Expert Vascular Surgeon in Miami: PAD Surgery & Advanced Treatment

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) doesn’t just slow us down, it reshapes the way we live, move, and thrive. When lifestyle changes, medications, and minimally invasive interventions no longer offer relief, vascular surgery becomes much more than a clinical recommendation, it becomes a lifeline. At South Florida Multispecialty Medical Group, we guide patients through every stage of PAD treatment, including advanced surgical options, with expertise, compassion, and a focus on outcomes.

Let’s take a closer look at when surgery becomes necessary, the various techniques we offer, and most importantly, what recovery can realistically look like.

Understanding PAD and When Surgery Is Needed

Peripheral Artery Disease affects millions of Americans, particularly those over 60, but it also impacts people with diabetes, smokers, or individuals with high cholesterol or hypertension. PAD occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries, reducing blood flow, usually in the legs.

Early symptoms might include leg pain while walking (claudication), numbness, or cold feet and toes. But advanced PAD can progress to critical limb ischemia, where wounds fail to heal and tissue is at risk, making surgery not just an option but a necessity.

When Non-Surgical Treatments Aren’t Enough

Before considering surgery, we explore conservative and endovascular strategies. These can include:

• Lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise)
• Medications such as statins or antiplatelets
• Angioplasty and stenting

When those approaches no longer provide adequate blood flow, we recommend surgical intervention to prevent limb loss and improve mobility.

Surgical Options for PAD

At SFL Medical Group, our board-certified vascular surgeons in Miami offer multiple surgical procedures tailored to the severity and location of arterial blockages. Selecting the right approach is a collaborative decision based on imaging, symptoms, and overall health.

1. Bypass Grafting Surgery

This is often considered the gold standard when long arterial segments are blocked or when endovascular options have failed. The surgeon creates a new pathway for blood flow using either a vein from your own body or a synthetic graft.

Bypass locations vary:

• Aorto-femoral bypass: from abdomen to thigh
• Femoral-popliteal bypass: from upper to lower thigh
• Tibial bypass: to restore blood flow into the lower leg or foot

These surgeries can dramatically improve symptoms and limb viability, especially in critical limb ischemia cases.

2. Endarterectomy

This involves directly cleaning out plaque from inside the artery wall, commonly used in the carotid artery but sometimes in femoral arteries for PAD. It’s less commonly required today due to endovascular treatments unless localized plaque is particularly severe.

3. Hybrid Surgery

In some cases, we combine open and minimally invasive procedures in one session. For example, placing a stent in one artery while bypassing another. Hybrid surgery allows a more tailored approach and can lead to a quicker recovery.

4. Amputation as a Last Resort

In extreme cases where infection or tissue death has occurred, and blood flow cannot be restored, amputation may become necessary. It’s always our last consideration, and we do everything possible to avoid it, including salvage procedures and wound care.

What to Expect During Surgery at SFL Medical Group

We prepare every patient thoroughly before surgery:

• Detailed imaging: Duplex ultrasound, CT angiogram, or MR angiography
• Comprehensive health screening
• Smoking cessation programs if needed

Surgeries typically take 2-5 hours. For bypass, patients receive either general or regional anesthesia. Our team explains every step from incision size to expected hospital stay to help patients feel empowered.

Life After PAD Surgery: What Recovery Looks Like

Surgery is just the beginning of your recovery journey.

In-Hospital Recovery

Most patients remain in the hospital for 2-5 days after bypass. You’ll be up and walking within a day or two with physical therapy guidance. Pain is manageable with proper medication.

At-Home Recovery Timeline

Week 1-2:

• Focus on wound care and preventing infection
• Low activity level with help from caregivers

Week 3-6:

• Increased walking and home exercises
• Regular follow-ups with your vascular surgeon

Week 7 and beyond:

• Return to most activities
• Long-term PAD management plans initiated

Rehab and Support Systems

We work closely with our in-house rehabilitation experts to ensure each patient receives a personalized therapy plan. This may include:

• Supervised walking programs
• Nutritional counseling
• Diabetic management if applicable

From Diagnosis to Recovery, We’re With You Every Step

At SFL Medical Group, vascular surgery is never a decision we rush. It’s a process rooted deeply in collaboration, assessment, and compassionate care. We understand that choosing surgery for PAD is a major step and we’re here to walk you through it, every inch of the journey.

Whether you’re exploring treatment or already facing advanced PAD symptoms, our vascular surgeons in Miami offer hope and healing through proven expertise and personalized care.

Ready to Take the First Step Toward Better Circulation?

Schedule a consultation with one of our vascular specialists today. Early diagnosis and timely surgical intervention can restore mobility and prevent serious complications. We’re here for you and your circulation.