Preparing for Vascular Surgery

Vascular problems can be broken down into two categories: They either affect your arteries or your veins.  

Vascular operations come in two forms as well. They include open surgery, in which the surgeon makes a cut in your skin to fix the problem; and endovascular surgery—a minimally invasive procedure performed through a small needle hole in the artery or vein. 

Dr. Christopher Agrusa, an Assistant Professor of Surgery and Assistant Attending Surgeon at Weill Cornell Medicine, lists the most common vascular conditions that require surgery: 

“Often,” he explains, “both open and endovascular surgery can be used to treat the same problem. The decision to perform an open vs. an endovascular operation is based on the needs, medical history and anatomy of the individual patient.” 

Take the time to review Dr. Agrusa’s answers to your FAQs below. 

Which procedures can be performed on an oupatient basis? Which may require a hospital stay? 

Pre-operative guidelines 

If you’re scheduled for vascular surgery, you’ll have an opportunity to discuss pre-operative guidelines with your surgeon, Dr. Agrusa says. Typically, you’ll be asked to refrain from taking blood-thinners or anti-platelet medication before surgery. If you take Metformin for glucose control, you’ll likely need to stop taking this medication for 48 hours before surgery.    

“Most vascular procedures are performed with some type of anesthesia—either general anesthesia or intravenous sedation. Patients undergoing vascular surgery will be required to fast starting at midnight before the morning when surgery is scheduled.”   

What information will I need to provide to my care team beforehand? 

It is imperative that your surgeon know about any allergies you may have. These may include allergies to anesthesia—local or general—and to medications, including heparin.  

In addition, many endovascular procedures use iodine-containing contrast dye. If you have ever had an allergic reaction to contrast, it is important to let your surgeon, nurse and anesthesiologist know. Often, patients can receive the contrast dye in tandem with certain medications that reduce your body’s immune reaction to it.   

Should I arrange to be picked up when I’m discharged from the hospital? 

Any patient who receives conscious sedation or general anesthesia will require an escort to leave the hospital if being discharged on the same day as surgery.   

Any additional pointers or qualifications? 

Says Dr. Agrusa, “Most patients undergoing vascular surgery have other medical problems that may increase their risks during or after their procedure. For this reason, it is important to discuss all of your medical issues with your surgeon before surgery. You may be required to obtain medical or cardiac clearance before undergoing a vascular procedure.” 

How long will it take for me to recover from a vascular procedure? 

“You’ll need to follow-up with your surgeon after vascular surgery within 2 to 4 weeks of the procedure,” Dr. Agrusa says.   

To make an appointment with a vascular surgeon, please visit here to learn more.