Vascular Surgery

Vascular Conditions We Treat

Our vascular specialists diagnose and treat a wide range of vascular diseases that affect the arteries, veins, and blood circulation throughout the body. Healthy blood vessels are essential for delivering oxygen and nutrients to tissues. When blood flow becomes restricted or vessels weaken, it can lead to serious complications if not treated early.

Many vascular conditions develop gradually due to ageing, diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking, high cholesterol, obesity, or a sedentary lifestyle. Early diagnosis and proper treatment can prevent complications and improve long-term vascular health.

Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are enlarged, swollen veins that commonly appear on the legs and feet. They develop when the valves within the veins weaken, causing blood to pool rather than flow efficiently back to the heart.

Patients may notice:

• Visible bulging or twisted veins
• Leg heaviness or aching, especially after long periods of standing
• Swelling in the lower legs
• Burning or throbbing sensations
• Skin discolouration or itching around the veins

Early treatment helps relieve discomfort and prevents complications such as skin ulcers or bleeding veins.

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

Peripheral artery disease occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the arms or legs become narrowed due to fatty deposits. This reduces blood flow and can lead to tissue damage if untreated.

Common symptoms include:

• Leg pain or cramping while walking (claudication)
• Coldness in the lower leg or foot
• Numbness or weakness
• Slow-healing wounds on the feet or toes
• Changes in skin colour

PAD is closely associated with diabetes, smoking, and high cholesterol, and early management helps reduce the risk of serious complications.

Blocked or Narrowed Arteries

When arteries become narrowed or blocked, the body cannot deliver enough oxygen-rich blood to tissues. This condition can affect different parts of the body and may cause pain, fatigue, or reduced mobility.

Patients may experience:

• Reduced blood flow to limbs
• Muscle pain during physical activity
• Weak pulses in the legs or feet
• Delayed wound healing

Prompt vascular evaluation helps restore circulation and prevent permanent tissue damage.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Deep vein thrombosis is a serious condition where a blood clot forms in a deep vein, most commonly in the leg. If untreated, the clot may travel to the lungs and cause a life-threatening complication known as pulmonary embolism.

Warning signs include:

• Sudden leg swelling
• Pain or tenderness in the calf
• Warmth or redness in the affected area
• Unexplained leg discomfort

Immediate medical attention is important if DVT is suspected.

Chronic Venous Insufficiency

Poor circulation in the veins can lead to chronic venous insufficiency, a condition where blood struggles to return to the heart efficiently.

Symptoms may include:

• Persistent leg swelling
• Heaviness or fatigue in the legs
• Skin changes around the ankles
• Leg cramps or itching
• Venous ulcers or slow-healing wounds

Treatment focuses on improving circulation and preventing long-term skin complications.

Diabetic Foot and Vascular Complications

People with diabetes are at higher risk of reduced blood supply to the feet, which can lead to infections, ulcers, and tissue damage.

Signs of vascular problems in diabetic patients include:

• Foot wounds that heal slowly
• Loss of sensation
• Cold feet or reduced pulses
• Changes in skin colour

Early vascular care plays an important role in preventing diabetic foot complications and limb-threatening infections.

Aneurysms

An aneurysm occurs when a section of a blood vessel wall becomes weak and begins to bulge. If the aneurysm grows or ruptures, it can lead to severe internal bleeding.

Common types include:

• Abdominal aortic aneurysm
• Peripheral artery aneurysm

Many aneurysms do not cause symptoms initially, which is why screening and imaging tests are important for early detection.