Medications in Vascular Surgery

Abstract

Vascular disease is a systemic condition that requires expertise in both vascular medicine and surgical interventions. As vascular disease is often a marker of systemic atherosclerosis, aggressive medical therapy is needed to reduce the risk of stroke, myocardial infarction, and limb loss in these patients. Knowledge of medications used commonly in a vascular surgery practice is essential to providing the most appropriate, full spectrum of care. In the following chapter we detail medications that provide primary and secondary prevention of major adverse cardiac and limb events. Additionally, we describe medications used to maintain the patency of complex revascularizations and prosthetic conduits; as well as, adjuncts to reduce symptoms of claudication, improve smoking cessation, and common adjuncts in the setting of contrast-induced nephropathy.