Endovascular Surgery in Orange County
Endovascular surgery is a minimally invasive approach used to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the blood vessels. Using small punctures or incisions, a vascular surgeon guides thin catheters through the blood vessels to perform treatments such as angioplasty, stent placement, or other vascular procedures.
At Vital Vein & Vascular, treatment is tailored to your condition, vascular anatomy, and individual needs.
MINIMALLY INVASIVE
CATHETER-BASED
PERSONALIZED TREATMENT
TRUSTED VASCULAR CARE
ENDOVASCULAR SURGERY
POTENTIAL RISKS & COMPLICATIONS
Endovascular procedures are minimally invasive, but potential risks vary depending on the procedure and the condition being treated. Possible complications may include bleeding, bruising or swelling at the catheter insertion site, blood vessel injury, blood clots, infection, or reactions to contrast dye or medications. Your vascular surgeon will discuss the risks specific to your treatment.
pre-procedure preparations
Your vascular surgeon will provide specific instructions before your procedure. These may include medication adjustments, fasting instructions, and any tests needed to evaluate your condition and plan your treatment.
POST PROCEDURE CARE
Follow your provider’s instructions for caring for the catheter insertion site, activity, medications, and follow-up appointments. Contact your care team if you experience unusual bleeding, increasing pain or swelling, redness, drainage, or other concerning symptoms.
WHAT WE TREAT
Common Endovascular Surgery Procedures
Vital Vein & Vascular offers minimally invasive endovascular treatments tailored to your vascular condition, symptoms, and treatment needs.
ANGIOPLASTY
Angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to widen a narrowed or blocked artery and improve blood flow. A small balloon catheter is guided to the affected area and inflated to widen the artery. Angioplasty may be used to treat peripheral artery disease and other conditions involving narrowed arteries.
STENTING
Stenting may be performed during or after angioplasty when additional support is needed to help keep a narrowed artery open. A small mesh tube called a stent is positioned inside the artery to help maintain blood flow. Whether a stent is appropriate depends on the location and characteristics of the blockage.
ENDOVENOUS LASER THERAPY (EVLT)
Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT) is a minimally invasive treatment for varicose veins. During the procedure, a thin laser fiber is guided into the affected vein through a small puncture or incision. Laser energy heats and closes the vein, allowing blood to reroute through healthier veins while the treated vein gradually shrinks over time.
THROMBECTOMY
Thrombectomy is a procedure used to remove a blood clot from a blood vessel. Depending on the location and severity of the clot, treatment may involve a catheter-based procedure or surgery. Thrombectomy may be considered for selected patients with conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism when clot removal is appropriate.
Endovascular vs. Traditional Surgery
| Traditional Surgery | Endovascular Surgery | |
|---|---|---|
| Incisions | Larger or longer incisions | Small punctures or incisions |
| Recovery | Recovery may take longer | Recovery is often shorter |
| Risks | Risks vary depending on the procedure | Risks vary depending on the procedure |
| Approach | Direct access to the blood vessel | Catheter-based treatment guided by imaging |
Risks and Complications
POTENTIAL RISKS
Endovascular procedures are minimally invasive, but potential risks vary depending on the procedure and the condition being treated. Possible complications may include bleeding, bruising or swelling at the catheter insertion site, blood vessel injury, blood clots, or infection. Your vascular surgeon will discuss the risks specific to your treatment.
Pre-Procedure Preparations
Your vascular surgeon will provide specific instructions before your procedure. These may include medication adjustments, fasting instructions, and tests needed to evaluate your condition and plan your treatment.
Post-Procedure Care
Follow your provider’s instructions for caring for the catheter insertion site, medications, activity, and follow-up appointments. Contact your care team if you notice unusual bleeding, increasing pain or swelling, redness, drainage, or other concerning symptoms.
Meet Your Surgeon
Dr. Christopher yi, MD
Board-Certified Vascular Surgeon · Founder, Vital Vein & Vascular
Dr. Christopher Yi founded Vital Vein & Vascular with a simple belief: patients deserve exceptional vascular care—and a clear understanding of their health.
As a board-certified vascular surgeon, Dr. Yi provides comprehensive care for conditions affecting the arteries and veins, from common circulation and vein concerns to complex vascular disease requiring advanced intervention or surgery. His experience spans both hospital-based vascular surgery and minimally invasive outpatient treatment, allowing him to evaluate each patient with the full range of treatment options in mind.
Dr. Yi believes the best treatment starts with the right diagnosis. He takes the time to explain what is happening, review treatment options clearly, and recommend what is medically appropriate for each patient—even when treatment isn't necessary.
That philosophy is at the heart of Vital Vein & Vascular: advanced vascular expertise, thoughtful treatment, and care patients can trust.
Board Certified
Vascular Surgery
Fellowship
Trained
California
Medical License
Member
SVS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What conditions can be treated with endovascular surgery?
Endovascular surgery can treat various conditions including peripheral artery disease (PAD), aneurysms, varicose veins, and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). It is used when other treatments are ineffective or when the condition is severe.
How long does recovery take after endovascular surgery?
Recovery time varies depending on the procedure and individual health. Most patients can resume normal activities within a few days to weeks after the procedure, compared to several weeks or months for traditional surgery.
Are there any risks associated with endovascular surgery?
While endovascular surgery is generally safe, potential risks include bleeding, infection, and adverse reactions to anesthesia. Discuss these risks with your healthcare provider before undergoing the procedure.
How do I prepare for endovascular surgery?
Preparation may include fasting, discontinuing certain medications, and following specific pre-procedure instructions provided by your healthcare team. Proper preparation helps ensure the procedure goes smoothly.
What is the difference between angioplasty and stenting?
Angioplasty involves inflating a balloon to widen a narrowed artery, while stenting involves placing a small mesh tube in the artery to keep it open. Stenting is often performed after angioplasty to maintain improved blood flow.
How do I know if endovascular surgery is right for me?
Your healthcare provider will evaluate your condition using diagnostic tools such as ultrasound, CT scans, and MRIs. Based on this assessment, they will recommend the most appropriate treatment, which may include endovascular surgery.
What should I expect during the endovascular surgery procedure?
During the procedure, a small incision is made to insert a catheter. Advanced imaging guides the catheter to the affected area, where the specific treatment is performed. The procedure typically involves minimal discomfort and a short recovery time.