Vascular Services

At Bellin Health, our vascular services are at the forefront of providing exceptional care for patients with vascular conditions. We have a skilled heart and vascular team who diagnose and treat conditions such as: 

• Aneurysms  
• Artery disease
• Venous disease 

Collaboration is a cornerstone of vascular services. Our providers work closely together, combining their expertise to deliver the best possible care and ensure a unified and coordinated approach. 

We prioritize patient education and empowerment, understanding the importance of offering you the knowledge and tools to actively participate in your care. That’s why we provide the information and advice you need to make informed choices about your treatment and lifestyle. 

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)  

An abdominal aortic aneurysm, also called AAA, is a potentially life-threatening condition where the main blood vessel that supplies blood to the abdomen, pelvis and legs becomes enlarged and weakened. If left untreated, it can rupture and cause severe internal bleeding. Endovascular surgery using stent grafts is a highly effective treatment option for this condition. 

Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR)

Our heart surgery team performs endovascular aneurysm repair procedures or EVAR using stent grafts to treat AAA. This is a minimally invasive approach. The procedure involves making two small incisions in the groin area. We will then insert a stent graft into your femoral artery to block the damaged part of the aorta. The purpose is to redirect blood away from the aneurysm. EVAR has shown to have less pain, improved outcomes and faster healing, compared to open surgery.

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)  

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a common condition in which narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the arms or legs. Treatment requires catheter-based procedures using X-rays to open blocked arteries and insert a stent to improve blood flow.  

Common locations for these procedures include:

• Aorta  
• Carotid arteries  
• Lower extremity arteries  
• Renal arteries  

Pain, often in the legs, caused by too little blood flow, is the most common PAD symptom. Patients may feel pain or claudication, tiredness and discomfort in the large muscles of their legs (calf, thigh or buttock) while walking. However, they do not experience these symptoms at rest or in a particular position. Some patients with PAD may have impaired mobility without classic symptoms.  

Multiple artery obstructions in the leg arteries cause rest pain that worsens when raising the legs. It can also cause ulcers and gangrene. Without treatment, patients with critical limb ischemia or poor blood supply may lose their limbs and face life-threatening complications from gangrene and sepsis.  

Indications for a referral:

• Leg or foot ulcers  
• Lifestyle-limiting claudication
• Rest pain  

Revascularization Options

We offer advanced procedures or revascularization options to diagnose and treat vascular disease, improving blood flow and reducing the chance of amputation. We aim to use less invasive methods of treatment with advanced techniques in surgery, bypass and a combination of surgery and endovascular intervention.  

Peripheral Artery Disease and Diabetes

Patients with diabetes are prone to ulcerations because of neuropathy and vascular disease, such as peripheral artery disease (PAD). Recognizing and treating PAD early is crucial for preventing complications and amputation in leg or foot ulcers. Diabetic patients with this condition are at a much higher risk for amputation than non-diabetics with it. This is because diabetes is a significant risk factor. Thus, seeking immediate treatment to address such symptoms is essential.

Venous Disease

Venous disease affects leg veins, causing issues like swollen legs and insufficient blood flow. Chronic leg edema causes the legs to accumulate fluid, resulting in swelling and discomfort. Venous insufficiency happens when leg veins can't effectively send blood back to the heart.

There are several treatment options available for these conditions, depending on the severity and underlying cause. One common approach is the use of compression stockings, which help improve blood flow and reduce swelling. These stockings apply gentle pressure to the legs, promoting the movement of blood towards the heart. In more severe cases, medical interventions may be necessary.