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Vascular Surgery Options

Whether you need surgery for varicose veins or a complex aortic reconstruction, our team delivers the care you need. At the Washington University and Barnes-Jewish Heart & Vascular Center, surgeons perform a range of minimally invasive endovascular procedures and traditional vascular surgery options. 

Endovascular Procedures

When possible, our vascular surgeons choose minimally invasive methods to restore blood flow and relieve vascular problems. These endovascular procedures require no incision — just a needle puncture. 

Our expertise enables us to access blood vessels nearly anywhere in your body this way. We are not limited to access through the groin (the traditional approach). Our surgeons can also reach blood vessels through the foot, knee or wrist. 

Angioplasty

Your surgeon threads a catheter (tiny tube) to a blockage. A balloon at the tip of the catheter presses plaque buildup against the artery walls, reopening the blood vessel. The balloon may have medication on it to prevent the artery from re-narrowing.

Aortic procedures and aneurysm repair

We have expertise in several procedures to repair the aorta, the largest artery from the heart. And we offer a wide variety of innovative treatments and clinical trials to manage aneurysms.

Our vascular surgeons design sophisticated, custom-made devices to address unique anatomy or aortic problems. Options include: 

  • endovascular aortic repair (EVAR)
  • fenestrated endovascular aortic repair (FEVAR)
  • thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR)

Clot retrieval and embolectomy

We use advanced endovascular techniques to eliminate pulmonary embolisms without surgery. This care can result in a shorter hospital stay and better outcomes. Read more about pulmonary embolism treatment.

Lower extremity revascularization

Our endovascular surgeons specialize in endovascular revascularization for the legs and feet. These procedures can restore blood flow without invasive surgery, resulting in less pain and a faster recovery.

Peripheral atherectomy

Atherectomy destroys plaque in distant blood vessels to reopen arteries or veins. The procedure relieves pain and supports wound healing and limb preservation. 

Stenting

Our vascular surgeons can place a stent (a tiny mesh tube) to hold open a weakened blood vessel anywhere in your body. Some stents are coated with medication to prevent blood clots from forming.

Transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR)

Your surgeon makes a tiny incision in the carotid artery and inserts a stent to hold the repaired artery open. In TCAR, we briefly reverse blood flow in the carotid artery to strain out clots and minimize stroke risk during the procedure. Learn more about carotid artery treatment.

Vein ablation and sclerotherapy

Our vascular team offers a wide range of minimally invasive surgery for varicose veins and spider veins. Our vein treatments relieve pain and restore your mobility. Learn more about our vein center.

Vascular Surgery Procedures 

In some cases, an open surgery with a larger incision is the best option for ensuring a successful procedure and recovery. After an open procedure, you may have a longer hospital stay. We work to support you as you heal. Learn about the vascular surgery patient journey

Our experts offer surgical procedures including:

Bypass graft surgery

Bypass graft surgery restores blood flow in a damaged blood vessel. Your surgeon opens the area near the vein. Using a blood vessel from elsewhere in your body, the surgeon creates a new pathway for blood flow. Some aortal or femoral bypass techniques may help you avoid major surgery.

Revascularization

This surgery repairs or replaces blood vessels to restore blood flow. It can help wounds heal and tissues recover, reducing the need for amputation and restoring mobility. Revascularization is an important part of our limb preservation team’s work. 

Deep venous arterialization (DVA)

This procedure reroutes blood from nearby arteries to restore blood flow to veins in your foot. By enabling wounds to heal, it can prevent infection and even help you avoid amputation.

Fistula and graft placement for dialysis access

Our vascular surgeons perform a variety of procedures to provide renal replacement therapy access, including options for peritoneal dialysis. 

Open carotid endarterectomy

If TCAR is not an option for you, we can use an open procedure to access and clear the carotid artery. Similar to the endovascular approach, we use a filter to protect you from clots that could cause a stroke.

Free flap tissue grafting

Vascular surgeons work closely with plastic surgeons and podiatrists to deliver solutions for persistent foot ulcers (wounds). These techniques can minimize the need for amputation as part of limb preservation.

Aneurysm repair

For as many as one in five patients, endovascular aneurysm repair isn’t appropriate. We commonly perform open surgeries for these conditions, with good outcomes.

Vascular Research and Clinical Trials

People with some vascular diseases may be eligible for clinical trials or research studies. This work explores new treatment options that aren’t yet widely available. Learn more about our innovation.

Contact Us

To make an appointment with a Washington University vascular specialist at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, call 314-273-7373.