Interventional Radiologist vs. Vascular Surgeon: Who Should You See for Your Vascular Health?

Understanding the Difference Between Two Key Specialists

When it comes to treating vascular conditions like Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), Varicose Veins, and Blood Clots, patients often wonder: Should I see a Vascular Surgeon or an Interventional Radiologist? Both specialists treat blood vessel disorders, but their training, techniques, and approaches to treatment can be very different.

At Southern VIP™, our interventional radiologists specialize in minimally invasive, image-guided procedures that offer faster recovery times and reduced risks compared to traditional surgery. But does that mean surgery is unnecessary? Not always. In this blog, we’ll explore the key differences between these two specialists and when you might need one over the other.

What Does an Interventional Radiologist Do?

An interventional radiologist (IR) is a doctor trained in using imaging technology—such as X-rays, ultrasound, and CT scans—to guide minimally invasive procedures inside the body. Instead of making large incisions, they use tiny catheters and tools to treat vascular conditions from within the blood vessels.

Common procedures performed by interventional radiologists include:

• Angioplasty and stenting – Opens blocked arteries to improve blood flow, often used for PAD treatment
• Atherectomy – Removes plaque buildup from arteries to prevent blockages
• Embolization – Blocks off abnormal or damaged blood vessels (used in treating uterine fibroids, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and varicose veins)
• Thrombectomy – Breaks up or removes blood clots in veins or arteries
• Dialysis access management – Ensures proper function of dialysis fistulas and grafts for kidney patients

Why choose an interventional radiologist?

• Minimally invasive treatments mean smaller incisions, less pain, and shorter recovery times
• Many procedures are performed in an outpatient setting, so hospital stays aren’t needed
  

Procedures are guided by imaging, making them highly precise and reducing complications

What Does a Vascular Surgeon Do?

A vascular surgeon is a doctor trained in traditional open surgery and minimally invasive vascular procedures. They perform operations to repair or remove damaged blood vessels and can treat more complex or severe vascular conditions that may not be manageable with minimally invasive techniques alone.

Common procedures performed by vascular surgeons include:

• Bypass surgery – Creates a new pathway for blood flow around a blocked artery
• Endarterectomy – Removes plaque buildup from arteries to prevent stroke
• Open aneurysm repair – Repairs life-threatening bulges in blood vessels
• Vein stripping and ligation – Removes severely damaged veins

Why choose a vascular surgeon?

• They handle advanced or severe cases where minimally invasive procedures may not be enough
• They perform both open surgery and endovascular procedures, so they offer a full range of options
  

If a vascular condition is severe or life-threatening, a surgeon and hospital stay may be necessary

Key Differences: Interventional Radiologist vs. Vascular Surgeon

Who Should You See for Your Vascular Condition?

If you’re unsure whether you need an interventional radiologist or a vascular surgeon, consider these guidelines:

• If you have peripheral artery disease (PAD): Start with an interventional radiologist. Many PAD cases can be treated with angioplasty and stenting instead of surgery.
• If you have varicose veins: An interventional radiologist can treat varicose and spider veins with sclerotherapy, laser therapy, or embolization instead of invasive surgery.
• If you have a severe vascular blockage: A vascular surgeon may be needed for bypass surgery or an endarterectomy if the blockage is too advanced for minimally invasive treatment.
• If you have a blood clot: Interventional radiologists perform thrombectomy procedures to break up clots without major surgery.

Why Choose Southern VIP for Vascular Care?

At Southern VIP, our team of expert interventional radiologists provides cutting-edge, minimally invasive treatments to improve vascular health without the need for major surgery.

• Minimally invasive approach – Most procedures require only a small incision, leading to quicker recovery and less pain, including Southern VIPs Foot Rescue procedure for PAD patients
• State-of-the-art imaging technology – We use advanced imaging to target problem areas, prioritizing cutting-edge technology over cutting.
• Personalized treatment plans – Every patient receives a customized plan based on their condition and health goals.  Many times, a procedure is not even necessary.
• Outpatient convenience – All procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, in an office-based lab (OBL) or ambulatory surgical center (ASC) instead of a hospital.
  

If you’re experiencing leg pain, swelling, varicose veins, or circulation issues, schedule a consultation with Southern VIP to explore your treatment options.