It is common to hear the terms vascular surgeon and cardiovascular surgeon when discussing diseases of the circulatory system. Although they might sound identical, they are actually distinct medical specialties.
What Does "Vascular" Mean?
The term "vascular" refers to the body’s network of blood vessels, which includes arteries, veins, and capillaries. These structures are responsible for transporting blood, oxygen, and nutrients to tissues throughout the body.
The field of vascular medicine focuses on diagnosing and treating conditions that affect these structures—such as aneurysms, deep vein thrombosis, or peripheral artery disease. However, the specific type of specialist required depends on where in the body the issue is located.
Circulatory System Specialists
Vascular Surgeon
A vascular surgeon completes specialized surgical training to treat diseases affecting the circulatory system throughout the entire body—including veins, arteries, and lymphatic vessels—excluding the heart and the brain.
They perform both minimally invasive procedures and open surgeries, such as placing stents in blocked arteries, repairing damaged blood vessels, or treating severe varicose veins. Vascular surgeons often work closely with angiologists, who are medical specialists focused on the non-surgical clinical management of vascular diseases.
Cardiovascular Surgeon
A cardiovascular surgeon is a physician who operates on both the heart and the major blood vessels directly connected to it. They focus on repairing structural and functional damage caused by cardiovascular diseases or congenital conditions.
They perform complex surgical procedures such as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), heart valve repair or replacement, and corrections of congenital heart defects. Their work is complemented by cardiologists, who diagnose and manage heart diseases primarily through medication and non-surgical specialized testing.
Peripheral Vascular Specialist
Peripheral vascular surgery involves procedures—often minimally invasive or outpatient—used to treat peripheral artery disease (PAD), a condition caused by atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in the arteries).
A peripheral vascular surgeon works to restore blood flow to the lower extremities, relieving pain, numbness, and significantly reducing the risk of amputation.
At the Cardiovascular Surgery Department at Centro Médico ABC, we provide specialized care. Contact us today!
