Colorado Vascular Surgery Options

At the Vascular Institute of the Rockies, we offer a host of surgical solutions for vascular disease. Our most commonly performed procedures include treating abdominal aortic aneurysms, carotid artery disease and peripheral vascular disease. To learn more about these services, see the links below.

Aneurysms

An aneurysm is an abnormal dilation or local out-pouching of the usually tubular shape of an artery. This results from a weakening in the substance of the arterial wall. The most common location for an aneurysm is in the aorta, the body's largest artery, as it passes within the abdomen. As the aneurysm enlarges, it may reach a point at which the wall of the artery tears open. The resulting massive internal bleeding causes sudden abdominal and back pain. This condition is fatal unless an emergency surgery is performed. Despite such an operation, two-thirds of those who suffer a rupture of their abdominal aortic aneurysm will die.

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Carotid Artery Disease

The carotid arteries are the main blood supply to the brain. Severe narrowing of the carotid arteries can lead to stroke and even death. Narrowing of the arteries with plaque is the cause of stroke in about half the patients with stroke. Studies have shown that for patients with severe narrowing of the carotid arteries, surgery is superior to medicines alone in preventing stroke.

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Peripheral Vascular Disease

Peripheral vascular disease (PVD), also known as peripheral arterial disease (PAD), is a very common condition affecting some 10 million Americans age 50 and older.

Those who are at highest risk for PVD are:

• Over age 50
• Smokers
• Diabetic
• Overweight
• Inactive (and do not exercise)
• Have high blood pressure or high cholesterol or high lipid blood test
• Have a family history of vascular disease, such as PAD, aneurysm, heart attack or stroke

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