Welcome to Vascular Surgeons!

My name is Luis A. Navarro Garzon, and I am a Consultant Vascular Surgeon with more than 20 years of experience in the beautiful and demanding art of vascular surgery. I currently serve as Clinic Lead in Vascular Surgery and Vascular Academic Lead at North Cumbria Integrated Care, Cumberland Infirmary, NHS Foundation Trust – Vascular Department.

My main areas of interest and expertise include:

• Elective abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) open repair via both transperitoneal and retroperitoneal approaches
• Carotid endarterectomy under local and general anaesthesia
• Above- and below-knee bypass; in-situ and ultra-distal bypass to pedal arteries
• Extra-anatomic bypass
• Major and minor amputations
• Endothermal ablation for varicose veins
• Diabetic foot disease management
• Arteriovenous fistula creation
• Thoracic outlet syndrome
• Emergency cases including rAAA, vascular trauma, and acute limb ischaemia

The purpose of this blog is to share with the next generation of vascular surgeons—and with those aspiring to enter this remarkable field—the tips and techniques I have acquired throughout my career. My journey has taken me through various roles in Ecuador, Argentina (under the mentorship and friendship of Dr Miguel Ángel Peirano, MBChB, MD, Chief of the Cardiovascular Surgery Department at Hospital José María Ramos Mejía), Spain, and now the United Kingdom.

Here, you will find clinical cases that showcase contemporary and advanced procedures, alongside commentary, opinions, key surgical concepts, and references to relevant literature.

I firmly believe that it is both a responsibility and a privilege for established vascular surgeons to pass on their knowledge and experience. Without high-quality training today, there will be no vascular surgeons tomorrow.

While modern endovascular procedures are here to stay and have revolutionised our practice, open vascular surgery remains—and will continue to be—the most durable and definitive solution for many vascular conditions. Mastery of its fundamental principles, established more than a century ago by pioneers like Alexis Carrel and Charles Claude Guthrie, is essential to becoming a complete vascular surgeon.

“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” — Various authors

Vascular surgeons do not work alone. We are supported by a dedicated team of nurses and scrub nurses who share in the high demands of providing safe and effective care. I strongly advocate for vascular-specific training for our closest collaborators, both in the operating theatre and in clinical settings. A well-trained, well-coordinated team is vital to delivering the highest quality care to our patients.

I hope you find this blog to be a useful and inspiring tool throughout your training. It will be a pleasure to answer your questions, receive your comments, and support your journey in any way I can.

Warm regards,
Mr Luis A. Navarro Garzon, MBChB, MD
Consultant Vascular Surgeon
Clinic Lead in Vascular Surgery
Vascular Academic Lead, North Cumbria Integrated Care
Cumberland Infirmary, NHS Foundation Trust