Leading-edge vascular surgery in Chicagoland
Are your hands or feet always cold? Have you noticed a change in how your skin feels? These can be early signs of vascular disease. Vascular surgeons at Ascension Illinois diagnose and deliver life-saving therapies for blocked or diseased blood vessels. Whenever possible, your surgeon may use minimally invasive techniques to help improve blood flow to your hands, feet and brain. Talk to your doctor about a $99 vascular screening and get a personalized care plan that’s right for you.
Symptoms of a vascular condition may include:
- Brittle, shiny skin texture
- Bulging varicose veins
- Cold, pale or tingling feet and legs
- Discoloration of your toes and feet
- Family history of aneurysms or other vascular conditions
- Pain in your calves and legs (when walking), not related to arthritis
- Pain when moving or using your arm
- Sores on your feet and leg that do not health
- Swelling in your legs
Advanced surgical care for blood vessel disorders
Vascular surgeons at Ascension Illinois are connected to a national team and trained in the latest testing, treatments and procedures, including the treatment of:
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)
- Arteriovenous malformation (AVM)
- Carotid artery disease (risk factor for stroke)
- Critical limb-threatening ischemia
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and large clots
- Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
- Peripheral vascular disease (chronic venous insufficiency)
- Pulmonary embolism (blood clot)
If surgery is recommended as part of your care plan, your doctor may use minimally invasive procedures with the goal of a shorter recovery time and lower risk of infection. Our vascular surgeons use a small incision and catheter to place a stent, repair a bulge, or remove a blockage, and restore blood flow. Minimally invasive vein surgery may include:
- Dissolving or removing large clots (deep vein thrombosis or DVT)
- Opening blood vessels and placing a stent (angioplasty and PCI)
- Reducing risk of stroke through surgery (transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR))
- Repairing bulging aneurysm (endovascular surgery)
- Treating varicose veins to improve circulation (venous ablation)
Get a second opinion from a vascular surgeon
Get the confidence and peace of mind that your doctor and vascular care plan are right for you. It's easy to get a second opinion at Ascension Illinois. We can review your medical records and healthcare history to answer your questions and discuss options. Talk with one of our doctors about a personalized care plan.
When you are facing a new diagnosis or are deciding on a surgical or therapeutic treatment plan, there’s a lot to think about. If you are looking for a second opinion for advanced vascular care, our doctors can also connect you with the right specialists for minimally invasive surgery including transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR) and stenting. Our vascular surgeons can provide a second opinion, based on our experience and as part of a national care team.
Before your appointment, check with your insurance company to find out if a second opinion is covered. We can request your medical records on your behalf, so that they can be shared with your care team before your arrival.
Vascular surgery fellowship
When you join the vascular surgery fellowship at Ascension Illinois, you gain a range of technical and clinical skills. Our two-year program gives you the experience and knowledge to better understand arterial, venous and lymphatic diseases. Ascension Illinois serves a diverse community with a broad spectrum of vascular conditions. You will have the opportunity to experience:
- Aortic surgery and lower-extremity bypass surgery
- Complex endovascular surgery
- Other vascular care, focusing on cerebrovascular, aortic, peripheral vascular, dialysis access, wound care, venous disease and vascular medicine
Fellows also develop research and leadership skills to become well-rounded clinical and academic vascular surgeons.