Vascular surgery is a surgical sub-specialty that treats diseases of the vascular system, including arteries and veins.

This sub-specialty evolved from general and cardiac surgery. Vascular surgeons are trained in the diagnosis and management of diseases affecting all parts of the vascular system, excluding heart and brain vessels’ surgery. Vascular surgeons manage patients using medical therapy, minimally-invasive catheter procedures, and surgical reconstruction.

In the dawn of the third millennium, arterial and venous disease treatment includes: angiography, stenting, and non-operative varicose vein treatments. These treatment modalities were added to the procedures done by vascular surgeons.

Arterial disease occurring in elderly patients with comorbidities including ischemic heart disease is treated by endovascular arterial procedures with good durability. Shorter hospital stays and less morbidity have improved quality of life of patients with peripheral-vascular diseases in Puerto Rico.

Dr. Agustín Rodríguez
Division Director