Vascular surgery offers solutions to numerous problems

United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi - 1stFebruary 2015:Most people are familiar with varicose veins, a condition that affects more than 40 million people in the United States, according to the Chicago Vein Institute. Varicose veins or the reddish, blue-purple protrusions that appear on the lower leg, fall under a branch of medicine known as vascular surgery - which deals with diseases of arteries and veins.

“Veins carry de-oxygenated blood from outer parts of the body to the heart and lungs. Varicose veins occur when these veins become thicker, fuller and twisted. It is most common in the legs and thighs,” said Dr. Ashok Gupta, who has newly joined Abu Dhabi’s tertiary healthcare institution Burjeel Hospital as Consultant in Vascular Surgery. “The condition has a higher prevalence in women and in particular, pregnant women. The hormonal changes that occur in pregnancy and post-pregnancy tend to aggravate pre -existing varicosities, causing them to become more painful and inflamed.”

Depending on the stage of the pregnancy, treatment for varicose veins can be planned. Surgical treatment can be avoided: Dr. Gupta recommends the use of compression stockings and encourages pregnant women to drink plenty of fluids and sleep on the side rather than the back. Sleeping with a pillow elevation of lower limbs is also advised.

The exact cause of varicose veins is unclear.However obesity, prolonged standing, straining, prior surgery or trauma to the leg is known to contribute towards the development of the condition. Varicose veins can be managed through medication and simple procedures like sclerotherapy- wherea solution is injectedinto the smaller varicose veins to close them. Catheter-assisted procedures destroy the vein when the tip of the catheter is heated and then inserted into the vein. However, in extreme cases when the varicose veins results in skin ulcers, endoscopic surgery is required.

Dr. Ashok is quick to clarify that vascular surgery is not limited to treating varicose veins.  He recalls a case where one of his patients almost succumbed to a pseudoaneurysm in an AV fistula.

“An AV fistula is an abnormal passageway between an artery and vein.In one of the cases I handled, it was created in the patient’s forearm to enable him to undergo dialysis treatments,” said Dr. Ashok. “He began to complain of pain and swelling in the area and these symptoms worsened in 3 days.”

An ultrasound of the area revealed pseudoaneurysm - a false aneurysm where one of the walls outside the artery swell and push against it.
“We removed the aneurysm and repaired the fistulathrough medical surgery,” said Dr. Ashok. “Pseudoaneurysm is extremely rare, but may pose serious complications if not managed properly.”

Mr. Clancey Po, the CEO of Burjeel Hospital, Abu Dhabi said, “Vascular surgery is a vital part of healthcare, anywhere in the world.  We are pleased to have on board a doctor in the caliber of Dr. Ashok, who is well-experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of vascular diseases and conditions.Providing world-class medical expertise, complemented by state-of-the-art technology, strongly echoes our tireless commitment to provide only the best healthcare to the residents of the emirate, of the country, and of the region in whole.”