Vascular Surgery (Arteries & Veins)

Vascular surgery is a specialized field that focuses on diagnosis and management of conditions that affect your blood vessels, also referred to as vascular diseases. Your blood vessels play a significant role in the body processes that when damaged, may lead to major life-threatening complications. Blood vessels consist of a network of arteries, veins and capillaries that work to carry blood throughout the body, transporting oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients and hormones to and from tissues and organs.

A specialist in this field is known as a vascular surgeon that are well-skilled in treating vascular diseases through surgical and non-surgical means including open surgeries and minimally invasive procedures.

List of Conditions

Atherosclerosis
1. Gradual buildup of fatty deposits within the arteries. This leads to the narrowing of these blood vessels, making it difficult for blood to flow through them smoothly.
Aneurysm
1. Bulging or swelling in the wall of an artery. This condition can become dangerous if the artery wall weakens to the point of rupture.
Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
1. Blockage of arteries that supply blood to the limbs, typically the legs. This restricted blood flow can result in symptoms like pain and numbness in the affected areas.
Carotid artery disease
1. Narrowing of the arteries responsible for supplying blood to the brain. This condition heightens the likelihood of experiencing a stroke.
Chronic venous insufficiency
1. Veins in the legs do not function effectively, leading to a pooling of blood in the lower limbs.
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
1. Formation of a blood clot within the deep veins, commonly occurring in the legs. This condition can lead to symptoms like pain and swelling in the affected leg.
Pulmonary embolism
1. Arises when a DVT dislodge and travels to the lungs obstructing the blood flow. This blockage can result in breathing difficulties and coughing up blood.
Varicose veins
1. Enlarged veins that are commonly observed in the legs, ankles, and feet. Although generally not medically serious, varicose veins can cause discomfort.
Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD)
1. Strong, flexible cells of artery walls are replaced with fibrous cells which are less strong and less flexible leading to stiff arteries that are more prone to damage.
Vascular trauma
1. Trauma to the blood vessels such as ruptured artery.
Mesenteric artery ischemia
1. Narrowing of arteries restrict blood flow to the small intestine causing damage to the small intestine.
Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES)
1. Reduced blood flow through the popliteal artery to the leg due to its abnormal course.

At Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur, our vascular surgeons employ a variety of diagnostic tests and imaging techniques to evaluate vascular conditions in your blood vessels, including ultrasound, doppler, angiography, venography, electrocardiogram (EKG), computed tomography (CT) scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Vascular disease treatment varies depending on your condition. In some cases, lifestyle management such as eating healthier or dieting and exercising can make a huge difference, while in other cases, medication or surgical procedure is necessary.

List of Procedures

Endovascular procedures (e.g., angioplasty, stenting, atherectomy)
1. A procedure to open narrowed or blocked blood vessels using a balloon catheter.
Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR)
1. Minimally invasive procedure to repair an abdominal aortic aneurysm by placing a stent-graft through the blood vessels via a small incision.
Carotid endarterectomy
1. Surgical removal of plaque buildup from the carotid arteries to reduce the risk of stroke.
Peripheral artery bypass surgery
1. Surgical creation of a bypass around a blocked artery using a vein or synthetic graft to restore blood flow to the limbs, typically the legs.
Varicose vein (venous) procedures (e.g., endovenous ablation, sclerotherapy)
1. Minimally invasive techniques to treat varicose veins, including laser or radiofrequency ablation and injection of a sclerosing agent.
Thrombectomy
1. Surgical removal of a blood clot from a blood vessel.
Vascular access surgery
Arteriovenous (AV) fistula creation
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) treatment
1. Procedures to manage or remove blood clots in deep veins, including catheter-directed thrombolysis.
Peripheral vascular stenting

Overall, vascular surgery alongside lifestyle management plays a crucial role in the management of vascular disorders, helping to improve blood flow, relieve symptoms, and reduce the risk of complications such as stroke, limb loss, and organ damage.

Vascular Surgeons

Take control of your well-being today and schedule a doctor's appointment at Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur with the expert team of vascular surgeons.