Vascular surgeon conditions
Vascular surgeon in Perth: conditions we assess and treat
- Author: Support
- First published: 19 February 2026
Vascular surgeon conditions
Who to see first?
There are so many different medical specialties and it is not always clear who to see for what problem. In vascular care, this can feel confusing; what does a vascular surgeon do and when should you book in with us?
I have put together a list so you can find the right first step. If you are ever unsure, start with your GP; they can point you in the right direction.
| Condition | See first | Others involved |
|---|---|---|
| Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) | Vascular surgeon | None |
| Thoracic aortic aneurysm | Cardiothoracic surgeon if ascending aorta; vascular surgeon if descending/thoracoabdominal | None |
| Carotid artery narrowing with TIA or stroke symptoms | Emergency department or stroke team; vascular surgeon | Neurology / stroke medicine |
| Peripheral artery disease; leg pain when walking | Vascular surgeon | GP / cardiology for risk factor care |
| Critical limb ischaemia; non-healing foot wounds | Vascular surgeon; urgent | Podiatry / wound care / diabetes service |
| Acute limb ischaemia; cold, painful, pale limb | Emergency department; then vascular surgeon | Anaesthetics / intensive care |
| Blue toe syndrome; sudden painful discoloured toe | Vascular surgeon | Cardiology / haematology |
| Mesenteric ischaemia; severe belly pain after eating or sudden pain | Emergency department for acute; vascular surgeon | Gastroenterology / intensive care |
| Renal artery stenosis; difficult blood pressure | Nephrology or GP; vascular if procedure is planned | Cardiology / interventional radiology |
| Subclavian steal syndrome | Vascular surgeon | Neurology / cardiology |
| Popliteal artery aneurysm | Vascular surgeon | None |
| Pseudoaneurysm after procedure or trauma | Vascular surgeon | Interventional radiology |
| Thoracic outlet syndrome with vascular symptoms | Vascular surgeon | Orthopaedics / neurosurgery / physiotherapy |
| Varicose veins with symptoms | Vascular surgeon | GP for lifestyle support |
| Venous leg ulcer | Vascular surgeon or wound clinic; do not delay | Podiatry / wound care / diabetes service |
| Superficial thrombophlebitis | GP first; vascular if symptoms spread or recur | Haematology if recurrent |
| Suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT) | GP or emergency department if breathless or chest pain | Haematology |
| Lymphoedema causing leg swelling | GP; lymphoedema therapist | Vascular review if unclear cause |
| Leg swelling from heart, kidney or liver disease | GP | Cardiology / renal / hepatology |
| Cellulitis and possible DVT | GP or emergency department | Infectious diseases |
| Raynaud’s phenomenon | GP; rheumatology if severe | Vascular if ulcers or poor blood flow |
| Spider veins for cosmetic concern only | Cosmetic clinic or vascular surgeon | None |
| Diabetic foot wound | GP or urgent podiatry; vascular surgeon if not healing | Diabetes service / wound care |
As you can see, the common thread for seeing a vascular surgeon is concern about blood flow in your arteries or veins; either symptoms suggest poor circulation or there is a risk of tissue harm if nothing is done.
Typical clues include pain in the legs when walking that eases with rest, non-healing wounds on the feet or ankles, colour changes in the toes, new or worsening vein symptoms such as aching, heaviness or skin changes, or swelling where the cause is not clear. It is also wise to see us if your GP mentions an aneurysm, carotid narrowing, or if you need a procedure to improve circulation.
“My role is to assess the whole picture with an ultrasound when needed, explain our findings, and plan care that fits you; this may be lifestyle steps, medication, compression, or a (minimally invasive) procedure.”
Vascular surgeon Perth
If symptoms are sudden and severe; a cold, pale, very painful limb or sudden weakness or speech change; go to the emergency department (or call 000) and a vascular surgeon will be involved.
When in doubt, start with your GP or contact my rooms in Nedlands, Carine, or Midland; we will help direct you to the right place
Vascular surgeon for varicose veins
Varicose veins: “Not just a cosmetic issue”
Varicose veins can ache, itch, and cause heaviness; they can also lead to skin changes and ulcers over time.
A vascular surgeon can assess the whole circulation, perform or arrange an ultrasound, and offer a range of options; compression, lifestyle steps, and treatments like endovenous ablation, foam sclerotherapy, or phlebectomy when suitable.
This ensures the cause is treated, not just the surface veins. If your veins are only a cosmetic concern, that is fine too.
Vascular surgeon Perth
