Vascular surgery in Coventry

Vascular surgery focuses on conditions affecting the body’s blood vessels, including arteries, veins, and the lymphatic system. At Meriden Hospital in Coventry, our experienced vascular surgeons treat a wide range of vascular issues, with particular expertise in managing varicose veins and leg problems linked to peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

For many conditions, such as varicose veins, treatment can be straightforward with a short recovery time. However, waiting lists elsewhere can be long – particularly if your procedure is for cosmetic reasons.

By booking an appointment at Meriden Hospital, you can benefit from fast access to vein treatments.

Vascular conditions can cause discomfort, pain, or concern. Our specialist team offers both surgical and non-surgical solutions, and when intervention is needed, we use the least invasive approach possible to deliver the best results quickly and effectively.

At Meriden Hospital in Coventry, one of the most common vascular conditions we treat is varicose veins. Often appearing on the legs or feet, these veins can cause discomfort and impact confidence. In some cases, if left untreated, varicose veins may lead to more serious problems such as leg ulcers.

Varicose veins are typically blue, bulging, and twisted in appearance. They develop when valves within the veins weaken or become damaged, preventing blood from flowing efficiently back to the heart. As a result, blood can pool in the veins, causing them to enlarge.

Unfortunately, varicose veins usually do not improve on their own. They may cause aching, skin irritation such as eczema, slow-healing ulcers, or increased bleeding from minor injuries. Many people also seek treatment to improve the appearance of their legs.

Our vascular specialists offer a range of treatment options, including endovenous laser therapy (EVLT). This minimally invasive procedure uses laser energy to seal the affected vein, guided by ultrasound for accuracy. Performed under local anaesthetic, recovery is typically quick, with most people returning to normal activities within two to three weeks.

Another condition we regularly treat is peripheral arterial disease (PAD), which can cause pain, cramping, numbness, or weakness in the legs when walking. In more advanced cases, ulcers can develop around the ankles or feet and may heal slowly. PAD occurs when fatty deposits build up inside the arteries, narrowing them and restricting blood flow to the muscles. If left untreated, PAD can increase the risk of serious complications, including heart attack or stroke.

Our team is also skilled in diagnosing and managing aortic aneurysms. Larger aneurysms may require surgical intervention, either through open surgery or endovascular repair (EVAR), depending on the patient’s needs.

At your initial consultation, your vascular specialist will discuss your symptoms, how long you’ve experienced them, and carry out a physical examination. If varicose veins are suspected, you may be referred for an ultrasound scan to identify any damaged valves in the veins.

If surgery is the recommended option, this is usually a minimally invasive procedure, with laser treatment being a common choice. It is typically carried out as a day case, meaning you can go home the same day. After the procedure, compression stockings are usually worn until any bruising subsides.

When peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is suspected, diagnosis often begins with a physical examination and a comparison of the blood pressure in your arms and ankles. A significant difference between the two may indicate restricted blood flow. This test is called the ankle brachial pressure index (ABPI). An ultrasound scan of the arteries may also be arranged to confirm the diagnosis, which will be performed by a radiologist at Meriden Hospital.

Treatment for PAD often starts with lifestyle advice, such as stopping smoking, increasing physical activity, and maintaining a healthy diet. Medication may also be prescribed to manage the underlying causes of the disease. Since fatty deposits in the arteries often contain cholesterol, medicines to lower cholesterol levels are commonly recommended. Other treatments may include medication to reduce blood pressure or improve blood flow to the legs. With the right care, many patients find their symptoms stabilise and pain improves.

In more advanced cases, angioplasty may be advised. This procedure widens narrowed or blocked arteries using a small balloon, sometimes with the addition of a stent — a tiny mesh tube — to help keep the artery open. Angioplasty is also a minimally invasive, day case procedure, and most people are able to walk normally within a couple of days.

Meriden Hospital in Coventry is recognised for its expertise in vascular surgery, offering both advanced minimally invasive treatments and complex open procedures.

Patients benefit from:

• Fast access – see an experienced vascular consultant, often within a week, for diagnosis and treatment planning.

• Comprehensive diagnostics – on-site imaging and testing, with many procedures such as angioplasty performed in our radiology suite.

• Specialist care – our surgeons are skilled in treatments including ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy and radiofrequency ablation.

• Safe recovery – close post-operative monitoring, with physiotherapy support if needed.

• Team-based approach – consultants work alongside anaesthetists, radiologists, nurses, and other specialists to ensure the best outcome.

• Flexible payment options – no need for private health insurance.

All consultations and procedures are led by senior vascular consultants, ensuring expert care at every stage.