The human circulatory system is truly a marvel of engineering. Comprised of the heart and blood vessels, this system works to keep people alive 24/7 and 365 days a year.
The circulatory system is also quite hardy. In many cases, even individuals who haven’t necessarily made the best dietary choices can live quite a long time before becoming symptomatic of any kind of vascular disease. Individuals that lead more active lifestyles and make smart dietary choices may never face such issues at all.
That’s said, a large number of individuals will at some point in their lifetimes develop some kind of vascular issue. In many cases, such problems are solvable externally. Unfortunately, a sizable number of people will need to undergo vascular surgery, and their chances of survival rise sharply if they are well informed about the subject beforehand.
This article will serve this purpose, and will educate readers about 5 things they should ask their vascular surgeons before having a procedure performed.
1. PATIENTS SHOULD HAVE A GOOD UNDERSTANDING OF WHAT VASCULAR SURGERY IS
Before having anything done, patients would do well to acquire a firm understanding of what vascular surgery is. By having an overview of the process, they will be empowered to make better choices along the way. So, just what is vascular surgery?
Vascular surgery is a kind of specialty that targets diseases of the human vascular system, which is made up of arteries and veins. In many cases, conditions are taken care of by minimally invasive procedures and even surgical reconstruction efforts.
The scope of vascular surgery is quite large, encompassing treatment of the carotid arteries, the aorta, the femoral artery, and also a variety of veins.
2. WHAT EXACTLY DO VASCULAR SURGEONS DO?
The next obvious question would be to ask what exactly the surgeon does in general and also what they will be doing specifically for that patient. In general, vascular surgeons specialize in treatment of problems occurring with the lymphatic system and the vascular system. As CNN reports, they are really good at finding ways to protect against heart disease. These physicians are empowered to diagnose patients, prescribe therapy and medications, order diagnostic testing, and perform necessary surgical procedures.
3. WHICH CONDITIONS DO THEY TREAT?
After learning what vascular surgery is and what vascular surgeons do, the next question prospective patients may want to ask is which conditions do vascular surgeons treat?
Vascular surgeons treat a variety of common medical issues. According to researchers at Ohio State University, these include arterial conditions and venous conditions. Arterial problems can include things like heart attacks, stroke, and aneurisms. Well trained vascular surgeons are skilled at diagnosing and treating these kinds of arterial conditions. Venous conditions include possible blood clots, varicose veins, and impaired circulation. These venous conditions are also quite treatable for the average vascular surgeon.
4. WHAT KIND OF INSURANCE DO THEY ACCEPT?
Vascular surgery is an expensive option, and thus patients will want to really explore their insurance options before any procedures are performed. Some common plans that are accepted are AARP, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Health Net, Humana, and much more. And of course, in the United States Medicare and Medicaid are also available for those in need.
5. WHAT SHOULD PATIENTS BRING?
Most patients will be experiencing this situation for the first time in their lives, and may have little idea of how to prepare for it. They will want to make sure their vascular physician gives them all the information they need about preparing properly for this is very important occasion.
The prospect of having vascular surgery can be a hard one to accept. That said, those keep all of the above tips in mind will be well prepared to meet this challenge head on, and come through it with flying colors.