Common macrovascular procedures include carotid endarterectomy (surgical removal of plaque from the carotid artery to prevent stroke), aortic aneurysm repair (either open surgery or minimally invasive endovascular aneurysm repair, EVAR), and bypass grafting to reroute blood flow around blocked arteries, often in the legs. Surgeons may also perform thrombectomy or embolectomy to remove blood clots, or vascular reconstructions after traumatic injuries. These surgeries are typically carried out by vascular surgeons, who specialize in both open surgical and endovascular (catheter-based) techniques.

Recovery and risks depend on the specific procedure and the patient’s overall health. Open macrovascular surgeries generally require longer hospital stays and recovery times compared to minimally invasive endovascular approaches. Potential complications include bleeding, infection, graft failure, blood clots, and, in severe cases, heart attack or stroke. Despite these risks, macrovascular surgery can be lifesaving, restoring blood flow to critical organs or limbs and preventing catastrophic events like rupture of an aneurysm.