Vascular Surgery

An aortic aneurysm is an abnormal bulge in the wall of the aorta, the body's largest artery. An aneurysm in the abdomen is an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).

The Heart and Vascular Center vascular surgery team specializes in both AAA and thoracoabdominal aneurysms that affect the chest and abdomen.

Learn more about aortic diseases including aneurysms and dissections

The carotid arteries are two large arteries on each side of the neck that supply oxygen-rich blood to the brain. Carotid artery disease occurs when plaque builds up in these arteries.

The first sign of the condition might be a stroke or transient ischemic attack. A transient ischemic attack (TIA) can be the prelude to a full-blown stroke. A TIA is like a stroke but without brain damage. It may present with sudden and temporary onset of visual, speech, language, balance, strength or sensation disturbances.

Chronic limb ischemia disease occurs when an artery in the legs is partially or completely blocked by atherosclerotic plaque, limiting blood flow and reducing the amount of oxygen supplied to the extremities.

This is the most severe form of peripheral arterial disease and patients with critical limb ischemia are at risk for tissue necrosis and limb loss.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can occur when plaque builds up in the arteries that carry blood to the legs and arms.

Treatment for PAD begins with making lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, exercising, lowering cholesterol and blood pressure levels and managing diabetes.

There are also medications that can help. If the condition persists, PAD can be treated using minimally invasive procedures, such as balloon angioplasty, stenting, and atherectomy (plaque removal). Traditional surgery may be an option for patients who are not candidates for the minimally invasive techniques.

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) occurs when there is compression or squeezing to the blood vessels or nerves below the neck. It can cause pain in the shoulder, arm and neck. TOS can have varied causes.

Yale New Haven Health offers treatment for venous disorders including spider veins, varicose veins, chronic venous insufficiency, and venous ulcers.

Varicose veins appear as swollen or raised leg veins and are often blue or dark red in color. They result from a weakness in the vein walls. They almost always occur in the legs (because gravity makes it harder for blood to flow upward), but they can show up anywhere on the body. A milder version of varicose veins usually seen in the legs is often called “spider veins,” which are typically smaller and thinner.