Vascular disease care

World-class care for a variety of vascular diseases and conditions

The best vascular disease care in the Rocky Mountain region

We can evaluate and treat all conditions affecting your vascular system (arteries and veins). We have vast experience in treating arterial and venous diseases, including carotid artery disease and aneurysmal disease, and we are experts in limb preservation.

Our vascular surgeons are fellowship-trained and are certified by the American Board of Surgery (ABS). This team of specialists will provide you with:

  • Evidence-based practice within our multidisciplinary care team.
  • The highest level of vascular care in the region.
  • An emphasis on minimally invasive treatments.
Doctor visit at patient bedside on vascular care page | UCHealth
Playful couple on vascular care page | UCHealthPlayful couple on vascular care page | UCHealth

What is vascular disease?

A vascular disease is a condition that affects the arteries and/or veins.

Most often, vascular disease affects blood flow, either by blocking or weakening blood vessels, or by damaging the valves that are found in veins. Organs and other body structures may be damaged by vascular disease as a result of decreased or completely blocked blood flow.

What are common causes of vascular disease?

Atherosclerosis

The most common cause of vascular disease, atherosclerosis is a buildup of plaque, which is a deposit of fatty substances, cholesterol, cellular waste products, calcium and fibrin in the inner lining of an artery. This thickening narrows the arteries and can decrease blood flow or completely block the flow of blood to organs and other body tissues and structures.

Embolus/thrombus

A blood vessel may be blocked by an embolus (a tiny mass of debris that moves through the bloodstream) or a thrombus (a blood clot).

Inflammation

In general, inflammation of blood vessels is referred to as vasculitis, which includes a range of disorders. Inflammation may lead to narrowing and/or blockage of blood vessels.

Trauma/injury

Trauma or injury involving the blood vessels may lead to inflammation or infection, which can damage the blood vessels and lead to narrowing and/or blockage.

Are there different conditions for vascular disease?

We perform thousands of vascular procedures every year to treat a variety of conditions, such as:

  • Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).
  • Aortic dissection.
  • Arm artery disease.
  • Atherosclerosis.
  • Carotid artery disease.
  • Claudication.
  • Chronic venous insufficiency.
  • Connective tissue disorder (CTD).
  • Deep vein thrombosis.
  • Hyperlipidemia.
  • Leg pain and swelling.
  • Lymphedema.
  • Peripheral arterial disease.
  • Renal artery disease.
  • Stroke.
  • Thoracic aortic aneurysm.
  • Thoracic outlet syndrome.
  • Varicose veins and spider veins.
  • Vascular complications and connective tissue damage.
  • Vasculitis.

How is vascular disease treated?

Depending on your needs, your treatment plan might include state-of-the-art therapies, leading-edge surgical intervention and clinical trials.

Services include:

  • Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) endovascular repair.
  • Amputation.
  • Carotid endarterectomy and stenting.
  • Diabetic foot care.
  • Dialysis access.
  • Limb salvage and preservation.
  • Endovascular treatment of an aortic dissection.
  • Open-heart surgery treatment of an aortic dissection.
  • Peripherally inserted central catheter line.
  • Repair of a thoracic aortic aneurysm.
  • Surgical bypass.
  • Surgical bypass for aortoiliac occlusive disease.
  • Transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR).
  • Thoracic endovascular aortic repair.
  • Thrombolytic therapy.
  • Venous ablation and microphlebectomy for varicose veins in the legs.

Services provided may vary by location.

A team approach to vascular care

Let our multidisciplinary team of vascular surgeons and other specialists work with you to develop the right treatment plan for your unique case. You don’t have to let vascular disease hold you back from living the life you love.

References

National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI): National Library of Medicine. Peripheral Vascular Disease (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557482/)

MedlinePlus: National Library of Medicine. Vascular Diseases (https://medlineplus.gov/vasculardiseases.html)

Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) (https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/PAD.htm)