Vascular surgery is a medical specialty focused on diagnosing, treating, and managing diseases of the blood vessels — arteries, veins, and lymphatic circulation — throughout the body (outside of the heart and brain).
A vascular surgeon is trained to care for the entire vascular system, which means:
Unlike other specialties, vascular surgeons don’t just perform one type of treatment — we provide the best option for each patient, whether that means no procedure, a catheter-based approach, or surgery.
All vascular surgeons at Premier Vascular are:
This ensures that when you come to us, you’re being cared for by a physician with the most comprehensive expertise available in vascular health.
Not all doctors who treat blood vessels have the same training, scope, or capabilities. Here’s how vascular surgeons compare to other specialists:
| Specialist | Training & Certification | What They Can Do | What They Can't Do |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vascular Surgeon | 5–7 years general surgery + 2 years vascular fellowship; board-certified | Full-spectrum vascular care: medical management, minimally invasive procedures (angioplasty, stenting, embolization, ablation), and open surgery (bypass, endarterectomy, aneurysm repair, limb salvage) | N/A — they can provide all treatment options for vascular disease |
| Interventional Radiologist (IR) | Radiology residency + 1–2 years fellowship | Imaging-guided catheter procedures such as stenting, embolization, and vein ablation | Cannot perform open vascular surgery; often focus on procedure over long-term management; do not manage long-term vascular disease |
| Cardiologist / Interventional Cardiologist | Internal medicine + cardiology fellowship | Manage heart conditions, risk factors, and perform catheter-based heart procedures (stents, angioplasty); some do limited peripheral interventions | Not trained in vascular surgery; primary focus is the heart rather than the entire vascular system |
| Cardiovascular Surgeon (Cardiac Surgeon) | General surgery + cardiothoracic surgery fellowship; board-certified | Perform open-heart surgeries (bypass, valve replacement, aortic root/arch repair); occasionally treat thoracic aorta | Not trained in comprehensive vascular care outside of the heart and chest; do not manage leg arteries, veins, PAD, or limb salvage |
| Primary Care Physician | General medicine (family medicine or internal medicine) | Manage risk factors like diabetes, blood pressure, and cholesterol; coordinate referrals | Cannot perform vascular procedures or surgery |
Interventional radiologists are skilled in imaging and performing certain minimally invasive procedures, but:
At Premier Vascular, our approach is patient-first:
When people hear the word “surgeon,” they often assume surgery is the only solution. But vascular surgery is about much more than operations. At Premier Vascular, our team of board- certified, fellowship-trained vascular surgeons specializes in the full spectrum of vascular care from prevention and medical management to minimally invasive procedures and, when necessary, advanced surgical intervention.
This means whether you have leg pain when walking, varicose veins, poor circulation, or a diagnosis like PAD, aneurysm, or DVT, our surgeons can tailor treatment to your unique needs not rush you into surgery.
Q: If I see a vascular surgeon, does that mean I’ll automatically need surgery?
A: Absolutely not. In fact, many of our patients are managed with non-surgical options like lifestyle changes, medication, or minimally invasive treatments. We recommend surgery only when it’s the safest and most effective option.
Q: Why should I see a vascular surgeon if I don’t want surgery?
A: Because vascular surgeons are uniquely trained in every approach to vascular disease. Others may be limited to one set of tools (like only doing catheter-based procedures). By seeing a vascular surgeon, you know that:
No. You can schedule an appointment directly with us.
No. Many treatments are outpatient, minimally invasive, and require little to no downtime.
Fellowship training ensures your doctor has advanced, subspecialty expertise in all aspects of vascular disease, including the most complex cases.
Because vascular surgeons can do everything IRs can and perform surgery if needed. That means you’re getting care from the most comprehensively trained vascular specialist.
At Premier Vascular, we provide the full spectrum of vascular care — from conservative management to advanced limb- and life-saving surgery. Our board-certified, fellowship-trained vascular surgeons are trusted throughout Macon and Central Georgia for their expertise, compassion, and commitment to patient outcomes.
Call 478-250-9785 today to schedule your vascular consultation.
Serving patients across Macon and Central Georgia.
