In recent years, Singapore has proposed plans to overhaul its healthcare system in response to its swiftly aging population. This monumental change seeks to cater to the distinct healthcare requirements of the elderly demographic, improve preemptive medical services, and offer enhanced assistance for a variety of health conditions. The government’s strategy involves creating innovative care frameworks, harnessing technological advancements, and reinforcing community-based healthcare to ensure top-notch medical services for individuals of all age brackets, considering the shifting demographics. In response to this, healthcare providers are undergoing a comprehensive transformation to better address the specific needs of the elderly population.

(https://ctvstexas.com/common-vascular-questions-answered/)

The Role of Vascular Surgeons in Singapore’s Ever-Changing Landscape

Vascular surgery stands as a critical medical specialty that specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases affecting blood vessels, arteries, veins, and lymphatic vessels outside the heart and brain. As Singapore’s population undergoes a significant aging trend, the demand for skilled vascular surgeons has seen a notable upswing. This surge is attributed to the rising prevalence of conditions like aortic aneurysms, peripheral arterial disease, varicose veins, and kidney failure necessitating dialysis. The complex nature of vascular surgery mandates a specialized skill set and deep expertise to ensure the successful management of such intricate cases.

With an array of innovative approaches and medical devices available for interventions, the selection of an adept vascular surgeon is pivotal. This choice can be the deciding factor especially in life and death cases of high-risk conditions like aortic aneurysms or carotid artery disease. As the realm of vascular surgery continues to evolve, experienced surgeons become the bridge between medical interventions and optimal patient outcomes.

Types of Procedures Performed by Vascular Surgeons

Vascular surgery is a specialized medical field dedicated to addressing issues concerning the blood vessels and circulation that play a crucial role within our bodies. This encompasses the intricate network of arteries and veins, which are responsible for transporting blood throughout the body. Unlike cardiac surgery that focuses on the heart, vascular surgery primarily concentrates on blood vessels situated outside the heart and, for the most part, the brain. This branch of surgery employs an array of techniques to address various vascular conditions.

Vascular surgeons are trained extensively to manage these complex conditions with precision and expertise. Their training involves a comprehensive understanding of the intricate anatomy and physiology of blood vessels, enabling them to diagnose and treat a diverse range of vascular conditions. Through rigorous education and hands-on experience, vascular surgeons acquire the skills necessary to perform intricate procedures, utilizing both traditional open surgical approaches and innovative minimally invasive techniques. This training equips them to handle conditions such as aortic aneurysms, peripheral artery disease, venous insufficiencies, and more, ensuring that patients receive tailored care that addresses their unique vascular challenges. As the field continually advances, vascular surgeons stay up-to-date with medical developments, allowing them to provide patients with optimal outcomes in a rapidly evolving medical landscape.

Types of Vascular Conditions Treated by Vascular Surgeons in Singapore

1. Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) occurs when arteries supplying blood to limbs narrow due to cholesterol and calcium deposits in arterial walls, leading to inadequate oxygen and nutrient supply. This results in pain in affected areas, as limbs can’t function properly.

(https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/PAD.htm)

2.Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is the inability to maintain a firm erection for sexual activity. Blood must stay in the penis during arousal, achieved through vein constriction. If veins don’t constrict enough, an erection can’t be sustained, causing difficulty in sexual performance.

3.Pelvic Congestion Syndrome (PCS) is a chronic condition affecting women due to weakened valves in lower abdomen veins. This causes blood to flow backward, pooling in pelvic and leg veins, leading to discomfort and pain.

(https://www.astraveinvascular.com/pelvic-congestion-syndrome-pcs-treatment/)

4.Uterine Fibroids (UFE) are growths in the uterus, common among women. They are classified by their location within the uterus and can impact reproductive health and cause various symptoms.

5.The aorta, body’s largest artery, weakens and balloons outward, forming an Aortic Aneurysm (AA). This can disrupt blood supply to essential organs and pose a serious health risk, demanding medical attention to prevent potential rupture.

(https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000162.htm)

6.Varicose Veins (VV) are dilated veins predominantly affecting the legs and which results in pooling of blood in the lower limbs. This causes an increase in the venous pressure in the lower parts of the legs leading to dry itchy skin, hardening and darkening of the skin, and even chronic wounds.

(https://www.yarravascular.com.au/condition/varicose-veins/)

Various Treatments for Vascular Conditions

Vascular surgeons in Singapore provide a range of treatments to address these conditions. The treatment options can include:

1.An Angioplasty entails the insertion of a deflated balloon into a narrowed or blocked artery. Once in place, the balloon is inflated, causing the artery to widen. This process, known as dilation, helps to alleviate the blockage and enhance blood circulation. Angioplasty is especially effective for conditions like atherosclerosis, where arterial walls accumulate plaque deposits that hinder blood flow.

2.Endovascular Procedures are generally minimally invasive techniques used to treat diseased arteries or veins. Typically, a sheath is inserted into an artery, commonly located in the groin or arm area. Through this sheath, specialized medical instruments like balloons, stents, and catheters are introduced. These instruments allow medical professionals to perform intricate procedures without the need for extensive surgical incisions. Endovascular procedures are versatile and can target a variety of vascular issues.

(https://ourheartdr.com/vascular-services/abdominal-aortic-aneurysm-aaa/treatment-options-abdominal-aortic-aneurysm-aaa/what-is-endovascular-stent-grafting/)

3.Vascular Bypass Surgery involves a surgical intervention where a healthy vein or a synthetic graft is employed to circumvent a blocked segment of an artery. By creating an alternate pathway for blood flow, vascular bypass surgery effectively bypasses the blockage, restoring normal blood circulation. This procedure is typically conducted as an open surgery and is beneficial in cases where other treatment options might not be as effective.

(https://mwvascular.com.au/lower-limb-bypass-surgery/)

4.Certain medications are prescribed to prevent the formation of blood clots or to dissolve existing clots within the blood vessels. These pharmacological interventions play a critical role in preventing potentially life-threatening complications like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism.

Open Surgery vs Minimally Invasive Endovascular Techniques

Vascular surgery encompasses two primary approaches: open surgery and minimally invasive endovascular techniques. Open surgery follows the conventional method, where an incision is made in the skin to reach the problem area. This approach is more intrusive and often requires an extended recovery period due to the nature of the procedure. On the other hand, minimally invasive endovascular techniques involve utilizing a small catheter inserted into the artery or vein to access the targeted region. This method is less invasive compared to open surgery, leading to reduced chances of complications. It generally involves smaller incisions, quicker recovery times, and often leads to less discomfort for the patient.

Post-Treatment Care After Vascular Surgery

Each vascular surgery procedure is tailored to the individual patient’s condition and the specific treatment involved. Generally, open surgery necessitates general anesthesia, with ongoing monitoring for potential complications throughout the procedure. On the other hand, endovascular procedures are typically carried out under local anesthesia, requiring shorter recovery periods. Furthermore, there are minimally invasive techniques available that offer reduced downtime and quicker recuperation in comparison to traditional open surgery.

Vascular surgery in Singapore offers a multitude of advantages. The foremost benefit is the enhancement of blood flow and circulation, thereby lowering the likelihood of blockages, aneurysms, and other vascular issues. Moreover, procedures like endovascular techniques, stenting, and angioplasty, among other minimally invasive options, yield prompt and efficient outcomes with minimal discomfort or downtime. However, it’s important to acknowledge that vascular surgery does come with potential risks and side effects, including infection, bleeding, and the risk of stroke.

Final Words

As Singapore’s population ages, the healthcare system is undergoing transformation to cater to elderly needs, prompting a demand for skilled vascular surgeons. These surgeons play a critical role in diagnosing and treating diseases affecting blood vessels. With the advancement of minimally invasive techniques and complex interventions, choosing an adept vascular surgeon becomes pivotal. Their expertise in navigating innovative care frameworks and their ability to tailor surgical approaches to individual cases is crucial. A range of conditions like peripheral arterial disease, erectile dysfunction, and aortic aneurysms can be treated by these experts, often employing treatments such as angioplasty, embolization and stenting. Considering the potential risks and benefits of vascular surgery, consulting a qualified vascular surgeon ensures the best possible care in Singapore’s evolving medical landscape.

FAQs:

References:

[1] https://www.sgvascularctr.com/an-introduction-to-vascular-surgery-in-singapore/

[2] https://www.sgvascularctr.com/get-to-know-the-benefits-of-having-a-vascular-surgeon-in-singapore/

Dr Chen Min Qi profile

Dr. Chen Min Qi is a fellowship-trained Vascular and Endovascular Surgeon who graduated from the National University of Singapore in 2005. He subsequently completed his basic and advanced training in General and Vascular Surgery while obtaining the Member of Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (MRCSed) qualification in 2010, and the Master of Medicine (General Surgery) qualification in 2015. Dr Chen was subsequently successful at the fellowship exams obtaining the Fellow of Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (FRCSed) qualification in 2016.

Upon completion of his advanced surgical training, Dr Chen Min Qi joined the newly opened Ng Teng Fong General Hospital (NTFGH) as a specialist in the Vascular Surgery division. In 2018, Dr Chen was awarded the Health Manpower Development Plan (HMDP) grant from MOH to undergo further subspeciality Vascular training at the internationally renowned St Mary’s Hospital in London, United Kingdom. There Dr Chen gained further experience in surgeries on complex abdominal and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms, redo open repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms following failed EVAR surgeries as well as carotid endarterectomy surgery and lower limb revascularization surgeries.

Upon his return in 2020, Dr Chen Min Qi joined the newly formed Woodlands Health as head of their Vascular service, before joining his current practice at the Vascular and Interventional Centre in January 2023.