Vascular Services
The vascular system is made up of the blood vessels outside of your heart. Arteries carry blood away from the heart, and veins bring blood back to the heart. If the flow of blood becomes abnormal, it can lead to problems.
It's important to see a vascular surgeon, even when surgery is not needed. For example, a common condition such as atherosclerosis may show up in the legs, but also be present in the arteries supplying the heart and brain.
Vascular surgeons will talk to you about how lifestyle changes and medication can be the first step in regaining your health. When invasive intervention in needed, vascular surgeons are trained in all types of interventions, including endovascular (minimally invasive) and surgical.
Our specialists provide care for a wide range of vascular conditions including:
- Abdominal and thoracic aortic aneurysm
- Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
- Carotid artery disease
- Varicose veins/Venous insufficiency/Vein ulcers
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)/pulmonary embolism
- Mesenteric ischemia - blocked arteries of the intestines, causing weight loss and pain in belly
- Renal artery disease - blocked kidney arteries, causing uncontrolled high blood pressure and sometimes kidney failure
- Small vessel disease - narrowing of the small arteries in the feet and hands, including conditions such as Raynaud’s and Buerger’s disease
- Thoracic outlet syndrome
- Treatment of traumatic vascular injuries involving the neck, abdomen, and extremities
Based on the health problem, our team of experts will manage the condition through changes to lifestyle, medication, surgery or minimally-invasive treatment. Through our multidisciplinary approach, we make it easy for you to connect with the right specialist from beginning to end of your care.
Diagnosis and treatment are supported by CentraCare's advanced technology and imaging capabilities, including vascular ultrasound, CT scans, MRI and endovascular operating rooms. We work closely with St. Cloud Hospital’s nationally recognized Stroke Center.
What are common signs and symptoms of vascular disease?
- Fatigue when walking or climbing
- Heaviness or pain in the arms or legs during activity
- Pain in the finger, hand, foot or leg when at rest
- Pale or blue skin on the arms or legs
- Cooler temperature in one arm or leg
- Poor nail or hair growth
- Sores or wounds that heal slowly
