• Carotid Stenosis and Management: 

  1. Carotid stenosis refers to the narrowing of the carotid arteries, which supply blood to the brain. This condition can increase the risk of stroke. 

  2. Vascular surgeons can manage carotid stenosis through two primary procedures: endarterectomy and stenting. During an endarterectomy, the surgeon removes the plaque buildup from the artery to restore blood flow. In a stent placement, a tiny mesh tube is inserted to keep the artery open and improve blood flow.

• Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) Treatment: 

  1. PAD is a condition where there is reduced blood flow to the limbs, usually the legs, due to narrowed or blocked arteries. 

  2. Vascular surgeons are experts in offering different treatment options for PAD, including open surgery, endovascular procedures, or a combination of both (hybrid operations). Open surgery involves traditional surgical techniques to bypass or remove the blockages. Endovascular procedures are minimally invasive and use catheters and stents to open the narrowed arteries and restore blood flow.

• Renal Disease, Hemodialysis access and Catheter-Based Treatments: 

  1. For patients with kidney (renal) disease requiring dialysis, vascular surgeons play a crucial role in creating access points for dialysis treatment. This is done by creating fistulas (connections between an artery and vein) or grafts (artificial tubes) that allow easy access for dialysis needles. 

  2. Catheter-based treatments enable efficient and safe removal of waste and excess fluid from the bloodstream, supporting kidney function.

• Aortic Disease and Management: 

  1. Aortic disease involves conditions affecting the aorta, the largest artery in the body. Aortic aneurysms, which are weak and bulging areas of the aorta, can be managed by vascular surgeons to prevent rupture. Aortic rupture is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate surgical intervention. Depending on the case, the surgeon may repair the aorta with open surgery or minimally invasive endovascular techniques.

• Vein Disease and Treatment: 

  1. Vascular surgeons are experts in vein disease and management, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and varicose veins. 

  2. DVT is the formation of blood clots in deep veins, which can be harmful if they break loose and travel to the lungs. Treatment may involve medications and compression stockings to prevent clot growth and reduce discomfort. 

  3. Varicose veins are swollen and twisted veins, often found in the legs. Vascular surgeons use minimally invasive procedures, like vein ablation or sclerotherapy, to treat varicose veins and improve blood flow.

• Wound Care Treatments: 

  1. Vascular surgeons also play a vital role in wound care, particularly for patients with chronic wounds related to vascular conditions. Chronic wounds can occur due to poor blood circulation, diabetes, or other vascular issues. The goal of wound care is to promote healing, prevent infection, and restore the affected area.

  2. Vascular surgeons use various advanced wound care techniques, which may include:

• Debridement: This involves removing dead or infected tissue from the wound to promote healing and reduce the risk of infection.

• Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT): NPWT is a non-invasive technique that uses a vacuum dressing to draw out excess fluid from the wound and enhance blood flow, which aids in healing.

• Skin Grafts and Flaps: In cases where the wound is extensive or has difficulty healing, vascular surgeons use skin grafts or flaps sometimes in coordination with plastic and reconstructive surgeons. During a skin graft, healthy skin from another part of the body is transplanted onto the wound. In a skin flap procedure, a portion of healthy skin, along with the underlying blood vessels, is moved to cover the wound.

• Compression Therapy: For patients with venous ulcers or chronic swelling, compression bandages or stockings can be used to improve circulation and reduce fluid buildup.

• Advanced Dressings: Vascular surgeons may use specialized dressings that contain growth factors or antimicrobial agents to promote healing and prevent infection.

• Offloading Techniques: For patients with foot ulcers, offloading devices such as casts, orthotic shoes, or crutches can help reduce pressure on the affected area, allowing the wound to heal. This is often done in coordination with our podiatry and prosthetist colleagues.  

My patients are at the heart of everything I do. I prioritize their well-being, ensuring they feel heard, respected, and supported throughout their healthcare journey. I am committed to employing cutting-edge and evidence-based treatments to deliver the highest standard of care, tailored to each patient's unique needs. By fostering a compassionate and patient-centric approach, I aim to provide exceptional medical care and positively impact the lives of those I serve.