The Vascular Diseases Program at Georgetown uses a patient-oriented approach in a "one-stop-shopping" format. We offer expertise across the entire spectrum of noninvasive diagnosis, medical therapy, vascular surgery and interventional procedures. Our specialists are experts at performing the complex diagnostic tests and treatment regimens required. Although peripheral vascular disease can often be treated with lifestyle changes and risk factor management, medications (such as sclerosing agents or blood thinners), catheter-based treatments or open surgery may be required.

The Noninvasive Vascular Laboratory offers vascular screening, diagnosis and follow-up services to individuals with possible or existing vascular conditions. For example, Georgetown doctors are able to use ultrasound technology to diagnose carotid artery disease to prevent stroke, detect decreased blood flow to the legs to prevent amputation and diagnose abdominal aortic aneurysms that could burst and possibly lead to death.

Georgetown's state-of-the-art Peripheral Vascular Intervention Laboratory offers advanced catheterization technology and clinical expertise to diagnose and treat vascular disorders in a minimally invasive manner. Services include catheter-based diagnosis, angioplasty (balloon therapy) to open narrowed arteries, implantation of tiny metal stents to hold open arteries, and placement of stent-grafts to bypass blocked arteries, and can open up blocked arteries to improve circulation. These interventions can help patients avoid invasive surgery. Rather than undergoing open surgery, the patient may have the option of a less-invasive, catheter-based therapeutic procedure.

Our team is dedicated to avoiding invasive treatments when possible. However, if invasive treatments become necessary, our physicians are recognized experts in carotid surgery, leg bypass and aortic surgery, as well as varicose veins. This expertise and the experience of the surgical team at Georgetown add up to better outcomes for our patients.