascular surgery uses catheters and small incisions to repair blood vessels from inside.
Answer - Conditions include aneurysms, carotid artery disease, peripheral arterial disease (PAD), varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and vascular access for dialysis.
Answer - In many cases, yes. Endovascular procedures typically involve less pain, smaller incisions, shorter recovery times, and lower infection risk, but not all patients are candidates.
Answer - Depends on the type. Endovascular surgeries often use local or regional anesthesia, while open surgeries may require general anesthesia.
Answer - For endovascular procedures, you might go home the same day or after 1–2 days. Open surgeries may require a 3–7 day hospital stay, depending on complexity.
Answer - Endovascular: 1–2 weeks
Open vascular: 4–8 weeks or longer, depending on the procedure and your health status.
Answer - Sometimes. Especially after bypass surgery or limb-saving procedures, rehabilitation may be recommended to improve mobility and circulation.
Answer - They can provide long-term benefits, but arteries can re-narrow or new problems can develop. Lifelong surveillance and risk factor control are essential.
Answer - Yes. You may need blood thinners, cholesterol medication, antiplatelets, or blood pressure control drugs long-term.
Answer - Risks include bleeding, infection, blood clots, kidney problems (from contrast), nerve injury, or re-narrowing (restenosis).
Answer - Yes. Surgery treats existing blockages, but underlying vascular disease may progress if risk factors (like smoking, high cholesterol) aren't managed.
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Answer - Most patients experience improved walking ability, especially after surgery for PAD. However, improvement may be gradual and may require therapy.
Answer - Not immediately. You can typically resume driving 1–2 weeks after endovascular surgery and 3–6 weeks after open surgery, depending on your recovery and provider's advice.
Answer - Regular ultrasounds or CT scans to monitor stents or grafts
Lab tests for kidney function and medication levels
Vascular clinic visits every 6–12 months
Answer - Most endovascular procedures cause minimal discomfort. Open surgeries can cause more pain initially, but this is managed with medications.
Answer - Yes, open surgery leaves visible scars. Endovascular procedures leave small puncture marks or very small scars, usually in the groin or wrist.
Answer - Your vascular surgeon will assess based on imaging (ultrasound, CT angiography), symptom severity and risk of complications like stroke or aneurysm rupture.
Answer - After recovery, yes. But wait 1–4 weeks, especially after major surgery. Always discuss with your doctor, particularly if you have risk of blood clots.
Answer - Yes. Most medically necessary vascular and endovascular procedures are covered by insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid, but always verify coverage with your provider.
