Vascular Surgery

Northway Medical Centres provide a team of skilled vascular surgeons to cater to the needs of their patients. These experts offer consultations, conduct essential tests and examinations, prescribe compression therapy or medication, and perform various treatment procedures and surgeries. Additionally, they possess the expertise to diagnose conditions related to the neck, blood vessels, and cerebrovascular system, and can perform carotid ultrasounds.

What is vascular surgery?

Vascular surgery is a medical specialty focused on the diagnosis and treatment of arterial and venous diseases. Within this field, there is a specialized branch called phlebology, which specifically addresses the diagnosis and treatment of vein-related conditions.

Varicose veins are the most commonly encountered condition, according to vascular surgeons. These veins appear enlarged and are situated near the surface of the skin. Weak vein valves are typically the underlying cause. While the exact risk factors associated with the progression of varicose veins are still being investigated, age is known to contribute to the prevalence of this condition. Other factors such as genetics, poor lymphatic drainage, obesity, lack of physical activity, prolonged standing, and strenuous physical labor also significantly impact the development of varicose veins.

When should you see a vascular surgeon

Enlarged veins serve as an early indication of advanced venous disease. Initial symptoms of varicose veins may manifest as a sensation of achiness or heaviness in the legs, fatigue, swelling, pain, and nocturnal leg cramps. As the condition progresses, varicose veins can give rise to abnormalities in the calf tissues. If you experience these symptoms, it is crucial to promptly consult a vascular surgeon.

Vascular surgeons emphasize that dilated leg veins are not solely a cosmetic concern, although the aesthetic aspect does play a significant role. The unsightly appearance of the legs can lead to psychological discomfort and diminished self-esteem. If left untreated, vein dilation can potentially lead to serious health complications.

Prioritizing your well-being and undergoing regular check-ups is essential to prevent the development of severe conditions. Early detection of diseases facilitates faster and more effective treatment.

The most common vascular procedures and examinations

To diagnose varicose veins, healthcare providers employ instrumental diagnostic techniques. One of the most accurate tests is a venous Doppler ultrasound of the leg. This test confirms the diagnosis, evaluates venous reflux (changes in venous blood flow), and assists in developing a treatment plan. In severe cases, the doctor may order computer tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, or a standard angiogram, and measure the blood pressure in the leg veins.

There are various treatment methods available for surface varicose veins, depending on the stage of the disease and anatomical changes identified during an ultrasound scan. One effective treatment option for venous reflux in small and large veins is endovenous closure (ablation) using radiofrequency and laser procedures. These procedures close off the damaged leg veins from the inside, redirecting blood flow through healthy veins.

Compared to conventional vein removal surgeries, endovenous treatment methods offer several benefits. Endovenous procedures effectively treat dilated veins in a single session, resulting in a high clinical success rate. Endovascular surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that avoids incisions, sutures, and the risk of visible scars, providing excellent cosmetic outcomes that become barely noticeable within a few months.

No special preparation is required for endovascular surgery as it is performed under local anesthesia. The minimally invasive nature of the procedure minimizes tissue damage, reduces bruising, lowers the risk of infection, and leads to a faster and less painful recovery period. Unlike open conventional surgery, which may require limitations on daily activities for 2-3 weeks, patients undergoing endovascular procedures can usually resume work and daily activities the day after the surgery. Endovascular surgeries have become the primary approach for most vein procedures, with conventional open surgeries serving as an alternative option.

In cases where the venous blood circulation is not impaired, dilated capillaries can be treated directly without surgical intervention in large veins. In such instances, sclerotherapy may be recommended. During sclerotherapy, a vascular surgeon injects medications into the vein, inducing aseptic inflammation and sealing off the vein. Over time, the vein scars and disappears. This method is suitable for treating both cosmetic varicose veins, including capillaries, and subcutaneous venous trunks or perforating (communicating) veins with impaired blood circulation. Sclerotherapy is often combined with compression therapy.

Another endovascular option for varicose vein treatment is the use of medical adhesive, commonly known as “vein glue”. In this procedure, medical-grade glue is injected into the vein through a special catheter, which is then compressed with ultrasound and closed. Unlike laser or radiofrequency procedures, anesthesia is not required, with only a small amount of numbing medicine used at the access site where the catheter is inserted. Furthermore, compression therapy is unnecessary after this procedure.