Understanding vascular health is essential for preventing serious circulatory conditions, managing vein and artery diseases, and ensuring optimal treatment outcomes. At Vascular Surgery Associates in Los Angeles & Santa Monica, we prioritize patient education and informed decision-making, providing expert guidance on vascular conditions, diagnostic procedures, and treatment options.
Below, we’ve compiled some of the most frequently asked questions about vascular and vein health to help patients better understand their symptoms, risk factors, and available treatments.
General Vascular Health
Vascular disease refers to conditions affecting the arteries, veins, and lymphatic system, often leading to poor circulation, blockages, or blood clots.
Conditions such as peripheral artery disease (PAD), varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), carotid artery disease, and aneurysms are among the most common.
Symptoms include leg pain when walking, cold or discolored feet, slow-healing wounds, swelling, numbness, and varicose veins.
Risk factors include smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, and a family history of vascular conditions.
Arterial Conditions & Treatments
PAD is a condition where arteries narrow due to plaque buildup, restricting blood flow to the legs and feet.
Leg pain while walking, numbness, slow-healing sores, and cold feet may indicate PAD and require medical evaluation.
Tests like the Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI), Doppler ultrasound, and CT angiography help assess circulation and artery blockages.
Angioplasty, stenting, atherectomy, bypass surgery, and lifestyle modifications can improve circulation and reduce symptoms.
An aneurysm is a weakened, bulging artery that can rupture if untreated. Treatments include endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) or open aneurysm surgery.
This condition involves narrowing of the carotid arteries, increasing the risk of stroke. Treatments include carotid endarterectomy or carotid artery stenting.
Venous Conditions & Treatments
PAD is a condition where arteries narrow due to plaque buildup, restricting blood flow to the legs and feet.
Leg pain while walking, numbness, slow-healing sores, and cold feet may indicate PAD and require medical evaluation.
Tests like the Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI), Doppler ultrasound, and CT angiography help assess circulation and artery blockages.
Angioplasty, stenting, atherectomy, bypass surgery, and lifestyle modifications can improve circulation and reduce symptoms.
An aneurysm is a weakened, bulging artery that can rupture if untreated. Treatments include endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) or open aneurysm surgery.
This condition involves narrowing of the carotid arteries, increasing the risk of stroke. Treatments include carotid endarterectomy or carotid artery stenting.
Vascular & Vein Diagnostics
Common diagnostic tests include:
- Doppler Ultrasound for blood flow analysis
- CT Angiography & MR Angiography for detailed artery imaging
- Vein Mapping for treatment planning
- Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) Test to compare blood pressure in legs and arms
Yes, vascular ultrasound is a painless, radiation-free imaging technique used to evaluate blood circulation.
Vein mapping helps plan varicose vein treatments, dialysis access, and vascular surgeries by assessing vein structure and function.
Surgical & Minimally Invasive Vascular Procedures
These include angioplasty, stenting, EVAR, sclerotherapy, and radiofrequency ablation, which require only small incisions or catheter-based techniques.
Angioplasty uses a balloon to widen narrowed arteries, often followed by stent placement to keep the artery open.
This procedure reroutes blood flow around blocked arteries using a graft or vein from another part of the body.
Recovery time varies by procedure but ranges from a few days for minimally invasive treatments to several weeks for open surgery.
Wound debridement removes dead or infected tissue from chronic wounds to promote faster healing.
Dedicated to Excellence in Vascular Care Since 1963
Vascular Surgery Associates (VSA) has established itself as a cornerstone of vascular health in Southern California, combining decades of experience with cutting-edge treatment methods. Founded by visionary surgeons in 1963, our practice has grown from pioneering beginnings into one of the busiest and most respected vascular surgery groups in the Western United States.
Learn More About Vascular Health & Treatment Options
At Vascular Surgery Associates in Los Angeles & Santa Monica, we specialize in advanced vascular treatments, minimally invasive procedures, and long-term vascular health management. Whether you’re concerned about poor circulation, vein conditions, or arterial disease, our specialists provide comprehensive evaluations and customized treatment plans.
If you have additional questions or would like to schedule a vascular consultation, contact our office today to receive expert vascular care tailored to your needs.