Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery

Leading Expertise

The Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, part of the Fireman Vascular Center at Massachusetts General Hospital, has a long tradition of excellence in clinical care, innovative methods of evaluation and treatment, education and training, and clinical and basic research in the treatment of vascular diseases.

One of the first clinics for the evaluation and treatment of vascular diseases was established at Mass General in the 1930s when direct surgical repair was only possible for lower extremity venous disorders. Since then, we have been advancing the field of vascular surgery with a number of innovations, including pioneering techniques for noninvasive diagnosis of vascular disease and perfecting vascular and endovascular surgical options.

Multiple studies have documented the critical role that volume plays in successful patient outcomes. In terms of volume, technical complexity, improved patient management and successful outcomes, our surgeons have some of the most extensive vascular and endovascular surgical experience of hospitals nationwide. Our vascular surgeons established the first stent graft program for aortic aneurysms in New England and have the most cumulative stent graft experience in the region.

The Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery:

• Performs the largest number of aortic aneurysm and carotid artery repairs of any hospital in Massachusetts
• Has the largest practice in the Northeast for complex (involving thoracic and/or abdominal aorta) aortic aneurysm disease
• Has developed a unique technique for spinal cord protection

The Mass General Difference

Mass General is consistently recognized as a top hospital in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. Our recognition is based on our quality of care, patient safety, and reputation in different specialties. Our commitment to excellence means that we work to ensure that you receive the best care.

As an academic center, Mass General invests in research to understand disease and develop new approaches in treatment. Our doctors are leaders within their respective fields, and collaborate with colleagues in various departments across the hospital. As a patient, you can benefit from shared expertise, leading research, and our commitment to quality and excellence.

Multidisciplinary Collaborative Care

Successful treatment of vascular disease requires a multidisciplinary approach. We work in collaboration with the Mass General Fireman Vascular Center to provide surgical options to help patients achieve their treatment goals. Our surgeons treat an increasing percentage of patients with vascular disease by performing minimally invasive or endovascular surgical methods.

We offer the full spectrum of diagnostic and interventional medical procedures, including noninvasive vascular laboratory testing, state-of-the-art axial imaging techniques and the latest minimally invasive technologies to treat conditions such as:

• Aortic aneurysms
• Arterial occlusive disease of the carotid, renal/mesenteric and lower extremity arteries
• Cerebrovascular disease
• Complex aneurysm disease
• Varicose veins

We offer surgical services and expertise through the following Mass General programs:

• Aortic Disease Program
• Brain Aneurysm and Arteriovenous Malformations Program
• Fibromuscular Dysplasia Program
• Peripheral Artery Disease Program
• Stroke and Carotid Artery Disease Program
• Thoracic Aortic Center
• Venous Disease Program
• Visceral Vascular Disease Program

At Mass General, we enlist patients and their families as partners in our care. In so doing, we make education a cornerstone of the treatment plan. Patients and their families receive one-on-one information about their condition through their care team and available hospital-wide resources. As a result, patients and families make informed decisions about treatment options in a collaborative manner with their physician and other team members. We provide support at all points in patient care and work in partnership with community resources to make receiving follow-up care as seamless and convenient for the patient as possible.

Our Approach to Research

Surgeons within the Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery conduct well-known innovative laboratory and clinical research aimed to improve patient care. Our surgeons also serve in leadership positions at relevant medical societies, speak at national and international conferences, publish frequently, and teach courses on vascular and endovascular surgery. Learn more about the Vascular Biology Research Laboratory.

Qualified patients have the opportunity to participate in a research study or clinical trial. Patients should speak to their surgeon to learn about any prospective studies or trials.

View available trials

Investing in Future Leaders

The Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery provides opportunities for medical students, residents and fellows to study under leading vascular surgeons. Through complex cases and hands-on training, individuals develop skills centered on innovative patient care.

Our Vascular and Endovascular Surgery Fellowship offers a broad-reaching experience in the technical aspects of vascular surgery, development of surgical judgment and increasing knowledge about routine and complex conditions. Our Integrated Vascular Surgery Residency Program enrolls trainees who desire to achieve a five-year general surgery residency program combined with an additional two-year specialty training in vascular surgery.