Vascular Surgeons in the UK

Key information about vascular surgery specialists 

What does a vascular surgeon do? 

A vascular surgeon is a medical and surgical specialist who diagnoses and treats conditions affecting the arteries, veins and lymphatic system. Their role focuses on identifying circulation problems, assessing vascular risk and providing medical or surgical treatment when needed. 

Why might you be referred to a vascular surgeon? 

You may be referred if there is suspected arterial or venous circulation disease, such as poor circulation, blood clots or chronic vascular conditions that require specialist assessment and management. 

When should you see a vascular surgeon? 

You should consider seeking medical advice if you experience leg pain or tiredness when walking, pain at rest, wounds that do not heal, or skin changes. These symptoms may be linked to circulation problems and are usually worth assessing early. 

Vascular conditions are common: varicose veins may affect up to 3 in 10 people, and venous thrombosis affects around 1 to 2 per 1,000 people each year, according to the National Library of Medicine and the American Heart Association. It is normal to see a vascular specialist if symptoms last for weeks or affect daily life. 

Why choose a vascular surgeon? 

Because they have specialist training in vascular disease and can provide accurate diagnosis, clinical follow-up and personalised management based on each patient’s condition and risk factors. 

Types of patients who see a vascular surgery specialist 

Patients with arterial, venous or lymphatic diseases, family history of vascular disease, diabetes, high blood pressure or lifestyle-related risk factors, as well as people with symptoms of poor circulation or vascular complications. 

Conditions treated by vascular surgery specialists 

• Varicose veins
• Thrombosis
• Venous ulcer
• Vascular disease

Preparing for your vascular surgery consultation 

It is advisable to attend with previous medical reports, a list of medications, relevant family history and a clear description of symptoms, including when they started and how they have changed over time. 

Tests or treatments a vascular surgeon may request 

• Endovascular surgery
• Angiography
• Vascular access surgery

How can I book an appointment with a vascular surgeon? 

At Top Doctors, you can book an appointment in one click with a leading vascular surgeon and access highly qualified specialists in the management of vascular diseases.  

Best vascular surgery centres in the UK 

At Top Doctors we work with leading specialist vascular surgery centres equipped with advanced technology for vascular diagnosis and treatment.

Sources 

• Global Burden of Disease Collaborative Network. (2021). Global burden of peripheral artery disease. Nature Medicine. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12209533/ 
• American Heart Association. (2024). Epidemiology of venous thromboembolism. Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/ATVBAHA.124.320151 
• Venous thromboembolism epidemiology and incidence in Western countries. (2025). PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40888683/ 
• Global epidemiology of venous thromboembolism. (2023). Nature Portfolio (PMC). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9964264/ 
• National Library of Medicine. (2023). Varicose veins. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470194/ 
• World Health Organization. (2023). Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cardiovascular-diseases-(cvds)