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Washington County Health System
  
  Vascular Center

Contact
301-790-8570

 

The Vascular Center at Washington County Hospital is a comprehensive program treating patients with vascular disease. We offer vascular screenings, diagnostic studies, medical, and surgical therapies. Our team includes board certified vascular surgeons, radiologists, and nurses. Each patient's treatment is coordinated by a vascular care specialist.

For more information about the Vascular Center at Washington County Hospital, contact our vascular care specialist at 301-790-8570.

Our Vascular Care Team

A registered nurse specializing in vascular surgery coordinates the care of vascular patients. The vascular care specialist contacts each patient, providing patients with individualized education, including vascular risk factors and what to expect while in the hospital. During the hospital stay, the vascular care specialist visits periodically with each vascular care patient—answering questions and ensuring that your hospital stay goes smoothly.

Prior to leaving the hospital, the specialist works with patients to ensure a smooth transition home. The vascular care specialist monitors the clinical status of each patient for one year after surgery—assuring that patients are receiving the proper medical care they need.

Diseases

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a blockage in blood circulation due to fatty desposits or plaque, building up in the inner linings of the artery walls. These blockages restrict blood circulation, primarily in arteries leading to the kidneys, stomach, arms, legs, and feet. Left unreated, PAD increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, amputation, or death.

Carotid artery disease occurs when the carotid arteries, the primary blood vessels to the brain, develop a buildup of plaque caused by atherosclerosis. When the buildup becomes severe, it can cause a stroke. If detected and treated, most strokes can be prevented.

Abdominal Aortic aneurysms (AAA) occurs when the wall of the aorta, the main artery in the chest and abdomen, progressively weakens. This causes a dilation of the vessel. If not diagnosed and treated, the aneurysm will grow larger and eventually rupture, which can be fatal. If the AAA is detected and treated, risk of rupture is very low and chances of recovery are great. The primary risk factor in developing an AAA is smoking.

Venous Disease is insufficient blood flow from the legs back to the heart. Blood pools or congests in your legs. Undiagnosed or left untreated, the results can range from swelling and pain to severe varicose veins and eventually, ulcers and potentially life-threatening blood clots.

 

© 2009
Washington County Health System
251 East Antietam Street
Hagerstown, MD 21740
301-790-8000

TDD: 1-800-735-2258