Endovascular Surgery
Sydney Vascular Surgeon - Dr Mayo Theivendran
Revolutionising the treatment of many vascular problems
Endovascular surgery is a minimally invasive medical procedure that treats various vascular conditions, allowing quicker recovery times and reduced discomfort compared to traditional open surgeries.
Instead of large incisions, endovascular surgery involves small punctures to access the affected blood vessels. A catheter (thin, flexible tube) is then used to navigate through the vessels, delivering treatment directly to the problem area.
This approach, which is still evolving, is transforming the field of vascular surgery and Dr Theivendran keeps up to date with this technology, introducing new techniques once they have been proven.
Benefits of using endovascular techniques
Reduced recovery time
Unlike open surgeries, endovascular procedures often result in shorter hospital stays and quicker recoveries, allowing you to return to your normal activities sooner.
Less discomfort
Smaller incisions and minimal tissue disruption usually mean less postoperative pain and less scarring.
Lower risk of infection
Infection is a risk with any surgery. Minimally invasive techniques reduce the risk of infection compared to open surgeries.
Fewer complications
Endovascular procedures often involve fewer complications, as they avoid extensive surgical trauma.
Local or regional anaesthesia
Many endovascular surgeries can be performed with local or regional anaesthesia, reducing the need for general anaesthesia with its associated risks.
Which conditions can be treated with endovascular surgery?
Endovascular surgery is used to treat a wide range of vascular conditions, including:
Aneurysms
Weak, bulging areas in blood vessels, such as abdominal aortic aneurysms, and thoracic aortic aneurysms can often be treated with endovascular surgery.
Endovascular popliteal aneurysm repair is a procedure that involves stenting to treat a bulge in the popliteal artery near the knee.
Visceral artery aneurysm repair to treat aneurysms in the arteries feeding the intestines and kidneys. It often involves using metal coils to block the artery or inserting a self-expanding stent to reline the blood vessel.
Read more about aneurysms
Varicose veins
These are enlarged, twisted veins usually found in the legs. There are several different solutions for treating varicose veins using minimally invasive endovascular techniques.
Read more about varicose veins and varicose vein solutions
Carotid artery disease
This disease causes narrowing of the carotid arteries in the neck, which can lead to strokes.
A carotid artery stent may be inserted to decrease the risk of stroke in a person with a build-up of plaque (atherosclerosis) in the carotid artery.
Read more about carotid artery disease
Vascular trauma
Injuries to blood vessels can result from accidents or other traumatic events. They may be treated with endovascular surgery, stents or embolisation, depending on the location and severity of the problem.
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD)
This is a condition causing reduced blood flow to the limbs, typically affecting the legs. It is caused by plaque building up in the artery.
Endovascular surgery is commonly used for treating PAD.
Types of endovascular surgery include balloon angioplasty which uses a balloon to open up narrowed arteries, placement of stents that act like tiny supports to keep vessels open, and atherectomy which involves opening arteries and removing plaque. These procedures can alleviate PAD symptoms, like leg pain, and enhance your overall mobility.
Read more about peripheral artery disease
Pelvic congestion syndrome
Endovascular surgery offers a minimally invasive solution for women with pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS). Dr Theivendran simply seals the malfunctioning veins with metal coils which reroutes blood to other healthy veins.
Read more about pelvic congestion syndrome
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
DVTs are blood clots in the deep veins, often in the legs.
Endovascular thrombo-embolectomy is a procedure that removes blood clots and emboli from veins restoring normal blood flow.
Read more about deep vein thrombosis
Vascular anomalies
Vascular anomalies are abnormalities in blood vessels, such as arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). Several techniques can be used to treat AVMs., depending on their location.
Preparing for endovascular surgery
Before endovascular surgery, you will receive a comprehensive pre-operative assessment. At this appointment, Dr Theivendran will explain the procedure, the potential risks, and the expected benefits. You may need to stop certain medications or adjust your diet in preparation.
It's essential to provide a complete medical history, including any allergies and a list of your current medications.
Quitting smoking is strongly recommended before vascular surgery.
Anaesthesia for endovascular surgery
Endovascular surgery can often be performed under local or regional anaesthesia, which means you may remain awake during the procedure, but won't feel pain.
General anaesthesia may be necessary for some complex procedures or if you prefer not being awake during the surgery. Dr Theivendran will discuss the best anaesthesia option.
Incision
Instead of large incisions, endovascular surgery involves small punctures to access the affected blood vessels.
Catheter Insertion
A catheter (thin, flexible tube) is then used to navigate through the vessels, delivering treatment directly to the problem area.
Catheter Insertion
The necessary treatment, such as angioplasty, stent placement, or thrombolysis, is performed through the catheter.
Closure
After completing the procedure, the catheter is removed and the artery is sealed with a closure device.
Your hospital stay after endovascular surgery
The length of your hospital stay depends on the complexity of the procedure and your individual health.
Many endovascular procedures are performed as same day surgeries, allowing you to go home afterwards. In other cases, you may need to stay in the hospital for observation and recovery.
Same day surgery
Many endocascular procedures can be performed as same day surgery. If you are going home on the same day as your surgery, you’ll need to have someone pick you up from the hospital.
If you’ve had a general anaesthetic, do not drive, make important decisions or use machinery for 24 hours after your procedure.
Aftercare following endovascular surgery
Dr Theivendran’s team will provide instructions on at-home wound care, activity restrictions, and medication management.
It's crucial to follow these guidelines carefully to facilitate a successful recovery.
You will need to schedule a follow-up appointment with Dr Theivendran.
Complications of endovascular surgery
While endovascular surgery is generally safe and effective, there are potential complications, such as bleeding, infection, blood clots, or allergic reactions to contrast dye or other substances used during the procedure.
It’s not possible to generalise about complication rates for endovascular surgery because there are many different factors involved. Factors that increase the risk of complications include, older age, smoking, obesity, diabetes, lung, heart or kidney disease.
In general, the simpler the procedure, the less likely you are to experience a complication. Dr Mayo Theivendran will discuss these risks with you and take necessary precautions to minimise them.
3%
Wound infection
<2%
Bleeding at insertion site
<1%
Bleeds/ thrombosis of vessels
<1%
Adverse reactions to contrast dye
<0.5%
Injury to bowel/ bladder/ kidney
How Dr Theivendran can help
If a vascular problem is affecting your quality of life and non-surgical treatments haven’t worked, ask your treating doctor for a referral to Dr Theivendran, an experienced Vascular and Endovascular surgeon.
He will assess your condition and, if appropriate, discuss endovascular surgical options to resolve the problem.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact our rooms on (02) 9066 6547
For appointments and enquiries:
Monday - Friday: 8:00am to 4:30pm
Fax: (02) 9182 7533
