Our arteries and veins are as interconnected as the roads we drive on, supplying blood throughout the body, including to the heart, lungs, brain and limbs. Sometimes our inner "highways" develop blockages (stenosis) or weakened areas (aneurysms) that require care. Vascular surgeons at Cedars-Sinai provide expert treatment for these conditions. 

Our Approach to Vascular Surgery

Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures

We use endovascular surgery, which helps us fix blood vessels without having to make incisions. This technique results in less pain, quicker recovery and a lower risk of complications.

Comprehensive Care

Our vascular surgeons provide the full spectrum of care including medications, minimially invasive therapies, and open surgery for all vascular diseases.  We tailor our therapies to meet your needs.

Breakthrough Vascular Devices

We're always researching new technologies and vascular devices (stents) that allow us to repair aneurysms and blockages. We can use these minimally invasive endovascular techniques for complex cases that would normally require open surgery. Learn more about minimally invasive endovascular surgery at Cedars-Sinai.

Vascular Procedures

Vascular procedures we perform include:

Balloon (angioplasty) and stent

Arteries can become blocked when fatty substances, called plaque, build up inside them. Using a catheter and wire, we insert a small balloon into the blocked artery. We then expand the balloon to widen the artery and improve blood flow. Depending on the severity of the condition, we may leave a wire mesh tube (stent) in place to continue supporting the artery.

Leg bypass graft

We use a bypass graft to reroute the blood flow in a blocked artery. We may use your own tissue (vein) or an artificial material (a type of plastic) for the bypass graft. When possible, we use your own tissue, because the bypass graft will last longer and have a lower risk of infection.

Carotid endarterectomy

Blockages due to atherosclerosis in the neck arteries that supply blood to the brain can lead to stroke. We treat these blockages by making a small incision, removing the plaque and, in some cases, removing the diseased portion of the artery. If needed, we place a patch from part of another blood vessel or artificial material to close the artery. 

Open aortic surgery

We use several techniques to treat diseases of the thoracic aorta, which is the upper section of the large artery that carries blood from your heart to the rest of your body. Our surgeons work with you to determine which procedure is right for you.

One technique is traditional, open surgery, where we make an incision to access the artery. We remove the weakened part of the artery and replace it with a graft (a fabric) to replace that section of the artery.

Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR)

We use minimally invasive surgery to repair aneurysms in the aorta. During EVAR, we thread a catheter through the groin into an artery, guiding the catheter to the aortic aneurysm. We use the catheter to place a stent graft inside the aneurysm to reinforce that section of the aorta. The stent graft relieves pressure on the aneurysm wall to prevent it from rupturing. 

Thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (TEVAR)

For thoracic aneurysms (those that occur above the diaphragm), we may perform TEVAR rather than open surgery. In a catheter procedure, we insert a stent graft into the weakened artery to support the artery walls. 

Vein ablation

Varicose veins are bulging, discolored veins that often result from leaky vein valves, causing blood to pool in the leg veins (reflux). Our surgeons insert a catheter into the diseased varicose veins. As we slowly remove the catheter, the heat from the tip of the device closes the diseased vein behind it.

Microphlebectomy

Some superficial (close to skin surface) varicose veins need to be removed. In these cases, we make tiny incisions in the skin and remove the malfunctioning veins. 

Understanding Your Vascular Surgery Options

We know you probably have many questions. Our team is here to help you get answers. Together, we discuss your options and choose the right treatment for you.

We consider your preferences and what our surgeons think will be the most effective treatment approach. Our team prepares you for the operation, explaining the steps of the surgery and what to expect during your recovery.

Clinical Trials & Research

Learn more about the latest clinical trials that aim to make new diagnostic, medical and surgical discoveries available for improving quality of life and life expectancy in vascular surgery patients.

Education

The Vascular Surgery Residency, which is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), is a program of Cedars-Sinai, an academic medical center renowned for vascular care, research and education. 

Have Questions or Need Help?

Your peace of mind is just as important as the quality of your treatment. We are always available for any questions you may have.

Advanced Health Sciences Pavilion
127 S. San Vicente Blvd., Suite A3600
Los Angeles, CA 90048