Frequently Asked Questions

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Circulating the Facts

Get clear answers to common questions about vascular conditions, treatments, and what to expect during your care journey.

What vascular conditions do you treat?

We provide diagnosis and treatment for a range of vascular conditions, including varicose veins, spider veins, deep vein thrombosis, renal artery stenosis, and abdominal aortic aneurysms. Our clinic offers both minimally invasive and surgical treatment options.

Endovascular surgery may be recommended for conditions like blocked arteries, aneurysms, or deep vein thrombosis that do not respond to medication or lifestyle changes. Our vascular doctor will assess your condition and suggest the most suitable treatment.

Ignoring vascular issues can lead to serious complications, such as blood clots, ulcers, infections, or even limb loss in severe cases. Seeking timely treatment can prevent complications and improve long-term health.

Yes, we offer specialised treatments for diabetic patients at risk of limb complications, focusing on improving blood circulation and wound healing to prevent the need for amputation.

Booking an appointment is easy. You can either call our clinic directly or fill out the form on our Contact Us page to schedule your consultation at a time that suits you.

We offer a range of options depending on the condition and severity. You can learn more about our approach to varicose veins treatment here.

Diagnosis typically involves imaging tests like ultrasound. Treatment depends on the location and risk of complications. More details can be found on our Deep Vein Thrombosis Management page.

Endovascular surgery involves minimally invasive techniques using small incisions and specialised tools. It’s often recommended for conditions like aneurysms or blocked arteries. Learn more about our endovascular surgery options.

If you’re experiencing symptoms like leg swelling, visible veins, or wounds that heal slowly, it may be worth consulting a vascular specialist for assessment.

Our clinic offers support for early detection and prevention of foot complications in diabetic patients. Visit our page on Diabetic Foot Care for more information.

 

Our clinic is led by Dr Cheng Shin Chuen, a vascular surgeon with experience in vein and endovascular care.

Many of our procedures, especially minimally invasive ones, can be safely performed at our clinic and ambulatory day surgery centre. For more complex cases, arrangements can be made for hospital-based care

Q & A with Dr Cheng Shin Chuen, Consultant Vascular & Endovascular Surgeon: Stroke on the rise, Singaporeans need to be aware of screening

Dr Cheng Shin Chuen
MBBSHons, FRCSEd, FAMS

Specialty Interests:
Vascular and Endovascular Surgery

Dr Cheng attained his Vascular and Endovascular Surgery Fellowship at The Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney.

His specialty interest is in minimally invasive treatment for a broad range of blood vessel diseases including Endovenous treatment for Varicose Veins, Angioplasty and stenting procedures, and aortic and peripheral vascular diseases.

He is a regional (South East Asia) trainer for the Stent treatment of complex aortic diseases and is a founding member of the Section of Vascular Surgery in the Chapter of General Surgeons, Singapore. He is also a Visiting Endovascular Surgeon to Tam Duc Cardiovascular Hospital in Vietnam.

Have you seen an increase in stroke and other vascular problems at your clinic?
Yes definitely there is an increase in the number of patients with vascular problems, anecdotally there is about a 15-20% increase year to year and patients are getting older, I have seen a fair number of patients in their 90s
Vascular problems are mainly wear and tear issues with the blood vessels in our body. Prolonged exposure to high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol all contribute. With a rapidly aging populartion we can only expect the numbers to go up.

Volumes have been written about healthy living and diet. All that is good and necessary but many people forget that the genes we get from our parents play a big part in increasing our risk of developing vascular problems.

I strongly advocate screening in the late 30s for high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Diabetes screening in the 40s will be helpful too.

The big three risk factors, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes; they all lead to major vascular problems like stroke, heart attacks and leg amputations.

Honestly, nowadays even the most basic health screening covers all these major risk factors, so one should get themselves checked early.

What I do for my patients for stroke screening is to work closely with my Neurology colleagues for risk factor reduction. I perform ultrasound studies on the arteries in the neck which supplies blood to the brain. Any early excessive thickening and tight narrowing detected needs either lifestyle and risk factor treatment or intervention.

Prevention of problems is always better than treatment. This is only possible with screening and involving other professionals once problems are detected.

Prevention of vascular complications needs a whole team of doctors and allied health professionals to help our patients stay out of trouble.

I work regularly and closely with Diabetes specialists (Endocrinologists), Cardiologists, Neurologists, Foot and Ankle surgeons and Podiatrists to make sure my patients stay stroke free, heart attack free and amputation free.

Endovascular surgery or minimally invasive vascular surgery has changed dramatically how we treat our patients. Medical device research has really driven this to deliver good outcomes without major incisions and stress.

However, despite how technology has advanced, I still feel our Singaporean patients need to have a mindset change; they need to see doctors to assess their risk factors when they are still “well”, not when the stroke or heart attack or toe gangrene happens.

Perhaps only then can we make another improvement on our clinical outcomes.