Mr R Chandrasekar

I joined the Wirral Hospitals Trust as a Consultant in August 2003. I spent nearly four years in the two main regional vascular units in Belfast, serving a total population of 1.5 million. Not surprisingly, the units, among the largest in the UK, undertook a huge volume and variety of vascular surgery.

One of my main interests, which I will be offering at Spire hospitals, is the modern management of varicose veins. I offer laser treatment of varicose veins in addition to providing the whole range of other options in the management of this condition. I introduced the laser treatment of varicose veins in my hospital and this has revolutionised the treatment of this condition. This is a minimally invasive treatment of veins without the need for a sizeable surgical scar. The procedure is well liked by patients as it is cosmetically attractive and is effective in getting rid of the veins. The assessment of the patient includes a detailed scan of the vein which I do personally at the time of the consultation, so that it is a One Stop Assessment Clinic. This scan gives me a detailed 'road map' of the veins, based on which treatment options can be discussed.

There is no one method of treating veins and it is important to take into consideration what the wishes of the patients are. I use diagrams to provide a detailed explanation of the problem, without technical jargon, which a lay person can easily understand. I take into account the needs and expectations of the patients and offer advice on the methods of treatment that will be effective for that particular patient.

Open repairs of abdominal aortic aneurysms (dilatation of the main blood vessel in the tummy) have traditionally involved a long incision extending along the whole length of the abdomen, from the lower end of the breast bone to the just above the pubic bone. My expertise is in performing this operation, using an incision less than half the normal length, in most instances.

Restoration of extremely poor circulation to legs may need complex intervention. The treatment needs a judicious balance of various modalities of treatment. My intense training has enabled me to offer aggressive management of such conditions. I routinely perform carotid endarterectomies (stroke-prevention surgery) under a local anaesthetic, the perceived advantage being that the small risk associated with a general anaesthetic in some patients, is overcome. I provide vascular access surgery for patients with kidney failure to enable them to have dialysis.