Vascular surgeons operate on arteries and veins and provide conservative therapies for diseases of the peripheral vascular systems. For further clarification, cardiothoracic surgeons operate on the heart and neurosurgeons operate on the brain. With the introduction of minimally invasive techniques, the numbers and types of surgeries performed by vascular surgeons have grown considerably. Vascular surgeons remove clots in the veins or arteries. They also re-attach the ends of arteries or veins.

Common types of conditions they treat conclude varicose veins, aneurysms, thrombosis, and embolisms.