Vascular Services

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Vascular specialist services provides a range of treatments for vascular conditions

About our service

Vascular services within Mid Yorkshire are provided by Vascular consultants who are part of the larger Leeds Vascular Institute and the West Yorkshire Vascular Service. They are supported by a Vascular Nurse Consultant who is based within Mid Yorkshire and a number of Vascular Nurse Specialist nurses. The locally based nurse team assist with the running of the department, offering experience in management of the vascular patient, follow-up and rehabilitation, which contributes to a holistic approach in treatment of vascular conditions.

The vascular surgery team works in close co-operation with the interventional radiology department in the provision of vascular and endovascular treatments for the population of The Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust.

The team works as part of a multi-disciplinary team and works closely with other specialist services including:

  • Clinical genetics
  • Diabetes
  • Radiology
  • Microbiology
  • The stroke team
  • The renal team
  • Podiatric Surgeons
  • National Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening Program

Where do we offer this service?

  • Inpatient surgery - Leeds General Infirmary.
  • Selected interventional radiology as a day case or overnight stay at Pinderfields Hospital.
  • Day case surgery within Dewsbury and Pinderfields
  • Outpatient clinic at all three hospital sites
  • Leg ulcer/Vascular Nurse clinics are held at all three of our hospital sites.

Conditions we treat

We provide diagnosis and treatment for conditions such as:
 

Varicose veins

Varicose veins can cause pain and swelling and skin problems and often are the cause of leg ulceration. Patients with chronic venous disease are assessed using ultra sound scanning, often on the same day as their outpatient appointment, and have access to a full range of treatments including (radio frequency ablation, foam sclerotherapy, and vein stripping operations.

Peripheral arterial disease

Blockages and narrowing of arteries to the legs can cause pain on walking and more severe problems such as constant pain in the foot and even tissue loss/gangrene. In appropriate cases arteries can be stretch or unblocked using a balloon (angioplasty) or stent. Where symptoms are severe or critical surgery can be performed to removed or bypass the blockage.
 

Aneurysms

An aneurysm is the enlargement of an artery caused by weakness in the arterial wall. Often there are no symptoms, but a ruptured aneurysm can lead to fatal complications. An aneurysm refers to a weakening of an artery wall that creates a bulge, or distention, of the artery. Aneurysms occur most often in the aorta, the main artery of the chest and abdomen but can occur in other arteries such as the popliteal (artery at the back of the knee) or splenic artery (the arterial supply to the spleen). Treatment options offered within the Leeds Vascular Institute for aneurysm include stent graft repair (EVAR) and open surgery.
 

Carotid artery disease

A narrowing of the artery in the neck is the cause of some cases of stroke. We offer symptomatic carotid surgery to improve the blood flow and reduce the risk of further strokes.
 

Leg ulcers

Leg ulceration occurs because of issues with circulation. There are many known evidence based therapies available to treat the underlying cause of the leg ulcer. Leg ulceration should heal within a matter of weeks. It is important that any patients with a chronic non healing ulceration have access to the appropriate intervention.
 
Within MidYorks we are able to offer a range of interventions to facilitate healing of chronic lower limb ulceration. ·
 

Diabetic foot ulceration

Patients with diabetes can develop areas of ulceration on their feet, which can be complicated by infection, neuropathy (nerve damage) or ischaemia (peripheral arterial disease). Within Mid Yorks we have a highly specialised multidisciplinary team aiming to prevent and heal diabetic foot ulcerations as soon as possible. The team includes specialist podiatrist, diabetologist, podiatric surgeons and specialist nurses. Vascular specialists are able to provide local review and intervention within Mid Yorks if there is evidence of infection or ischaemia.

Lymphoedema

Lymphoedema is a long-term (chronic) condition that causes swelling in the body's tissues. It can affect any part of the body, but usually develops in the arms or legs. It develops when the lymphatic system does not work properly. The lymphatic system is a network of channels and glands throughout the body that helps fight infection and remove excess fluid. It's important that lymphoedema is identified and treated as soon as possible. If it is not treated, it can get worse.

Thoracic outlet syndrome

Thoracic outlet syndrome is a group of disorders that occur when blood vessels or nerves in the space between your collarbone and your first rib (thoracic outlet) are compressed. This can cause pain in your shoulders and neck and numbness in your fingers. Treatment for thoracic outlet syndrome usually involves physical therapy and pain relief measures. Most people improve with these approaches. In some cases, however, surgery can improve symptoms.

Vascular malformations

Vascular malformations are a result of the abnormal growth and development of a single type of vessel or a combination of vessels. Over the years, malformations can grow larger and become problematic depending on what type(s) of vessel is involved. They can be harmless and minor or very serious, sometimes even life-threatening.

Hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis is abnormally excessive sweating that's not necessarily related to heat or exercise. You may sweat so much that it soaks through your clothes or drips off your hands. Besides disrupting normal daily activities, this type of heavy sweating can cause social anxiety and embarrassment. Most people symptoms can be improved with stronger antiperspirants However, in some cases, however, surgery can improve symptoms.

Further information and resources

Vascular Disease is as common as cancer and heart disease. It accounts for 40% of deaths in the UK, many of which are preventable. Vascular disease is caused by inflammation and weakness of the veins and arteries.

The most common disease, peripheral arterial disease, affects the arteries in your legs; 9% of the population suffer from this for of vascular disease.

There are many factors that result in the increased risk of developing vascular disease:

  • Being male
  • Family history
  • High blood pressure
  • Smoking
  • Diabetes
  • Overweight
  • High cholesterol
  • Unhealthy diet
  • Lack of exercise

Reducing the Risk

There are several lifestyle changes and behaviours that patients can do to help prevent the development of vascular disease:

  • Stop smoking
  • Diabetics should undergo regular fasting blood sugar levels taken to ensure there is no underlying problem not being treated.
  • High blood pressure; patients who suffer from this should check their blood pressure regularly 140/85 target reading, if this is higher seek medical advise from your doctor.
  • Cholesterol- patients should ideally have a cholesterol level less than 5.
  • Weight- maintain a healthy weight. This can lower the risk of developing diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
  • Active health style and healthy diet.