Vascular disease care in Manchester, New Hampshire

Vascular disease can significantly affect your arteries and veins, leading to serious complications such as heart attack, stroke, ruptured blood vessels, blood clots or kidney failure. Our goal is to help you to manage and overcome these conditions with a comprehensive treatment plan.

When detected early, many forms of vascular disease are treatable. At Catholic Medical Center, our surgeons are specially trained to diagnose and treat a wide variety of vascular diseases. We work closely with you to develop a care plan tailored to your cardiovascular health needs.

Conditions our vascular team specializes in:

  • Aortic Disease
    • Aneurysms
    • Dissection
  • Carotid Artery Disease
  • Dialysis Access
  • Peripheral Vascular/Artery Disease (PVD/PAD)
  • Vascular Imaging
  • Vascular Surgery
  • Vein Disease and Treatments

Why Choose CMC?

Our vascular surgeons are highly trained in the management of arteries and veins. They collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team, including interventional radiologists, cardiologists, and cardiovascular & thoracic surgeons, to deliver exceptional and comprehensive vascular care.

Vascular Imaging

IAC Accredited Facility – Vascular Testing

We’re proud to have earned a three-year accreditation from the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC) in Vascular Testing. This includes Peripheral Arterial, Peripheral Venous, and Extracranial Cerebrovascular Testing.

If vascular disease is suspected, your provider may order non-invasive tests to assess blood flow in your arteries and veins. Using ultrasound, our Registered Vascular Technologists (RVTs) can identify the presence, location, and severity of vascular conditions—without the use of needles.

Vascular testing:

  • Ankle-brachial index (ABI)
  • Ankle-brachial index (ABI) with exercise (treadmill)
  • Aortoiliac duplex
  • Aortoiliac duplex for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)
  • Arterial duplex-lower extremity
  • Arterial duplex-upper extremity
  • Arteriovenous (AV) fistula duplex
  • Bypass graft duplex
  • Carotid duplex
  • Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
  • Mesenteric/celiac/renal artery stenosis
  • Pulse volume recordings (PVRs)
  • Segmental Pressures
  • Venous reflux (insufficiency)
  • Venous mapping

Aortic Disease Care

The aorta is the largest artery in the body. It carries oxygen-rich blood throughout your body. When affected by disease, the aorta can either dilate (aneurysm) or split (dissection) – both of which can be life-threatening and require specialized care.

CMC’s Aortic Center is dedicated to the early detection, monitoring and treatment of complex aortic conditions. Our multidisciplinary team includes cardiac surgeons, vascular surgeons, cardiologists and specialists who provide advanced care using state-of-the-art imaging and the latest surgical and endovascular techniques for patients with aortic disease, including:

  • Aneurysm
    • Aortic Root
    • Ascending
    • Descending
    • Thoracic Aortic
    • Abdominal Aortic
    • Iliac, Femoral & Popliteal
  • Dissection

Learn more by calling CMC's Vascular Nurse Navigator: (603) 665-5154

Carotid Artery Disease

The carotid arteries are the primary blood vessels that supply blood to the brain. Carotid artery disease occurs when plaque builds up and narrows these arteries, which can lead to a blockage and potentially cause a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or a full-scale stroke. If you are over age 50 or have a family history of carotid artery disease, your primary care provider may listen to your arteries for abnormal sounds that could indicate a blockage.

Treatment and Technologies

  • Lifestyle Modifications
  • Interventional and Surgical Treatments
    • Carotid Endarterectomy
    • Carotid ArteryStenting
  • Transcarotid Artery Revascularization (TCAR): A clinically proven, minimally invasive option for patients at high risk for traditional open surgery. TCAR temporarily reverses blood flow during the procedure to divert plaque away from the brain, reducing the risk of stroke. A stent is then placed to stabilize the artery and minimize the risk of a future stroke. Benefits of TCAR:
    • Lower stroke risk
    • Minimally invasive
    • Smaller incision
    • Shorter procedure and recovery time
    • Reduced hospital stay

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)/Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD)

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)/Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD) Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), also known as peripheral vascular disease (PVD), is a progressive circulatory disorder. PAD occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries, a condition called atherosclerosis, which narrows and hardens the arteries over time, reducing blood flow and potentially causing damage to tissues and organs.

Several factors increase the risk of developing PAD:

  • Age (over 50)
  • Obesity
  • High blood pressure and/or cholesterol
  • High blood pressure and/or cholesterol
  • Smoking
  • Diabetes
  • Heart disease
  • History of stroke
  • Lack of exercise
  • Poor diet

Symptoms of PAD may include:

  • Muscle pain when walking
  • Numbness or heaviness in the legs
  • Leg cramping
  • Weak pulses in the legs or feet
  • Wounds that do not heal

A sudden cold, painful, pale limb with weak or no pulses is a medical emergency. Seek immediate medical attention.

Treatment and Technologies

There are a number of treatment options available, many of which can be conducted in an outpatient setting. CMC’s team of highly-trained physicians, technicians, and support staff can assess the best treatment options for you.

  • Lifestyle Adjustments and Medications
    • Losing weight
    • Quitting smoking
    • Exercising
  • PAD Treatments
  • Interventional and Surgical Treatments
    • Angioplasty
    • Stenting

For more information, contact CMC’s Vascular Nurse Navigator by calling: (603) 665-5154.

Vein

Veins are essential to the circulatory system, returning blood to the heart. Venous diseases like thrombosis (blood clots), varicose veins and spider veins affect over half of U.S. adults and can cause pain, swelling, redness, and bulging veins—and may become serious if untreated.

Early detection allows many vein issues to be treated with minimally invasive procedures. Our board-certified vascular surgeons and expert team can diagnose and recommend personalized treatment to support your overall health.

CMC offers non-invasive, minimally invasive and surgical options for diagnosing and treating venous disease—both medically and cosmetically.

These treatments include:

  • Catheter-directed thrombolytic therapy
  • Ultrasound
  • Phlebectomy
  • Angioplasty
  • Embolization
  • Embolectomy/thrombectomy
  • Non-invasive ultrasound
  • Inferior vena cava (IVC) insertion
  • Ablation
  • Sclerotherapy

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potentially life-threatening blood clot, usually in the leg. Symptoms – if present – may include swelling, pain, warmth and redness. If part of the clot breaks off and travels to the lungs, it can cause a pulmonary embolism (PE), with symptoms like shortness of breath, sharp chest pain with breathing, coughing up blood and a rapid heartbeat.

Risk factors for DVT, PE and other blood clots include:

  • Family history of clotting disorders
  • Hormonal birth control
  • Obesity
  • Pregnancy hormones
  • Previous DVT
  • Prolonged periods of sitting
  • Smoking
  • Surgery

Treatment and Technologies

  • Screening
  • Lifestyle Adjustments
  • Medications

Phlebitis and Thrombosis

Phlebitis and Thrombosis Phlebitis (vein inflammation) and thrombosis (blood clot) affect veins near the skin’s surface, often in the leg. When both occur together, the condition superficial thrombophlebitis.

If your doctor suspects phlebitis or thrombosis, you may be referred to our vascular specialists for further evaluation. These conditions can signal more serious venous issues, including potentially life-threatening DVT, making early diagnosis and treatment essential.

Risk factors include:

  • Age
  • Gender
  • Hormones
  • Previous history of phlebitis
  • Prolonged periods of sitting
  • Smoking
  • Varicose veins

Treatment and Technologies

  • Screening
  • Treatment: Phlebitis and thrombosis are often managed with heat or cold therapy, limb elevation, compression stockings and over-the-counter pain relief. Clots near deep veins may require blood thinners. Staying active is the best way to prevent these conditions.

Varicose Veins

Varicose veins occur when vein valves fail, causing blood to pool and veins to swell and twist. These bulging veins can be painful and may lead to venous insufficiency. If left untreated, they can cause swelling, pain, skin discoloration and ulcers that heal slowly.

Spider veins, a mild form of varicose veins, are a network of red or blue veins on the skin’s surface and can appear on the legs or face. They usually do not indicate a more serious problem but can be a cosmetic concern.

Risk factors for varicose veins include:

  • Age
  • Family history
  • Gender
  • Obesity
  • Pregnancy
  • Previous blood clots
  • Prolonged periods of standing
  • Vein surgery

Treatment and Technologies

  • Screening: A visual exam of your legs is the most common way to diagnose varicose veins, while an ultrasound can also help determine how well the valves in your leg are working.
  • Lifestyle Adjustments: While many noninvasive and minimally invasive treatments exist, lifestyle adjustments, such as moving more frequently, regularly elevating your legs and wearing compression stockings, can typically help alleviate swelling.
  • Spider Vein Treatment: Spider veins can be cosmetically treated in various ways, including sclerotherapy, where a physician injects the vein with a solution that causes it to collapse and seal itself off.
  • Varicose Vein Interventional and Surgical Treatment: A number of surgical procedures are offered to eliminate or reduce the appearance of varicose veins. To help the blood in your leg move through healthy veins to the heart, our doctors can perform a combination of treatments, which may include laser and injection therapy.

Venous ulcer

Venous ulcer A venous ulcer is a sore on your skin that is slow to heal because of venous insufficiency. Usually on the foot, they can be painful, ooze and become infected if left untreated.

Risk factors for venous ulcers include:

  • Age
  • Blood clots
  • Diabetes
  • Gender
  • Phlebitis
  • Obesity
  • Previous leg injury
  • Smoking
  • Varicose veins

Treatment and Technologies

  • Screening: Your provider will likely confirm a venous ulcer by visually examining the wound. Further diagnostic imaging, such as an ultrasound, can help determine if poor vein health in your legs is causing the ulcer. However, the underlying cause of your venous ulcer should also be addressed. Untreated varicose veins can lead to venous ulcers.
  • Lifestyle Modifications: Moving more frequently and regularly elevating your legs can help alleviate swelling and promote blood flow.
  • Treatment: Venous ulcers are usually treated with targeted wound care. There are many non- and minimally invasive ways to treat varicose veins, which lead to venous ulcers.

Vascular Surgery

Vascular surgery specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of blood vessel disorders throughout the body, outside of the heart. A vascular surgeon performs a variety of open and minimally invasive procedures on arteries and veins including the arms, legs, carotid arteries, aorta and other tissues.

Common conditions treated by vascular surgeons are:

  • Abdominal aortic aneurysm
  • Carotid artery disease
  • Peripheral artery disease
  • Vein Disease
  • Dialysis

Why Choose CMC?

Our vascular surgeons are highly trained in the diagnosis, management and surgical techniques to treat vascular conditions, and will work closely with your primary care provider to develop your treatment plan, coordinate imaging and ensure you are provided the very best care.

Our surgical team works collaboratively with other specialists such as cardiologists, nephrologists, cardiovascular and thoracic surgeons and interventional radiologists so that your care is tailored to meet all your cardiovascular needs.

Learn more about our vascular care facility

Explore our video playlist below to learn more about vascular conditions, treatment options, and when to seek care.