Vascular Surgery

Our vascular surgeons treat problems in blood vessels across the body, from varicose veins to narrowed arteries and aneurysms. We work across hospitals in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, offering both open surgery and minimally invasive keyhole procedures, with a dedicated varicose vein clinic in Dubai.

What is vascular surgery?

Vascular surgery treats diseases of the blood vessels, the arteries and veins that carry blood around your body. It covers vessels everywhere except the heart and brain, whose own vessels belong to cardiology and cardiac surgery. Vascular surgeons manage conditions such as poor circulation in the legs, aneurysms and varicose veins. Much of their work is not surgery at all: it ranges from lifestyle changes and medicines to minimally invasive procedures and open operations.

When should you see a vascular surgeon?

Book an appointment if you notice:

• Leg pain when you walk that eases when you rest
• Aching, heavy or swollen legs
• Bulging or twisted veins you can see
• A leg or foot wound that's slow to heal
• A cold, pale or numb foot

A leg that suddenly turns painful, pale, cold or numb is an emergency: seek emergency care straight away, or go to your nearest emergency department.

Some vascular problems build up quietly. You may also be checked if you smoke, have diabetes or have high blood pressure, as these raise the risk of vascular disease before symptoms appear. A screening scan that finds a widened aorta is another reason to be seen. A family doctor or another specialist usually refers you to a vascular surgeon.

What to expect

At your first appointment, the vascular surgeon asks about your symptoms and general health, checks your risk factors, and feels the pulses in your legs. The surgeon may also compare the blood pressure in your arm and ankle, a simple check of the circulation. Many people have a duplex ultrasound, a painless scan that shows how blood is flowing, and some go on to have an angiogram, a dye scan that maps the vessels.

Treatment depends on the diagnosis. Milder problems often improve with exercise, stopping smoking and medicines that protect the blood vessels. When a vessel needs fixing, the surgeon may treat through a small puncture, or use open surgery for complex cases. Because vascular disease is often long-term, your surgeon may follow you over time with repeat scans, and will talk you through the options before agreeing the next step.

Vascular surgery at Mediclinic

Our vascular surgeons work across hospitals in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. Their care covers the arteries and veins outside the heart and brain, and much of it is medical rather than surgical. When a procedure is needed, the team may treat through a small puncture or with open surgery. At Parkview Hospital in Dubai, a dedicated varicose vein clinic closes faulty veins with laser and radiofrequency treatments. For people living with diabetes, we run foot and wound-care services that watch for poor circulation and slow-healing ulcers. We also create and manage dialysis access for people with kidney failure, and place ports for patients having chemotherapy.