Vascular and Endovascular Surgery
November 14, 2014
Matthew Namanny, DO, FACOS
Vascular Surgeon and Endovascular Specialist
The vascular system is composed of vessels that carry blood all throughout our bodies. Oxygen-rich blood is carried away from our heart by arteries and veins then carry oxygen-poor blood back to our heart. Anytime this complicated and vital process is disturbed, it can cause pain, dysfunction and many more severe complications. Therefore, we have Matthew Namanny, DO, FACOS available to answer a few questions regarding this topic. Dr. Namanny is board-certified in general surgery and is board eligible in vascular surgery. He specializes in treatment of peripheral vascular disease with a special interest in minimally invasive endovascular therapies. Additionally, Dr. Namanny is also a member of the International Society of Endovascular Specialists, American College of Osteopathic Surgeons, Society of Vascular Medicine, and the Edward B. Deitrich Vascular Surgery Society. His office is located at Saguaro Surgical, 6422 E. Speedway Boulevard, Suite 150 and the office phone number is 520-318-3004.Q-Why do people end up in your care?
People end up in my care when they start to have manifestations of problems with their circulation. This may be in the form of leg pain or even ulcerations on their lower extremities. It may also be for the treatment of aortic aneurysms or blockages in their carotid arteries. Very commonly, I also treat patients for venous disorders that include deep vein thrombosis, varicose veins, and venous insufficiency.
Q-What is the difference between vascular surgery and endovascular surgery?
Vascular surgery and endovascular surgery are both modalities to treat vascular disease. Endovascular describes a minimally invasive approach commonly done through needle puncture and a sheath. Traditional vascular surgery is more invasive and involves incisions, which is more surgical in nature.
Q-What would be some reasons for a person needing vascular or endovascular surgery?
Most commonly, patients will need vascular or endovascular surgery when the blockages in their arteries start to manifest as end organ damage. Examples include stroke, varying degrees of leg pain progressing to ulcerations, and even poorly controlled hypertension.
Q-Would any of these reason be related to genetics or are they more so consequences due to lifestyle?
It is a combination of both.
Q-Are these surgeries a "cure" for patients or more a way to manage conditions?
These are not cures for the disease; the goal is to keep the patient functional and with continued aggressive risk factor modification, prolong their life, and save their legs.
Q-What is the typical recovery time after vascular surgery?
Traditional vascular surgery typically requires a 2-3 day stay in the hospital, sometimes longer.
Q- What is the typical recovery time after endovascular surgery?
Endovascular surgery is much less invasive, hence it is typically done as outpatient. It is sometimes even performed in the outpatient endovascular center.
Q-What is Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)?
Peripheral Arterial Disease occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries. In time, plaque can harden and narrow the arteries, limiting the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the organs and other parts of the body.
Q-Are there common "warning" signs a person will experience with PAD?
Early warning signs with PAD include leg pain with activity, progressing to pain at rest, and eventually skin breakdown and ulcerations. The earliest sign of PAD is called claudication, which simply means pain in the leg(s) with activity.
Q-Are varicose veins a health issue that could lead patients to your office?
Yes, varicose veins are a sign of underlying venous insufficiency. It is a common condition that affects 1 in 7 people. It can be very disabling for patient's and affect their functional status. Like PAD, there are a number of treatment options available.
Q-What is an aneurysm?
An aneurysm is when an artery becomes abnormally dilated. It is typically defined as aneurysmal when the diameter exceeds 50% of normal.
Q-Is there a cause(s) for aneurysms?
The exact etiology of aneurysms is unknown, however there is a strong correlation with increasing age and history of tobacco abuse. There is also thought to be a genetic component.