What is a Vascular Surgeon?

When people ask me what a Vascular Surgeon is, I often tell them we’re the plumbers of the human body. We specialise in managing anything that involves blood vessels, namely improving how blood moves around your body.

We provide a wide variety of treatments, ranging from the management of cosmetic veins such as spider veins, through to more complex conditions such as treating aneurysms.

While the below list is not comprehensive, it does offer a high-level overview of some of the vascular related diseases that can be treated by a Vascular Surgeon:

• Aortic aneurysms
• Renal and visceral artery disease
• Peripheral artery disease
• Carotid artery disease
• Hyperhidrosis
• Popliteal entrapment syndrome
• Thoracic outlet syndrome
• Varicose veins
• Spider veins
• Deep vein thrombosis.

What kind of training does a Vascular Surgeon need?

To become a Vascular Surgeon, I had to complete an undergraduate Medical Degree, which took 6 years. I then went onto complete a Masters in Anatomy ( 1 year), Basic Surgical Training (3 years) followed by the completion of the Advanced Vascular Surgical Programme in Melbourne and Sydney (5 years). Once I’d completed my surgical training, I spent time in Holland learning Advanced Endovascular techniques for Aortic Aneurysm Repair and Endovascular Management of Varicose Veins with world-leader Professor Eric Verhoeven.

To ensure my knowledge and techniques are representative of the best-practice treatments available, I attend a variety of international, national and state-based workshops, conferences and educational programs each year.

How do I go about seeing a Vascular Surgeon?

If you think you need to see a Vascular Surgeon, you’ll need to speak to your General Practitioner about it first. They’ll be able to identify how a Vascular Surgeon might be able to assist you, and will guide you as to who the most appropriate surgeon will be.

You will then be provided with a referral (this will also be sent electronically to the chosen surgeon), along with any other medical notes or history that may be of value at your consult.

What can I expect at my first appointment?

Before I see a new patient, I always take the time to review the referral along with any other medical notes or images that have been provided. This will ensure that the time we have together is used to discuss important information such as your symptoms, risk factors, and to complete an examination.

If you have any concerns about your first appointment, or would like any questions answered, please feel free to contact my office. We’ll happily help you out as best we can.