1. Introduction to Vascular and Interventional Centre
The VIC team works together to explore and deliver in-depth treatment options available for patients suffering from various vascular conditions. This patient-directed site provides information on evidence-based treatment options for patients suffering from peripheral arterial disease, aortic aneurysms, endovascular aneurysm repairs, carotid and visceral artery diseases, in addition to arteriovenous access maintenance.
Vascular and Interventional Centre (VIC) was established as a focused specialty centre aimed at establishing a set of minimally invasive treatment solutions in managing various vascular conditions that were previously managed by open surgical methods. Our aim is to work closely with patients and medical colleagues to generate optimal treatment solutions based on best evidence clinical practice. VIC also aims to foster newer training techniques for future vascular and interventional specialists.
2. Minimally Invasive Treatments for Vascular Conditions
Angioplasty and Stent Insertion Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty (PTA) was first introduced over 30 years ago. The procedure involves passing a wire through the stenosed segment of the artery and then crossing a balloon over the wire. The balloon is positioned in the narrowed segment and is inflated to high pressures. This results in flattening a deformity, often a buildup of atheroma on the arterial wall, and stretching the artery to increase blood flow. The procedure is very effective with excellent results in the short and long term. Coming soon after the development of angioplasty, stents were first introduced in the 1980s and have now become a part of routine treatment for many arterial conditions today.
Advantages include reduced morbidity and mortality, faster recovery times, and shorter hospital stays for patients. Some procedures, such as angioplasty, have now largely replaced open surgery as a first-line treatment with equally good long-term results. Procedures can be performed under local anesthesia with minimal discomfort for patients.
Minimally invasive treatments have been developed in many areas of healthcare, especially in the treatment of vascular conditions. The principle of minimally invasive treatments is to achieve effective results with the least amount of physical insult to the body. This form of treatment has been driven by technological advances and has significant advantages over traditional surgery. This less invasive approach has now been applied to most peripheral vascular conditions.
3. Specialized Services for Dialysis Patients
Nephrology patients undergoing dialysis are vulnerable to infection leading to access graft or fistula failure. Our team can provide minimally invasive treatment of infected or clotted dialysis access grafts in an effort to rescue the access site and avoid the use of tunneled catheters. Non-infected dysfunctional grafts can often be restored to functionality with catheter-directed thrombolysis and angioplasty. Tunneled dialysis catheters can be troublesome for both patients and providers, and our team can provide services for removing and exchanging malfunctioning dialysis catheters.
Dialysis patients have unique needs, and the two most common out-patient dilemmas are infection and difficult access, which we often treat simultaneously. Our team works closely with dialysis patients and their nephrologists to provide comprehensive care in a timely manner. We also work in concert with CTV Surgeons to provide pre-operative vessel mapping for AV fistula construction. Dialysis patients requiring prolonged anticoagulation for complex vascular procedures can often receive this care in the comfort of their own dialysis facility through a “point of care” program.
4. Effective Solutions for Varicose Veins
Two treatment options are effective solutions for varicose veins. The best treatment is selected by determining the root cause of the condition. If the patient is suffering discomfort and swelling, compression stockings may be recommended. These are particularly useful for the pregnant and nursing woman. With more serious cases, a referral to a vascular surgeon may be given. The traditional surgical treatment is “vein stripping.” This involves tying off the affected vein and pulling it out. Although effective, it has a long recovery time for the patient, lasting 2-4 weeks. It may cause a lot of pain and bruising, and it is also possible to develop deep vein thrombosis from this procedure. Recurrence rates for varicose veins after 5 years of treatment with vein stripping range from 25-40%. The less invasive percutaneous ablation procedure leads to the closure of the inefficient vein. Over time, the vein is absorbed by the body and disappears. Clinical studies have confirmed that 90% of the treated veins remain free from reflux at 24 months with an overall improvement in quality of life for the patient. In recent years, medical glue has been introduced to serve a similar purpose of vein closure. This nonthermal, nontumescent, nonsclerosant approach has the translated as the benefit of quick and painless administration with immediate recovery. Efficacy and safety are also comparable to the aforementioned methods.
5. Advanced Treatments for Peripheral Artery Disease
Minimally invasive treatments for Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) have revolutionized vascular care, offering patients effective options with reduced risks and faster recovery times compared to traditional surgeries. These procedures typically involve catheter-based techniques such as angioplasty, where a tiny balloon is inflated to widen narrowed arteries, often followed by stent placement to keep the vessel open. Another approach is atherectomy, which involves the removal of plaque buildup from the artery using specialized devices. These minimally invasive interventions not only alleviate symptoms like leg pain and improve blood flow but also mitigate the need for extensive hospital stays, enabling patients to swiftly return to their daily activities with restored mobility and enhanced quality of life. The team at VIC is well-versed in handling cases of peripheral artery disease.
