What is a Vascular Surgeon?
Permitting blood to circulate and transport nutrients throughout the body, the circulatory system, also referred to as the vascular system, is a network of arteries, veins and capillaries. When the flow of blood is obstructed at any point within the vascular system, such as hardening of the arteries, individuals are at risk for many health problems, some of which are life threatening. As specialists that treat diseases of the vascular system, vascular surgeons manage veins and arteries in many parts of the body. Thus, their expertise extends beyond surgery. Depending on the extent of vascular disease, a vascular surgeon can perform a minimally invasive procedure or an open, complicated procedure.
Because vascular disease can be a long-term condition, vascular surgeons often provide ongoing treatment and care to patients. Notably, vascular surgeons do not prefer any specific treatment over another, because they understand the complexities of the vascular system and that the needs of every patient are unique. For some, intervention such as medication or exercise is all that’s needed to improve their vascular health.
While their primary physician usually refers patients to a vascular surgeon, some develop a relationship with a vascular surgeon through a specific event that has resulted in hospitalization. Either way, vascular surgeons are highly skilled medical professionals that provide patients with all of their options in consideration of their long-term health.
Recognized by Castle Connolly as one of New York’s and America’s Top Doctors, Dr. Alan I Benvenisty, MD is a board certified general surgeon, and he holds a special qualification in vascular surgery. As a distinguished member of the American Society of Transplant Surgeons, Dr. Benvenisty’s work has been featured on 20/20, and his devotion to patients in the area has been chronicled in local newspapers. With expertise extending to renal transplant surgery and endovascular surgery, he has added experience in carotid, aneurysm and limb bypass surgery, Dr. Benvenisty holds a particular interest in non-surgical treatment of varicose veins.
Dr. Benvenisty’s philosophy concerning vascular treatment is that every individual and every circumstance is unique. With a conservative approach, Dr. Benvenisty is intentional about helping patients make informed decisions about their vascular health, and surgery is rarely the first option.
Dr. Benvenisty is affiliated with The Mount Sinai Hospital, Mount Sinai St. Luke’s and Mount Sinai West. To schedule an appointment, contact Dr. Benvenisty’s New York City office on Amsterdam Avenue.
Should I see a Vascular Surgeon?
While primary care physicians may be able to treat conditions related to the vascular system, vascular surgeons are specialists when it comes to the diagnosis and treatment of circulatory and vascular conditions. In turn, vascular surgeons remain the only physicians trained to perform a variety of minimally invasive procedures relating to the arteries and veins. Some examples are balloon angioplasty, atherectomy, stent procedures and traditional open types of surgery. Thus, if you’ve been wondering if you should see a vascular surgeon, ask yourself the following:
- Have I been diagnosed with an aneurysm?
- Have I been diagnosed with atherosclerosis of the carotid artery (hardening of the artery)?
- Have I been diagnosed with peripheral arterial disease (PAD)?
- Do I have problems with varicose veins?
When it comes to vascular disease, there’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. Vascular surgeons are specially equipped to identify and classify vascular disease based on how it happens or how it is experienced. This is complex, because certain vascular problems manifest as other medical conditions. Only when patients see a vascular surgeon can they be sure that the most appropriate treatment options are being presented to them.
Dr. Alan I. Benvenisty, MD is a board certified general surgeon in New York City with a specialty in vascular diagnosis, endovascular procedures and vascular surgery. With a super-specialty in kidney and renal disease, he is an expert in renal transplant surgery and holds considerable experience in carotid, aneurysm and limb (savage) bypass surgery. In addition, Dr. Benvenisty specializes in vascular diagnosis and is an experienced endovascular surgeon. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation.
