Vascular Services
Westmead Private Hospital has a dedicated cardiovascular ward for patients that will be undergoing vascular surgery.
Our cardiovascular ward is supported by a full range of on-site services including two cardiac catheter laboratories, dedicated operating suites and a 14 bed intensive care unit.
We have a dedicated group of highly experienced vascular surgeons and other health professionals including specialised nurses and physiotherapists who work seamlessly to provide the highest levels of care to each patient.
Vascular Surgery
Our vascular specialists are dedicated to providing patients with the best possible outcomes through exceptional medical and surgical care, with the ability to diagnose, investigate and manage patients with the full spectrum of vascular disorders with endovascular (arterial and venous) therapies.
Our specialists offer services to treat the full spectrum of vascular conditions including but not limited to:
- Varicose veins
- Acute & chronic arterial disease
- Aortic disease
- Carotid artery disease
- Deep venous thrombosis & treatment
- Diabetic feet & ulcerations
- Lower limb ulceration
All our specialists’ work closely with our on-site nursing team, physiotherapy team, dietician and discharge planner to ensure you have a seamless experience from the point of admission to being discharge from our facility.
Cath Lab Vascular Procedures
Some of the common vascular procedures regularly performed in our Cath Labs by Westmead Private Specialists include:
This is a diagnostic procedure where the surgeon administers Contrast Media (dye) under X-ray guidance to determine the Calibre of the Arteries or Veins in question. These are performed for short distance claudication and other pain on exertion.
There are two type of angiograms:
- Peripheral arterial angiogram
- Peripheral venous angiogram
This is an interventional procedure to treat short distance claudication and other pain on exertion. Following examination of the Artery or Vein as described in Vascular Angioplasty, the surgeon will use Balloons and possibly Stents to open up a narrowing in the vessel.
This is a procedure where the surgeon will repair an Aneurysm in the Abdominal or Thoracic Aorta via the femoral arteries. It is much less invasive than a surgical repair
Aneurysms affecting the Organs in the body, i.e. The Spleen, Liver etc, can be treated with Coils which fill in the Aneurysm making it safe. The surgeon inserts the Coils through a very small Catheter which is positioned into the Aneurysm.
Central Lines which are placed into large veins by the surgeon are:
- PICC lines
- PortaCaths
- Hickmans Catheters
The above lines are larger than the conventional drip, can stay in for long periods of time and are used for long term Antibiotic therapy, Chemotherapy and Stem Cell/Bone Marrow transfusions.
Operating Theatre Vascular Procedures
Some of the common vascular procedures regularly performed in our operating theatre by Westmead Private Specialists include:
This is performed when varicose veins on the leg have become twisted and enlarged. This procedure is performed in the operating theatre usually under general anaesthesia.
Peripheral Artery Disease is the narrowing of the arteries that results in a reduced blood flow to the limbs due to fatty deposits in the arteries. Treatment for this is usually a lifestyle change but sometimes open surgery is performed to remove the blockages from the arteries or to bypass the clogged area.
An Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm is a bulging or swelling in the part of the aorta that passes the abdomen. This procedure can be done in the cath lab (EVAR) but if it requires a surgical repair (open) then this can be done.
Carotid Artery Disease also called carotid stenosis is the blockage of the carotid artery due to plaque or fatty depostis. A Carotid Endarterectomy is the procedure that the surgeon will do to remove the arteries inner lining that is blocking the blood flow.
Ulcerations including those that develop due to diabetes affect the blood vessels and nerves. These do not usually require surgery unless they become infected as which time the surgeon may have to clean out the ulcer and dead tissue.
Click the following link to access the Westmead Specialist Vascular Services (WSVS) group website.
For the profiles and contact details of our vascular specialists please see the links below: