Most people never think about their blood vessels until something goes wrong. But vascular disease affects millions of Americans, and catching it early can prevent serious complications. For Nassau County residents, knowing when to see a vascular surgeon and what that visit involves can take the uncertainty out of the process.
What Does a Vascular Surgeon Treat?
Vascular surgeons specialize in conditions affecting arteries and veins throughout the body (excluding the heart and brain, which have their own specialists). Common conditions include peripheral artery disease (narrowed leg arteries causing pain with walking), varicose veins and venous insufficiency, deep vein thrombosis (blood clots), carotid artery disease (narrowed neck arteries increasing stroke risk), aortic aneurysms, dialysis access creation and maintenance, and non-healing wounds related to poor circulation.
Modern vascular surgery has shifted dramatically toward minimally invasive procedures. Many conditions that once required open surgery are now treated through catheter-based techniques with small punctures, local anesthesia, and same-day discharge.
Signs You Should See a Vascular Surgeon
Leg pain when walking that goes away with rest (claudication) is the classic sign of peripheral artery disease. This is not the same as general muscle soreness from exercise.
Leg swelling, heaviness, or visible varicose veins may indicate venous insufficiency. When vein valves fail, blood pools in the legs, causing progressive symptoms.
Cold feet, color changes, or slow-healing wounds on the feet or toes can signal poor arterial circulation. Diabetic patients should be especially alert to these signs.
Sudden leg swelling with pain, warmth, and redness may be a deep vein thrombosis (blood clot) requiring urgent evaluation.
Known carotid plaque or prior TIA symptoms such as temporary vision loss, speech difficulty, or one-sided weakness should be monitored by a vascular specialist.
What Happens at a Vascular Evaluation
At M&S Vascular in Great Neck, Dr. Amir Salem begins with a thorough history covering your symptoms, risk factors (smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, family history), medications, and prior vascular testing or procedures.
A focused physical exam checks pulses, skin condition, temperature differences between limbs, and visible vein patterns. Depending on the concern, in-office testing may include ankle-brachial index (ABI) for arterial disease and duplex ultrasound for vein problems, blood clots, or carotid plaque.
These tests are painless and provide real-time information. Many patients receive a clear picture of their vascular health during the first visit.
Vascular Care at M&S Great Neck
The practice combines vascular surgery and interventional radiology with orthopedic surgery and sports medicine. This is useful because vascular and orthopedic symptoms often overlap. Leg pain when walking could be PAD or a knee problem. Leg swelling could be venous insufficiency or a joint issue. Having both specialties under one roof means the right diagnosis is reached faster.
The Great Neck office at 935 Northern Boulevard serves patients from across Nassau County, including Manhasset, Garden City, Mineola, Hempstead, Hicksville, Freeport, Valley Stream, Rockville Centre, and beyond. Patients from western Suffolk County also make the drive for specialist vascular care. Call (516) 960-1954 to schedule.