Vascular & Venous Services
Repairing and restoring blood vessels
Diseased and damaged vessels can slow or stop blood flow, creating problems for the entire circulatory system. Our vascular surgeons are experts in identifying and treating a wide range of diseases with traditional open surgery as well as minimally invasive techniques.
Aortic Disease
Every year, more than 15,000 people in the U.S. die when an aneurysm in the chest or abdomen ruptures or separates. An aneurysm is an abnormal widening or bulging in an artery due to weakness in the wall of the blood vessel. Fewer than 40 percent of patients survive a ruptured abdominal aneurysm. Aneurysms are often overlooked or misdiagnosed because they often occur without symptoms. Our experienced team leads the state in performing the most aortic aneurysm repairs, and studies have determined that high-volume aortic surgery centers produce better results. We also have the ability to treat complex aneurysm cases that can be handled by only a few centers in Michigan.
Cerebrovascular Disease (Stroke)
Each year, nearly 900,000 new strokes occur. It is estimated that at least 20 percent of those strokes are preventable. Surgery on the carotid artery and stenting to open blocked arteries have been shown to decrease the risk of stroke in patients who have a severe degree of stenosis, a narrowing or thickening of a blood vessel.
American Heart Association’s FAST stroke warning signs and symptoms are easy to remember:
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is often characterized by a narrowing of the vessels that carry blood to the leg and arm muscles. The most common cause is atherosclerosis (the buildup of plaque inside the artery wall). Plaque reduces the amount of blood flow to the limbs and decreases the oxygen and nutrients available to the tissue. Clots may form on the artery walls, decreasing the inner size of the vessel and potentially blocking off major arteries. Organs supplied by these vessels, such as the brain, heart and legs, may not receive adequate blood flow for ordinary function. However, the legs and feet are most commonly affected.
Venous Disease
Our vascular team also specializes in treating vein-related conditions, including varicose veins, spider veins, painful or swollen legs, and restless leg syndrome along with other circulatory or vein-related conditions. We perform both radio frequency and laser ablation techniques to restore vein health and improve the appearance of legs. Today’s techniques transform treatment options with precision and near painless technology. Ultrasound studies, procedures and office visits are all offered at one convenient Spectrum Health location.
Vascular Surgeons and Specialists
Through our network of fellowship trained vascular surgeons, interventional cardiologists and other medical experts, we have the most advanced techniques, use the latest technology and are involved in the most current research for vascular wellness.
Our team can diagnose vascular disease ranging from:- Aortic aneurysms, ballooning of the main artery in the trunk of your body
- Carotid artery disease, plaque located in your neck
- Venous disease, weakened veins returning blood to your lungs and heart
- Embolism or thrombus, otherwise known as blood clots
- Limb care and preservation, often assisting patients with diabetes or traumatic injury
Our vascular specialists travel to locations throughout West Michigan so we’re never far from where you are. We look forward to helping you by diagnosing and treating any vascular condition.
Advanced Skills and Services
Vascular disease is any illness that affects the circulatory system. Our physicians are here to help you with several different conditions, some of them include:
- Mesenteric artery disease (vessels supplying blood to your large and small intestine)
- Peripheral arterial disease (poor blood flow to the arms and legs)
- Renal arterial disease (diseased arteries to the kidneys)
- Thoracoabdominal aneurysm (a bulging blood vessel)
- Varicose and spider veins (veins with weakened and diseased valves)
- Dialysis AV fistula creation (for kidney dialysis patients, connects an artery to a vein)
Fellowship Training
Did you ever wonder what it means to be fellowship trained? Spectrum Health’s vascular surgeons are fellowship-trained physicians. In other words, they have education beyond regular medical school and residency. Doctors undertake up to three additional years of vascular surgery training, specifically for diseases of the veins and arteries.Free Vascular Screenings
If you’re at high risk for a vascular condition, Spectrum Health offers free vascular screenings to the public. The screening quickly and painlessly checks for three different types of vascular conditions. To receive a free screening, you must have two or more of the following qualifying factors:
- Age over 60
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Smoking history
- High Choletersol
- Family history of aneurysm or atherosclerosis
Limb Care and Preservation Clinic
This new clinic gives patients with specialized limb-care needs a multidisciplinary approach to their care, in one convenient location. With specialists from vascular surgery, wound healing and hyperbaric medicine, the Limb Care and Preservation Clinic works to preserve limbs and save lives.
Partnerships with Your Care Team
We are dedicated to having a strong partnership with your family doctor or referring specialist. Why? Because we know that your providers have built a strong relationship with you. They know you, from what other conditions affect your vascular health, to lifestyle improvements you’re ready to try (like smoking cessation or increased exercise).
We will work with you and your provider to create a plan that focuses on your health. Together, your entire medical team will develop a care plan, including follow-up, to meet your needs.
Plus, Spectrum Health has aligned our referral process to easily assist your doctor’s office. Whether you’re visiting one of our vascular specialists in a convenient regional office, or experiencing an emergency and being transferred to the Meijer Heart Center in Grand Rapids, connecting your doctor with Spectrum Health has never been easier.
