Vascular Surgery

Treatment for Vascular Disorders

At The GW Medical Faculty Associates, our vascular surgeons are highly experienced in the evaluation, prevention, management, treatment, and follow up care of all vascular disorders. Using state-of-the-art technology, we offer a full spectrum of management and treatment options, including minimally-invasive options for patients with vascular conditions that range from prevention to management and treatment of complex venous or arterial diseases, and everything in between.

We specialize in caring for patients with peripheral vascular disease, aneurysms, aortic dissection and carotid artery disease. Our commitment to patients is singular; our treatment regimens are diverse, including: non-invasive diagnosis, medical therapy, vascular surgery and interventional procedures. We are an academic Vascular Surgical Practice whose mission is to provide superior care and utilize the most effective techniques in the treatment of Vascular Diseases.

As a patient, or as a physician referring a patient, you have the convenience of having specialists from several disciplines all in one location. Whether it is inpatient or outpatient services, advanced preventative care or participating in clinical trials, The GW Medical Faculty Associates Vascular Diseases Program offers it all.

We diagnose and treat:

• Abdominal aortic aneurysm
• Aortic dissection
• Carotid artery disease
• Claudication
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
• Diabetic foot
• Lymphedema
• Mesenteric ischemia
• Peripheral aneurysm
• Peripheral artery disease
• Renal artery disease
• Thoracic aortic aneurysm
• Varicose veins
• Venous insufficiency

Your physician may utilize:

• Ultrasound technology to diagnose carotid artery disease to prevent stroke, detect decreased blood flow to the legs to prevent amputation and diagnose abdominal aortic aneurysms
• Carotid, leg bypass, aortic and varicose vein surgeries
• Vascular interventional laboratory to treat vascular disorders minimally invasively
• Non-invasive diagnostic vascular laboratory for the screening, diagnoses and follow-up services for individuals with possible or existing vascular conditions

Our specific methods of treatment include:

• Bypass surgery
• Endartectomy
• Angioplasty
• Endovascular aneurysm repair
• Endovascular therapy
• Endovenous ablation
• Open aneurysm repair
• Stent
• Surgical vein stripping
• Thoracic Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (TEVAR)
• Thrombolytic therapy

Vascular Disease Overview

Vascular disease refers to an abnormality of the blood vessels (veins or arteries). Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) refers to abnormality of blood vessels throughout the body except those in the heart and brain. Arteries carry blood from the heart to other parts of the body. Veins carry blood to the heart from the legs and other organs in the body. Vascular disease results from degeneration of normal arteries and veins as the result of the normal aging process and can be made worse by certain factors that damage blood vessels. Treatments aimed at reducing vascular damage can slow down and sometimes reverse vascular disease, or give the body a chance to “heal itself.” When these kinds of efforts are not sufficient, surgery may be required to correct abnormalities.

More information about Vascular Disease

Arterial Conditions

The arteries and veins transport blood throughout the body. When these pathways are affected by a disease or abnormality, the heart and other parts of the body cannot function properly which could result in life-threatening events like a heart attack or stroke. In the early stages, these conditions can usually be treated through lifestyle changes and medications. If the condition has progressed a significant amount that it presents an immediate danger to the patient, surgical intervention may be necessary.

Arterial conditions we treat include:

• Atherosclerosis– Cholesterol and calcium build up in the arteries and create a substance called artery plaque. When artery plaque becomes severe, it narrows the arteries and increases the risk of blood clot, heart attack, and stroke.
• Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)– This is a type of atherosclerosis that impedes blood flow to the legs and/or arms. It is a very common condition that typically occurs in patients 60 and older.
• Carotid Artery Disease – The carotid arteries supply blood to the brain. Atherosclerosis in these veins is very serious as it significantly increases the risk of stroke. There are several surgeries that can treat this condition if it presents an immediate danger to the patient.
• Aneurysm – An aneurysm is a bulging in the blood vessel caused by damage to the vessel wall. Aneurysms that are left untreated can rupture and cause serious damage to the heart and other parts of the body.

At GW Medical Faculty Associates, our vascular surgeons can intervene before these conditions result in life-threatening events. Be sure to discuss cardiovascular health with your primary care physician to assess your risk for any of these conditions.

Vascular Lab

Introduction to the Non Invasive Vascular Laboratory

The Non-Invasive Vascular Laboratory is the backbone of a successful Vascular Surgery practice This discipline utilizes high frequency soundwaves and segmental blood pressures to evaluate how blood travels through arteries and veins The most common exams offered evaluates patients for Stroke, Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms (AAA), Peripheral Arterial Disease of the legs (PAD) and Varicose Veins

Contacts

Mark Bates, RVT
Director
Non Invasive Vascular Laboratory
Office: 202.741.3210

Venous Conditions

More information about Venous Conditions