Should I Refer My Patient to a Vascular Surgeon?

There is still the misconception that vascular surgeons are only involved with patients they are ready to take to the operating room.  This idea can in fact delay proper medical care for patients with vascular disease. Therefore, it is important for referring physicians to understand that vascular surgeons manage both medical and surgical aspects of vascular diseases.

In fact, it is preferable for patients to be seen by a vascular surgeon when there is any suspicion of vascular problems.  Seeing these patients early in the game could prevent them from ending up with further complications.  Early targeted vascular testing is critical to streamlining care.

So who should you refer to a vascular surgeon?

Commonly, patients who present with:

• Claudication.
• Unexplained extremity pain.
• Extremity swelling.
• Abnormal peripheral pulses.
• Suspicion of carotid disease.
• Suspicion of aneurysms, pseudoaneurysms, or dissection.
• Extremity wounds, especially with slow healing.
• Uncontrolled hypertension.
• ESRD and need dialysis access fistulas or grafts.
• Varicose veins and venous insufficiency.

These are some of the most common signs and symptoms.  However, when in doubt, it would be in the patient’s best interest to just contact a vascular surgeon and ask if the patient should be seen by them or not.

Vascular Associates of Northern Virginia, P.C.
Vascular Laboratory

Our Vascular Specialists:
Robert S. Podolsky, M.D., R.P.V.I.
Avisesh Sahgal, M.D., R.P.V.I.