The field of vascular surgery is at a crossroads. In the last four decades, vascular surgeons have accumulated substantial experience using traditional open surgical techniques. Recently, however, innovative approaches that rely on non-invasive vascular imaging and minimally invasive ("endovascular") technology have provided surgeons and patients with new treatment options.

Using their broad surgical experience as well as diagnostic information obtained with non-invasive and invasive testing, USC Center for Vascular Care specialists select the appropriate treatment approach for each patient.

While vascular surgeons most commonly treat carotid, renal artery, lower extremity disease as well as aortic aneurysms, the Center's specialists also address less common diseases, such as:

• Arteritis (an inflammation of arteries, not to be confused with arthritis)
• Acute traumatic vascular injuries
• Chronic arterial injuries and entrapment syndromes

Open Surgery

The Center's surgeons possess advanced expertise in traditional, open vascular operations. Over the years, they have refined open surgical procedures to treat cerebrovascular, aortic, renal artery and upper and lower extremity vascular diseases.

Endovascular Surgery

USC Center for Vascular Care specialists are well trained in minimally invasive endovascular procedures – repairing blood vessels from within. For example, the Center physicians now use a minimally invasive approach through small groin incisions to repair abdominal aortic aneurysms. A specially designed graft is guided up through a blood vessel in a patient's leg into the aneurysm where it is placed to restore blood flow to the aorta.

Performed through a small puncture wound, endovascular surgery has met with favorable patient acceptance because the procedure allows for a smaller incision, use of local instead of general anesthesia, and faster recuperation time. Hospital stays are brief and patients may leave the following day.