Vascular Surgery

Our Vascular Surgeons provide diagnosis and treatment for conditions such as peripheral arterial disease, abdominal aneurysm, carotid artery stenosis, and many other conditions that affect the vascular system, including the arteries and veins.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair

The abdominal aorta is the largest blood vessel in the abdomen. When an area of the abdominal aorta becomes weak and expands, it is called an abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Aneurysms are a serious health risk because they can burst, cause internal bleeding, and can lead to shock or death.

The physicians at RAF & VIVA can perform an abdominal ultrasound, CT, and/or MRI to help your doctor diagnose an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Our vascular surgeons will recommend the best treatment option depending upon your condition. One possible treatment is open aneurysm repair, which replaces the weak portion of the aorta. More than 90 percent of open aneurysm repairs are successful, according to the Society for Vascular Surgery. Another treatment option for some patients is an endovascular stent graft, which is less invasive than open surgery and requires a shorter hospital stay.

Carotid endarterectomy

Carotid arteries are the major arteries in the neck that supply blood to the brain. Plaque can build up inside the arteries, over time, narrowing or blocking the blood vessels. This condition is called carotid artery disease. Carotid artery disease can cause blood clots, warning signs called transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), and strokes.

RAF & VIVA can perform tests to help your doctor diagnose the condition, including carotid duplex ultrasound, CT scan and CT angiography, magnetic resonance angiography, and angiography.

Lifestyle changes and medications are often prescribed as the first line of treatment. However, carotid artery disease that is severe or has progressed may require surgery.

Our vascular surgeons may perform a carotid endarterectomy to remove the plaque blocking the artery. Carotid endarterectomy is safe and long-lasting when performed by a qualified vascular surgeon in the proper circumstances. An alternative procedure, angioplasty and stenting, is sometimes performed when patients have medical conditions that increase the risks of carotid endarterectomy.

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)

Evaluation & Treatment Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is also known as peripheral vascular disease. It is a relatively common condition that can result from clogged or narrowed arteries. One symptom of PAD is claudication, pain or weakness in the legs while walking. If left untreated, PAD can cause significant leg pain and eventually gangrene, requiring amputation.

The interventional radiologists and vascular surgeons at VIVA offer simple, painless tests to diagnose PAD. The most important test is called the ankle-brachial index (ABI).

VIVA physicians provide a full range of PAD treatments and can perform the most appropriate procedure for each patient. These procedures encompass the front-line treatments for PAD today, including surgical bypass, angioplasty, stenting, and atherectomy.

Varicose Vein Treatment

The Interventional Radiologists and Vascular Surgeons at Virginia Interventional and Vascular Associates (VIVA) assess which treatments are best for specific patients and offer greater assurances than most other vein centers can provide.

Unsightly varicose veins can be removed using a procedure called ambulatory phlebotomy. Sclerotherapy is also available to treat some varicose veins and smaller spider veins.

These advanced outpatient procedures take less than an hour, allow patients to return to normal activity quickly, and offer a high success rate. The procedures are EndoVenous Laser Treatment (EVLT®) and Radio Frequency Ablation (RFA).

Research shows a success rate of 93%-98% in individuals undergoing EVLT®/RFA.

Dialysis Grafts & Fistulas

Patients with renal failure require dialysis. Often dialysis is performed via vascular grafts and fistulas. Our interventional radiologists and vascular surgeons are highly skilled both in the placement of these grafts & fistulas, as well as keeping them open.