Open and endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR/TEVAR)

Aortic aneurysm is a common condition affecting mainly the elderly male who are chronic smokers with hypertension. There is an abnormal dilatation of the aorta, the main blood vessel in the body. Rupture of this aneurysm is fatal and surgical intervention to exclude the aneurysm gives a good outcome in most patients.


Peripheral vascular disease

Narrowing of the blood vessels occurs in smoker, diabetics and patients with high cholesterol levels. This may lead to foot ulcers and gangrene and eventually limb loss. Intervention with either open bypass surgery or peripheral angioplasty can help salvage the situation in some but not all patients. Both these options are available.


Vascular access surgery

Patients with end stage kidney disease needs to have haemodialysis and we offer services to create the vascular access for this purpose. Clinical assessment is supported by objective evaluation with duplex ultrasound scanning to determine suitability for vascular access surgery


Carotid artery diseases

Just like the blood vessels in the legs and the heart, narrowing of the blood vessels can also occur in the arteries in the neck supplying the brain. This may result in minor or major stroke. Intervention by means of carotid endarterectomy or carotid angioplasty and stenting can be offered in selected patients to prevent further major stroke


Varicose veins

Varicose veins are tourtous, elongated superficial veins of the lower limbs. These may be asymptomatic or sometimes it may lead to venous ulcers. Surgical removal of the unsightly veins are indicated in selected group of patients.


Vascular trauma

Injury to the blood vessels is a common situation encountered in road traffic accidents. Vascular trauma can also occur in the course of intervention with other procedures. Blood vessel injury needs urgent attention of a vascular surgeon as this can result in either blood loss that can lead to death or interruption of blood supply to the affected organ leading to organ ischemia and death.


Hyperhidrosis

This is a condition whereby there is excessive sweating, mainly affecting the palms, axillae and soles. Treatment can be achieved by means of endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy


Non Invasive Vascular Laboratory

Ultrasound has become an essential part of vascular examination. A weekly ultrasound session is scheduled to perform diagnostic examination on vascular out-patients for both arterial and venous diseases. Indications for scans includes:

Other available equipment includes air plethysmography machine which is useful in diagnosis and evaluation of venous reflux disease and a photo plethysmography machine which aids in assessment of arterial insufficiency in both upper and lower limbs.
The vascular laboratory is also equipped with a small seminar room for holding small meetings or presentations as part of the Department’s CPD programs.


Training

At present, HKL Vascular is the only centre recognised by the Ministry of Health of Malaysia for training of vascular surgeons. Any gazetted general surgeon with interest in vascular surgery can apply for enrollment into the training program which is a minimum of 3 years structured fellowship program of The Ministry of Health.
The Unit also caters for attachment postings of medical officers and surgical trainees from other departments and hospitals, with the specific aim of getting the exposure to the spectrum of vascular diseases and its management.
As part of the Department of General Surgery, members of the unit are also involved in training of surgical trainees and house officers posted to the department.


Continuous Professional Development

Team members of HKL Vascular are regularly involved in CPD activities within and outside Hospital Kuala Lumpur. This includes public forums, lectures at various other Departments and Hospitals, Universities, meetings and seminars.