1. Introduction
Chronic diseases of the cardiovascular system are a leading cause of death in the developed world and an increasing burden to healthcare in an aging population. Diseases of the arterial, venous, and lymphatic systems can manifest as the loss of limb or organ and require lifelong medication. The current surgical treatments for these diseases may not always be an option and may require large incisions with prolonged hospital stay. VIC seeks to offer alternative treatments to these diseases using minimally invasive procedures, performed under image guidance with the use of the latest technology in catheter devices and angiography equipment. This minimally invasive approach aims to reduce patient trauma and recovery time from treatment, allowing the patient to resume daily activities of living.
The Vascular and Interventional Centre (VIC) in Singapore continues to advocate the introduction of minimally invasive procedures for the treatment of chronic cardiovascular diseases. The expertise in interventional surgery is attributed to the hybrid skills of medical doctors.
2. Minimally Invasive Vascular Treatments
Our interventional radiologists treat many forms of vascular disease using minimally-invasive techniques in the Vascular and Interventional Centre. Minimally invasive means that we use only a small incision and local, or sometimes no anesthesia. It is generally a more comfortable and less traumatic experience than open surgery. However, the main advantages are that the hospital stay is much shorter and the recovery is much quicker. Most procedures are day cases. The risks of general anesthesia in patients with significant medical problems can be quite high. Some patients are not fit for open surgery. The less invasive the procedure, the more suitable it is for patients in poor general health. This is particularly relevant in the treatment of arterial disease in diabetics and the elderly, where poor general health is common. This is the fastest growing field in medicine, and the range of procedures offered is constantly evolving. New techniques are replacing old methods, and open surgery for many conditions will soon become obsolete. The Vascular and Interventional Centre is a state-of-the-art facility well equipped with the most modern imaging equipment and staffed by very experienced specialist vascular interventional radiologists. All the latest techniques are available here.
3. Open Surgery Options
Open surgery is more invasive and requires a large incision, wound care, longer hospital stay, and recovery. However, it is still the best option for certain patients with severe vascular disease (such as disabling claudication or limb threat) or complex anatomy. If there is more than a 50% blockage due to a long segment of diseased artery in the leg, bypass surgery is sometimes used. The most common operation is femoro-popliteal bypass using a leg vein to bypass around the blockage in the thigh, with an artificial graft being used for the more difficult areas behind the knee. Alternative open surgical options include endarterectomy where the blockage is removed from the inside of the artery, or aorto-bifemoral bypass for iliac artery disease. This latter operation is a major procedure usually only suitable for younger patients with complex iliac and common femoral artery disease.
4. Uterine Cancer Singapore: A Specialized Approach
Although most patients with uterine fibroids are eligible for this procedure, we believe that patient selection is important in determining the results of UFE. All patients will undergo a detailed consultation and assessment with our interventional radiologist, who will discuss the advantages and risks of treatment and determine if this is the suitable form of treatment for the patient. This treatment is extremely effective for women whose primary goal is to avoid a hysterectomy. However, it is less effective for women who have a large fibroid burden and women with a submucosal fibroid. UFE is also an effective form of treatment for women who are experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding. In consultation, it has provided a means to improve the quality of life and avert blood transfusion and/or surgical intervention for this symptom. An additional advantage of treatment is avoiding further healthcare costs, inconveniences, and time off work due to recurrent symptoms or further surgery.
At The Vascular and Interventional Centre, we utilize the latest technology and evidence-based medicine to bring the best care to our patients with uterine fibroids. Uterine fibroid embolisation (UFE) is a minimally invasive, image-guided treatment that is performed by an interventional radiologist. UFE has a high success rate and has been effective in many patients, providing an alternative to surgery for many women. Studies have demonstrated that this form of treatment has a shorter recovery time and less time off work compared to surgery. UFE also has a lower rate of complications and can be performed on patients who are poor candidates for surgery. This procedure has been available for over 20 years and has an established track record for safety and effectiveness. Although the final decision to use this form of treatment instead of surgery is up to the patient, it is important to consider that surgery is not an ideal situation. For those with uterine cancer Singapore or those with conditions with their uterus, consult our specialists at VIC for comprehensive consultations.
5. Uterine Fibroids and Peripheral Arterial Disease: Comprehensive Solutions
For fibroid treatment at our fibroid clinic in Singapore, we specialize in Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE), a minimally invasive, non-surgical procedure that offers a safe and effective alternative to hysterectomy. It is a state-of-the-art treatment in which small particles are injected through a catheter directly into the blood vessels that supply the fibroids. This blocks the flow of blood to the fibroids, which in turn causes them to shrink and die. The normal uterine tissue is not affected because it has other blood supply. The catheter used for the procedure is inserted through a small incision made in the skin and is only about the size of a straw. This is used to block the blood supply to the fibroids by delivering the small polymer particles (PVA) to the vessels that supply the fibroids. This is why it is so much less invasive and traumatic than a hysterectomy, with only a 1-night stay in the hospital and a 1-week recovery for most patients. Our dedicated specialists at The Vascular and Interventional Centre have experience in performing UFE in various hospitals and fibroid clinics in Singapore.
Our specialists are well-trained in handling cases of peripheral arterial disease, varicose veins, and other vascular conditions. Reach out to our team for a consultation today.
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