Vascular Surgery

 

Vascular surgery involves the surgical and medical treatment of the vascular system (arteries and veins). Among the more common conditions treated at the Hospital are:

 

Abdominal aortic aneurysm

This tends to affect men over the age of 60 where there is a localised widening of the aorta (carrying blood from the heart to the rest of the body). Ultrasound and CT scanning are used to detect the site and size of the aneurysm which is then treated surgically.

 

Carotid stenosis

Carotid artery stenosis is the narrowing of the carotid arteries. These are the main arteries in the neck that supply blood to the brain. Carotid artery stenosis, also called carotid artery disease, is a major risk factor for ischaemic stroke. (This is the most common form of stroke and is usually caused by a blood clot plugging an artery.) It is usually treated by surgery that removes the plaque that caused the carotid artery to narrow.

 

Varicose veins

Varicose veins are swollen, irregular shaped veins that often develop in the legs, particularly on the calves. They are caused by a weakening of the vein wall, causing it to widen. If this happens, valves in the veins that prevent blood flowing in the wrong direction (back down the legs) may stop working properly and affect circulation. Surgery can be used to remove varicose veins that are painful.

 

We also treat other conditions, including: peripheral arterial occlusive disease; acute limb ischaemia; and aortic dissection.

 

Ultrasound and Vascular ultrasound

 

Specialists