Vascular Surgery

Heart & Vascular

When you choose our care team, you have access to specialists in all aspects of vascular surgery. We treat both common and complex vascular diseases with a personalized approach. We listen to your needs, discuss your goals and provide care to help you live your life in good health.

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Vascular disease diagnosis and treatment: Why choose us? 

BJC HealthCare works with Washington University physicians, BJC Medical Group, and providers across the region to deliver extraordinary care. Our vascular surgeons provide advanced treatment for all conditions affecting your blood vessels. We specialize in both open procedures and endovascular (minimally invasive) therapies. This depth and breadth of expertise means you have more treatment options for your needs.

When you choose our care team you’ll find: 

  • Unmatched expertise: In many areas of vascular surgery, we have experience that other centers in the region can’t match. Our surgeons are national and international leaders in aortic repair, aneurysm treatment and care for thoracic outlet syndrome. 
  • Minimally invasive options: Our team performs many endovascular surgeries, which treat problems inside your blood vessels using a catheter (a tiny tube inserted in an artery or vein). We resolve blockages in arteries and veins with only a small puncture. You can recover faster with less pain and downtime. 
  • Lifelong relationship: We take time to listen to you. By understanding your concerns and preferences, we can suggest the best treatment for you. Our goal is to give you a high quality of life, free of worrisome symptoms. 
  • Collaborative care: Vascular surgeons work alongside experts in cardiology, interventional cardiology, cardiothoracic surgery and other specialties to plan your treatment. You receive seamlessly coordinated care from one source. 
  • State-of-the-art technology: Several of our hospitals have hybrid operating rooms. These advanced facilities combine the latest imaging and surgical technology. We can perform highly complex, minimally invasive procedures with improved safety and accuracy.
Vascular diseases we treat

We partner with vascular surgeons who participate in clinical trials to offer the latest treatments to care for any condition affecting your vascular system. We can help with anything from dangerous blood clots and aneurysms to painful varicose veins. And we can help even if you’re considered high risk or have been told you’re out of treatment options. 

  • Aneurysm
    An aneurysm is a weakened section of an artery wall. Aneurysms can rupture (burst) and lead to a stroke or death.
  • Aortic diseases
    Aortic diseases, such as aneurysms or aortic valve stenosis, affect the main blood vessel that carries blood from your heart to your body.
  • Carotid artery disease
    Carotid artery disease develops when plaque builds up in the blood vessels that supply blood to your brain. It can lead to a stroke.
  • Deep venous disease
    These diseases usually affect leg veins. Deep vein thrombosis (blood clots in leg veins) and varicose veins (bulging leg veins) are common.
  • Peripheral artery disease
    Peripheral artery disease is plaque buildup in the blood vessels that supply blood to your legs. It can lead to leg pain or cramps.
  • Pulmonary embolism
    A pulmonary embolism (PE) is a blood clot (usually from your leg) that travels to your lungs. A PE can cause sudden cardiac arrest or death.
  • Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS)
    TOS is a group of rare conditions involving compression of the brachial plexus, a group of nerves and blood vessels that serves your arm and hand.
Endovascular treatments

Our team chooses minimally invasive methods to restore blood flow and relieve vascular problems when possible. These endovascular procedures require no incision — just a needle puncture. Our expertise enables us to access blood vessels nearly anywhere in your body this way. We are not limited to access through the groin (the traditional approach). Our surgeons can also reach blood vessels through your foot, knee or wrist. 

Our endovascular procedures include:  

  • Angioplasty
    Your surgeon threads a catheter (tiny tube) to a blocked blood vessel. A balloon at the tip of the catheter reopens the vessel to improve blood flow.
  • Aortic aneurysm repair
    We have expertise in several procedures to repair aneurysms at all levels of the aorta, the largest artery from your heart.
  • Clot retrieval and embolectomy
    We use minimally invasive techniques to eliminate pulmonary embolisms without major surgery.
  • Lower extremity revascularization
    We restore blood flow to your arms and feet without invasive surgery, resulting in less pain and a faster recovery.
  • Peripheral atherectomy
    Atherectomy destroys plaque in distant blood vessels to reopen arteries or veins. The procedure supports wound healing and limb preservation.
  • Stenting
    Our vascular surgeons can place a stent (a tiny mesh tube) to hold open a weakened blood vessel anywhere in your body.
  • Transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR)
    We use minimally invasive techniques to remove clots and open a narrowed carotid artery, minimizing stroke risk.
  • Vein ablation and sclerotherapy
    Our vascular team offers minimally invasive treatments for varicose veins and spider veins to relieve pain and restore mobility.
Vascular surgery at BJC

In some cases, an open-heart surgery with a larger incision is the best option for ensuring a successful procedure and recovery. After an open procedure, you may have a longer hospital stay. We work to support you as you heal. 

Our experts offer a range of vascular surgeries, including:  

  • Bypass graft surgery
    Your surgeon reroutes blood flow around a blocked or damaged blood vessel by attaching healthy blood vessels.
  • Revascularization
    This surgery repairs or replaces blood vessels to restore blood flow. It can help wounds heal and reduces the risk of amputation.
  • Deep venous arterialization (DVA)
    DVA reroutes blood from nearby arteries to restore blood flow to veins in your foot. It can prevent infection and help you avoid amputation.
  • Fistula and graft placement for dialysis access
    Our vascular surgeons provide renal replacement therapy access, including options for peritoneal dialysis.
  • Open carotid endarterectomy
    We may use an open procedure to access and clear your carotid artery if you're not a candidate for minimally invasive treatment.
  • Free flap tissue grafting
    Vascular surgeons work with plastic surgeons to treat persistent foot ulcers using vascularized tissue flaps from other areas of your body.
  • Aortic aneurysm repair
    We have expertise in several procedures to repair aneurysms at all levels of the aorta, the largest artery from your heart.
Vascular Surgery News & Resources

Schedule your appointment

Call  (314) 362-9355  or  (800) 392-0936  to schedule your appointment with a specialist.

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