Vascular medicine focuses on the non-invasive diagnosis and treatment of all problems involving the circulatory system outside of the heart. These problems may involve:

Commonly encountered conditions in the field of Vascular Medicine include:

• peripheral arterial disease - blockages in the leg arteries; may cause pain with walking
• carotid artery stenosis - blockages in the neck arteries; may lead to a stroke
• renal artery stenosis - blockages in the kidney arteries; may contribute to high blood pressure and/or chronic kidney disease
• abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) - a bulging of the aorta that may cause it to rupture
• venous problems such as deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and chronic venous insufficiency
• Raynaud’s, vasculitis, lymphedema and other less common vascular conditions

Vascular Surgery

Our team of board-certified vascular surgeons are regional leaders in vascular surgery and minimally invasive endovascular therapy. Our team provides comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic interventions for the entire spectrum of circulatory disorders, including:

• Aortic and peripheral arterial aneurysms
• Cerebrovascular disease and stroke prevention
• PAD ranging from leg pain with walking to critical limb-threatening arterial insufficiency
• Aggressive wound care
• Vein disorders including:
  • Deep Vein Thromboembolism (Blood Clots)
  • Varicose veins
  • Chronic venous insufficiency

Experience in Making Excellent Surgical Decisions

Our surgeons are uniquely trained to weigh the various treatment options available, including endovascular and surgical approaches. By making accurate decisions about the best form of surgical treatment, our patients have better outcomes, faster recovery times and improved outlooks for the long term.

An Ounce of Prevention

Most people know that clogged arteries around the heart spell danger, but very few realize that blockages in the extremities are risk factors as well. Called Peripheral Arterial Disease, or PAD, these dangerous blockages - found most often in the legs - affect an estimated 8 to 12 million people in the United States, yet three out of four Americans have never heard of the condition.

Sadly, this lack of awareness can be deadly. That's why FMH Vascular Services have teamed up with Horizon Vascular Specialists and Cardiovascular Specialists of Frederick to offer free vascular screenings.

Using ultrasound technology, participants are screened for the presence of PAD, AAA (Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm) and carotid stenosis. Certain risk factors for these diseases such as hypertension, family history and smoking are also evaluated. If an abnormal result is discovered, a physician is immediately available to discuss appropriate follow-up and care.

"One of our goals at FMH with these free screenings is to raise awareness of vascular disease, and help people get treatment earlier and live longer," says Program Manager Kristin Fletcher. "If we can do that, then we have truly made a difference here in Frederick County."