Top 25 Vascular Surgeons Across the US
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What is a Vascular Surgeon?
Learn about this specialty, training requirements, and when to schedule a visit.
A vascular surgeon is a physician who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of diseases affecting the arteries, veins, and lymphatic system throughout the body, excluding the heart and brain. These specialists are trained to perform both open surgical procedures and minimally invasive endovascular interventions to restore blood flow, prevent stroke, treat aneurysms, and manage venous disorders. Vascular surgeons manage conditions ranging from life-threatening aortic aneurysms to chronic venous insufficiency and diabetic foot complications.
Training and Qualifications
Becoming a vascular surgeon requires extensive education and training:
- 4 years of medical school to earn an MD or DO degree
- 5 years of general surgery residency with comprehensive surgical training
- 2 years of vascular surgery fellowship specializing in arterial, venous, and endovascular procedures
- Total of 13+ years of education and training beyond high school
- Some programs offer integrated 5-year vascular surgery residency directly after medical school
Board Certification: American Board of Surgery (ABS) with Added Qualifications in Vascular Surgery, or primary certification by the American Board of Surgery in Vascular Surgery. Certification requires completion of an accredited fellowship and passing comprehensive written and oral examinations covering open and endovascular techniques.
When Should You See a Vascular Surgeon?
You should consider seeing a vascular surgeon if:
- You have leg pain when walking that improves with rest (claudication)
- You have been diagnosed with an abdominal or thoracic aortic aneurysm
- You have carotid artery disease or have experienced a transient ischemic attack (TIA)
- You have varicose veins causing pain, swelling, or skin changes
- You have been diagnosed with peripheral artery disease (PAD)
- You have a non-healing wound on your foot or leg, especially with diabetes
- You have deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or chronic venous insufficiency
- You need dialysis access (fistula or graft) for kidney failure
Key Facts
Common Conditions Treated
Vascular Surgeons are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions. Here are some of the most common conditions that vascular surgeons help patients manage.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)
An abnormal bulging or weakening of the main artery (aorta) in the abdomen that can grow and potentially rupture, causing life-threatening internal bleeding.
Key Symptoms
Treatment Approach
Vascular surgeons monitor aneurysm growth with surveillance imaging and perform elective repair when size criteria are met. They offer both open surgical repair and minimally invasive endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) using stent grafts placed through small groin incisions.
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
Narrowing of arteries in the legs due to atherosclerosis, reducing blood flow to the lower extremities and causing pain, tissue damage, and potential limb loss.
Key Symptoms
Treatment Approach
Vascular surgeons perform comprehensive arterial evaluation including ankle-brachial index testing and angiography. Treatment options include angioplasty with stenting, atherectomy to remove plaque, or bypass surgery using vein or synthetic grafts to restore blood flow.
Carotid Artery Disease
Narrowing of the carotid arteries in the neck due to plaque buildup, which can lead to stroke by restricting blood flow to the brain or releasing blood clots.
Key Symptoms
Treatment Approach
Vascular surgeons perform carotid endarterectomy, the gold-standard surgery to remove plaque from the carotid artery, or carotid artery stenting for appropriate candidates. They provide stroke prevention through careful patient selection and surgical expertise.
Varicose Veins and Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Damaged or weakened valves in leg veins that cause blood to pool, leading to enlarged, twisted veins, leg swelling, skin changes, and potentially venous ulcers.
Key Symptoms
Treatment Approach
Vascular surgeons offer comprehensive venous evaluation with duplex ultrasound and multiple treatment options including endovenous laser ablation, radiofrequency ablation, sclerotherapy, and ambulatory phlebectomy. They also manage complex venous ulcers with wound care and venous reconstruction.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Blood clots forming in deep veins, usually in the legs, which can cause pain and swelling and potentially break loose to travel to the lungs (pulmonary embolism).
Key Symptoms
Treatment Approach
Vascular surgeons manage acute DVT with anticoagulation and may perform catheter-directed thrombolysis or mechanical thrombectomy for extensive clots. They place IVC filters when anticoagulation is contraindicated and manage post-thrombotic syndrome with compression therapy and venous reconstruction.
Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm and Dissection
Aneurysm or tear in the wall of the aorta in the chest, which can be life-threatening if it ruptures or the layers of the aortic wall separate.
Key Symptoms
Treatment Approach
Vascular surgeons perform thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) using stent grafts placed through groin incisions, or open surgical repair for complex cases. They manage acute aortic dissections emergently and provide lifelong surveillance for thoracic aortic disease.
Dialysis Access Creation and Management
Creation of vascular access for hemodialysis in patients with kidney failure, including arteriovenous fistulas, grafts, and management of access complications.
Key Symptoms
Treatment Approach
Vascular surgeons create arteriovenous fistulas (preferred long-term access) by connecting an artery to a vein, or place arteriovenous grafts. They manage access complications including thrombosis, stenosis, infection, and steal syndrome through surgical and endovascular interventions.
Critical Limb Ischemia and Diabetic Foot
Severe blockage of arteries to the legs causing rest pain, tissue loss, and risk of amputation, often complicated by diabetes and neuropathy.
Key Symptoms
Treatment Approach
Vascular surgeons work urgently to restore blood flow and save limbs through endovascular revascularization, bypass surgery, or hybrid procedures. They coordinate with wound care specialists and podiatrists to heal wounds and prevent amputations through comprehensive limb salvage programs.
Important Note
This list represents common conditions but is not exhaustive. Vascular Surgeons treat many other conditions related to their specialty. If you're experiencing symptoms or have concerns, consult with a qualified vascular surgeon for a proper evaluation.
What to Expect During Your Visit
Understanding what happens during your appointment can help you feel more prepared. Here's what you can typically expect when visiting a vascular surgeon.
Your First Visit
- Comprehensive medical history including cardiovascular risk factors, smoking history, and family history
- Review of symptoms including walking distance, rest pain, and wound healing
- Detailed physical examination including pulse examination in all extremities
- Assessment of wounds, skin changes, and tissue viability if present
- Discussion of diagnostic testing needed to evaluate your vascular condition
- Review of current medications, especially blood thinners and diabetes medications
- Initial visit typically lasts 30-60 minutes depending on complexity
Diagnosis & Testing
- Ankle-brachial index (ABI): non-invasive blood pressure comparison between arms and ankles
- Duplex ultrasound: detailed imaging of blood flow in arteries or veins
- CT angiography (CTA): detailed 3D imaging of blood vessels throughout the body
- MR angiography (MRA): magnetic resonance imaging of blood vessels without radiation
- Arteriography/venography: contrast injection with X-ray for detailed vessel mapping
- Segmental pressure measurements and pulse volume recordings for peripheral artery disease
Treatment Options
- Medical management: risk factor modification, antiplatelet therapy, statins, blood pressure control
- Supervised exercise therapy for claudication to improve walking distance
- Endovascular procedures: angioplasty, stenting, atherectomy through small puncture sites
- Open surgical procedures: bypass grafting, endarterectomy, aneurysm repair
- Hybrid procedures combining open and endovascular techniques for complex cases
- Wound care and limb salvage programs for tissue loss
- Long-term surveillance with imaging and clinical follow-up
Tip for Your Visit
Bring a list of current medications, previous test results, and questions you want to ask. Writing down your symptoms—when they occur and what affects them—helps your vascular surgeon provide accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
How to Choose the Right Vascular Surgeon
Finding the right healthcare provider is important for your health and peace of mind. Here are key factors to consider when selecting a vascular surgeon.
Credentials to Verify
- Board certification in Vascular Surgery by the American Board of Surgery
- Completion of an ACGME-accredited vascular surgery fellowship
- Active, unrestricted medical license in your state
- Hospital privileges at facilities with vascular surgery capabilities
- Experience with both open surgical and endovascular techniques
- Membership in Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) or regional vascular societies
Important Considerations
- Volume of procedures performed for your specific condition
- Access to comprehensive vascular laboratory for diagnostic testing
- Availability of 24/7 coverage for vascular emergencies
- Hospital quality metrics for vascular procedures and outcomes
- Multidisciplinary team approach including wound care, cardiology, and nephrology
- Experience with complex and redo procedures if applicable
- Patient outcomes data and complication rates when available
Quick Tip
Don't hesitate to schedule consultations with multiple vascular surgeons before making your decision. The right fit isn't just about credentials—it's also about feeling comfortable and confident in your care.
Cost and Insurance Information
Understanding the costs associated with seeing a vascular surgeon can help you plan for your healthcare needs.
Average Costs (Without Insurance)
Initial Visit
$200-$400 (comprehensive vascular consultation)
Follow-up Visit
$100-$250
Common Procedures
Note: These are estimated average costs and can vary based on location, provider, and specific services required.
Insurance Coverage
- Most health insurance covers medically necessary vascular surgery procedures
- Prior authorization is typically required for surgical and endovascular procedures
- Diagnostic vascular studies usually covered when medically indicated
- Varicose vein treatment may require documentation of symptoms and failed conservative therapy
- In-network vascular surgeons have negotiated rates reducing out-of-pocket costs
- Out-of-pocket costs vary significantly based on deductibles and coinsurance
Medicare Information
Medicare Part B covers vascular surgery services at 80% of the approved amount after the annual deductible. One-time abdominal aortic aneurysm screening ultrasound is covered for eligible beneficiaries (men 65-75 with smoking history). Peripheral artery disease screening and diagnostic tests are covered when medically necessary. Major vascular procedures are covered under Medicare Part A when performed as inpatient.
Money-Saving Tips
- 1Always verify your vascular surgeon is in-network before scheduling
- 2Ask about self-pay discounts if you don't have insurance
- 3Inquire about payment plans for expensive procedures
- 4Get prior authorization when required to avoid claim denials
- 5Use FSA or HSA funds for eligible medical expenses
Questions to Ask Your Vascular Surgeon
Being prepared for your appointment helps you get the most out of your time with your doctor. Here are important questions to consider asking a vascular surgeon.
What type of treatment do you recommend for my condition and why?
Am I a candidate for minimally invasive endovascular treatment?
What are the risks and benefits of surgery versus continued monitoring?
How many of these procedures have you performed and what are your outcomes?
What is the expected recovery time for my procedure?
Will I need to take blood thinners and for how long?
What lifestyle changes can help manage my vascular condition?
How often will I need follow-up appointments and imaging?
What are the warning signs that I should seek immediate care?
Do you participate in a multidisciplinary vascular team approach?
Pro Tip
Write down your questions before your appointment and bring them with you. Don't hesitate to take notes during your visit or ask for written instructions.
When to Seek Emergency Care
Know when symptoms require immediate attention versus a scheduled appointment.
While most conditions can wait for a scheduled appointment with a vascular surgeon, certain symptoms require immediate emergency care. Go to the emergency room or call 911 if you experience:
- Sudden severe abdominal or back pain - may indicate ruptured aortic aneurysm requiring immediate surgery
- Sudden weakness, numbness, or difficulty speaking - may indicate stroke from carotid disease
- Sudden severe chest or back pain with tearing quality - may indicate aortic dissection emergency
- Sudden cold, pale, painful leg with no pulse - may indicate acute arterial occlusion requiring urgent revascularization
- Shortness of breath with leg swelling - may indicate pulmonary embolism from deep vein thrombosis
- Rapidly expanding or pulsating mass in abdomen or groin - may indicate aneurysm rupture or pseudoaneurysm
EMERGENCY
Call 911 or nearest ER
URGENT
Doctor or urgent care
NON-URGENT
Regular appointment
Vascular Surgeon vs. Other Specialists
Understanding the differences between medical specialists helps you choose the right provider for your needs.
Vascular Surgeon vs. Cardiologist
Vascular surgeons treat blood vessel diseases throughout the body except the heart, performing both surgery and endovascular procedures. Cardiologists focus on heart conditions and do not typically perform surgery. For peripheral artery disease, both may be involved, but vascular surgeons can offer surgical bypass when needed. Cardiologists manage heart-related risk factors that often accompany vascular disease.
Vascular Surgeon vs. Interventional Radiologist
Both vascular surgeons and interventional radiologists perform minimally invasive endovascular procedures. However, vascular surgeons have additional surgical training to perform open operations when endovascular approaches are not suitable or fail. Vascular surgeons also provide comprehensive longitudinal care for vascular patients including medical management and long-term surveillance.
Vascular Surgeon vs. Cardiothoracic Surgeon
Cardiothoracic surgeons operate on the heart and structures within the chest, while vascular surgeons focus on blood vessels throughout the body. For aortic disease, there may be overlap - cardiac surgeons typically handle the aortic root and ascending aorta, while vascular surgeons manage the descending thoracic and abdominal aorta. Complex cases may involve collaboration between both specialties.
Vascular Surgeon vs. Interventional Cardiologist
Interventional cardiologists specialize in catheter-based procedures for heart and coronary artery disease. Vascular surgeons focus on peripheral, carotid, and aortic vascular disease with both surgical and endovascular capabilities. Some interventional cardiologists also perform peripheral vascular procedures, but vascular surgeons offer the full spectrum of open and endovascular treatment options.
Vascular Surgeon vs. Phlebologist
Phlebologists specialize specifically in venous disease such as varicose veins and spider veins. Vascular surgeons have broader training encompassing both arterial and venous disease throughout the body. For complex venous conditions, venous reconstruction, or patients with combined arterial and venous disease, a vascular surgeon provides more comprehensive expertise.
Not sure which specialist you need?
Your primary care physician can help determine the right specialist for your condition and provide a referral if needed.
Sources & References
Information about vascular surgeons is sourced from peer-reviewed medical literature and authoritative organizations.
Last updated: March 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about vascular surgeons
What is the difference between a vascular surgeon and a cardiologist?
Vascular surgeons specialize in treating blood vessel diseases throughout the body except the heart and brain, using both open surgery and endovascular techniques. Cardiologists focus specifically on heart conditions and typically do not perform surgery. While there is some overlap in treating peripheral artery disease, vascular surgeons have surgical training to perform bypass operations and complex interventions. For aortic disease, vascular surgeons and cardiac surgeons may collaborate depending on which portion of the aorta is involved.
What is the recovery time after vascular surgery?
Recovery varies significantly based on the procedure performed. Minimally invasive endovascular procedures like angioplasty or varicose vein ablation typically allow return to normal activities within 1-2 weeks. Open surgeries like carotid endarterectomy require 2-4 weeks recovery, while major operations like aortic bypass surgery may require 6-8 weeks or longer. Your surgeon will provide specific guidance based on your procedure and overall health status.
Can peripheral artery disease be reversed?
While the underlying atherosclerosis causing PAD cannot be completely reversed, progression can be slowed or stopped with aggressive risk factor management including smoking cessation, statin therapy, blood pressure control, and diabetes management. Supervised exercise programs can significantly improve walking distance. When lifestyle changes are insufficient, vascular surgeons can restore blood flow through endovascular or surgical procedures to relieve symptoms and prevent limb loss.
How do I know if my aortic aneurysm needs repair?
Abdominal aortic aneurysms are typically repaired when they reach 5.5 cm in men or 5.0 cm in women, grow more than 0.5-1.0 cm per year, or cause symptoms. Smaller aneurysms are monitored with regular ultrasound surveillance. The decision to repair involves weighing rupture risk against surgical risk based on your overall health. Vascular surgeons use established guidelines while individualizing treatment recommendations for each patient.
Are varicose vein procedures covered by insurance?
Insurance coverage for varicose vein treatment depends on whether symptoms are present. Purely cosmetic treatment is typically not covered. However, when varicose veins cause symptoms like pain, swelling, skin changes, or venous ulcers, treatment is considered medically necessary. Most insurers require documentation of symptoms and a trial of conservative treatment (compression stockings) before approving procedures. Your vascular surgeon's office can help navigate the authorization process.
Medical disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with questions about a medical condition. If you have a medical emergency, call 911. Our editorial standards