Our vascular system is a complex network of vessels that includes our arteries, veins, and capillaries. Also known as the circulatory system, it is responsible for carrying blood and lymph throughout our bodies. When they function healthily, the vessels aid in the transport of oxygen, the removal of waste and damaged cells, as well as prevent infection. Our healthy vascular system also promotes healthy respiratory, digestive, kidney and urinary function.

However, in the event that you develop vascular diseases, your body will have trouble maintaining healthy functions. Vascular diseases are common and can affect your quality of life. These problems are serious and it is important for you to receive appropriate treatment, or endovascular surgery, as soon as possible.

What is Endovascular Surgery?

Endovascular surgery is a minimally-invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat problems that are affecting your vascular system. The vascular surgeon uses catheters, which are long and thin flexible tubes, to access arteries and veins to conduct procedures in order to relieve symptoms or treat vascular diseases. Endovascular surgery offers benefits such as minor or small incisions, shorter hospital stays, less pain, lower risk of complications, and a shorter recovery time.

Endovascular Surgery Procedures

• Balloon Angioplasty and Stenting: Balloon angioplasty uses a tiny balloon at the end of a catheter to open up narrowed or blocked arteries while stenting involves inserting a tiny metallic scaffold into a blocked passageway to restore the flow of blood or other fluids.
• Blood Clot Procedures: Blood clot removal or dissolution by using catheters.
• Embolisation: A procedure that restricts blood flow to a specific area in order to treat aneurysms, vascular malformations, or tumours.
• Endovascular Stent Grafting: The process of rerouting blood flow and blocking off weak areas of an artery in order to repair an aneurysm.
• Vena Cava Filter Placement: Prevent blood clots from entering the lungs by implanting a filter in the vena cava, the body’s largest vein.
• Varicose Vein Treatment: Small incisions are made to introduce devices into the varicose vein to treat them.

Endovascular Surgery — From Start to End

Endovascular surgery is typically conducted in a facility fitted with advanced x-ray and ultrasound machines, where your vascular surgeon will use imaging guidance and introduce devices, such as stent, catheters, and wires, into the blood vessel to perform the necessary treatments. A local anaesthesia will be given for minor procedures, but sedations may be required depending on your condition. Patients may either go home on the same day or after a one night stay for monitoring and observation.

Conditions that can be Treated with Endovascular Surgery

• Cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of plaque, cholesterol, and other fats inside artery walls;
• Carotid artery disease, which occurs when the buildup of plaque clogs the arteries that deliver blood to the brain and head;
• Varicose veins / Chronic venous insufficiency, which occurs when the veins in your leg are damaged or weakened and cannot efficiently send blood from the limbs back to the heart;
• Conditions that affect the aorta, such as an aneurysm or dissection;
• Critical limb ischemia, which is the severe blockage or narrowing of the arteries that reduces blood flow to the limbs;
• Deep vein thrombosis, a condition that occurs when blood clots develop in the legs;
• Peripheral vascular disease, a slow and progressive circulation disorder that occurs when there is narrowing, blockage, or spasms in the blood vessels;
• Pulmonary embolism, a condition that occurs when blood clots get stuck in an artery in the lung, preventing blood flow. Most blood clots develop in the limbs first before travelling into the lungs;
• Renal vascular disorder, a variety of conditions that affect the blood flow into or out of the kidneys;

There are also many other types of vascular diseases that can be treated with endovascular surgery.

If you notice any signs and symptoms of possible vascular diseases, we advise you to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Vascular diseases can lead to life threatening conditions and early intervention can help prolong your life.

At Cheng SC Veins and Endovascular Clinic in Singapore, we provide a range of vascular treatments to help with your vascular diseases. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.