Vascular Disease

Vascular disease is a common problem of blood circulation. The blood vessels become narrowed or clogged by fatty or cholesterol deposits called plaque. This can cause several health issues, including heart attack, stroke, aneurysms or kidney problems. Vascular disease can be caused by other rare conditions too, such as birth defects, clotting disorders and genetic problems that create thick artery walls.

The vascular care team at The University of Kansas Health System includes a variety of specialists. We offer comprehensive vascular services using the latest diagnostic tools and advanced treatments.

The vascular system includes a network of veins and arteries that supplies blood throughout the body. When normal circulation through this system of blood vessels is disrupted, serious injury can result. Vascular disease can affect any area of the body, including the limbs, kidneys, heart and brain.

Vascular disease can take many forms. Our specialists treat all types of vascular disease, some of which include:

The signs and symptoms of vascular disease vary depending on which blood vessels are affected, the suddenness of symptoms and how much of the vascular system is affected. Because symptoms can widely vary, receiving an accurate diagnosis is critical for ensuring proper treatment.

Vascular disease affects both men and women and is more likely to occur as you age. Other factors that put you at risk for vascular disease include:

• Family history of heart disease
• Illness or injury
• Long periods of sitting or standing
• Obesity and related conditions, such as type 2 diabetes or high cholesterol
• Pregnancy
• Smoking

The University of Kansas Health System offers the most current imaging tests to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment. Your vascular specialist will determine the best diagnostic test depending on your symptoms and their onset.

Treatment for vascular disease will depend on your specific diagnosis. Your doctor will talk with you about the best approach to vascular disease treatment.

• Medical management: Your doctor may suggest medicines, diet changes, exercise and other lifestyle modifications to decrease your risk for complications from vascular disease.
• Minimally invasive or noninvasive treatments: Our physicians specialize in using the most advanced minimally invasive treatment options for opening blocked arteries, including:
• Angiogram: Provides an image of the blood vessels
• Angioplasty: Involves inserting a small catheter from your groin area into the artery that is blocked and inflating a prosthetic device to open the arteries
• Drug-coated balloons
• Stents
• Atherectomy (clearing the artery mechanically)
• Lasers to clear the arteries
• Surgery: In addition to minimally invasive treatments, our physicians offer a complete range of surgical treatments for vascular disease. Our state-of-the-art surgery center offers a sophisticated hybrid suite that allows doctors from multiple specialties to perform complex procedures.

Vascular and endovascular surgery

Specially trained surgeons at The University of Kansas Health System surgically repair damaged or diseased blood vessels. Our vascular surgeons work closely with cardiologists, neurologists and interventional radiologists to develop and implement comprehensive, individualized treatment plans.

Heart disease or other disorders, such as diabetes, can damage veins and arteries. Blood vessel disorders can lead to stroke or a heart attack. Common disorders include:

• Aortic aneurysm
• Arteriosclerosis of the extremities (a hardening of the arteries that supply the legs and feet)
• Carotid artery disease
• Deep vein thrombosis and thrombophlebitis
• Peripheral arterial disease
• Varicose veins

Our surgeons are experts in both vascular surgery and a less-invasive technique called endovascular surgery, which can be used to treat aneurysm (dilation of the artery) and stenosis (narrowing of the artery). This advanced surgery results in less pain, quicker recovery and less strain on the heart.

The vascular team at The University of Kansas Health System includes experts from multiple specialties who work together to provide you with comprehensive care in one location. These physicians are leaders in their field and use the most current treatment options. Your treatment team may include specialists from:

• Cardiology
• Cardiovascular surgery
• Interventional radiology
• Neurology and neurosurgery
• Vascular medicine
• Vascular surgery

Newest treatments and technology

Because we are an academic medical center, you benefit from the latest treatments and technology. Your care team will develop a customized treatment plan using a comprehensive range of the latest procedures and diagnostic tests. Our facilities are among the newest and most advanced. They include:

• A dedicated vascular ultrasound laboratory
• Advanced MRI and CT angiography technology
• Hybrid surgical suites
• Wound care clinic

Multidisciplinary medicine

Our highly experienced physicians and surgeons work together to provide the best care possible. In addition to our vascular team, we have specialists in more than 200 fields. Their expertise may prove valuable in your diagnosis and recommended treatment plan.

Minimally invasive surgery

Our physicians are at the forefront of the newest surgical, nonsurgical and minimally invasive techniques for vascular care. These treatments offer shorter hospital stays and fewer risks than traditional surgery. They are often the only option for those who are unable to receive surgery due to age or other health-related conflicts.