Open Vascular Surgery

Although Dr Theivendran uses minimally invasive (endovascular) techniques for treating vascular problems where possible, there are situations where open surgery is the more effective, preferred, or the only option available. They include:

Dr Theivendran makes an incision in the abdomen and mobilises the organs to access and repair an abdominal aortic aneurysm.

This procedure treats aortic aneurysms that extend all the way from the chest to the abdomen. Dr Theivendran makes a large incision enabling access to the weakened aortic segment. The aneurysm is replaced with a synthetic graft, reinforcing the aorta and preventing the risk of rupture.

This procedure treats aortic aneurysms affecting both the thoracic and abdominal portions using a combination of open and endovascular techniques. First, stents are inserted through small incisions, reinforcing the weakened aorta segment. Then, open surgery is performed to replace the remaining diseased aorta with a synthetic graft and supply blood to the organs with a bypass graft. This hybrid approach reduces the invasiveness of traditional open surgery.

The build-up of plaque in your carotid artery may restrict blood flow to your brain. Removing the plaque can improve blood flow in your carotid artery and reduce your risk of stroke.

When blood flow to the legs or arms is reduced as a result of peripheral arterial disease, Dr Theivendran surgically attaches a graft taken from a healthy vein to bypass a blocked or narrowed artery.

This procedure involves removing plaque build-up from the femoral artery in the thigh to restore blood flow.

This surgery is used to bypass diseased large blood vessels in the abdomen and groin. Blood is redirected through a graft made of synthetic material which is sewn to the existing artery.

This procedure is performed to remove blood clots (emboli) from a blood vessel.

The popliteal artery sits behind the knee. Dr Theivendran can repair an aneurysm in this artery by removing it an replacing it with a bypass graft.

Surgical intervention is necessary for aneurysms in arteries supplying organs like the liver, spleen, or kidneys.

Open vascular surgery can address traumatic injuries to blood vessels, such as repair or reconstruction after an accident.

Open vascular vein surgery may be required when treating recurrent varicose veins or when they are not suitable for endovascular repair.

Before open vascular 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.

Most open vascular surgeries are performed under general anaesthesia, meaning you will be asleep and pain-free during the procedure. Your anaesthetist will monitor you throughout the surgery to ensure your safety and comfort.

Before general anaesthesia you need to fast to decrease the risk of vomiting during the procedure. You can eat solid food up to six hours prior to anaesthesia and clear fluids up to two hours prior to anaesthesia. You can take prescribed medications with a sip of water at any time.

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.

While open vascular surgery is generally safe and effective, there are potential complications, such as bleeding, infection, blood clots, or problems with the graft or repaired vessel.

It’s not possible to generalise about complication rates because there are many different factors involved. In general, the simpler the procedure, the less likely you are to experience a complication. Factors that increase the risk of complications include, older age, smoking, obesity, diabetes, lung, heart or kidney disease.

Sometimes a second surgery or a longer hospital stay may be required to resolve a complication.