The Angiology and Vascular Surgery service at Hygeia Hospital Tirana enables the diagnosis and treatment of many diseases affecting blood vessels, whether arterial or venous. This service offers outpatient diagnosis using Doppler ultrasound as well as radiological methods for all types of vascular conditions. Our experienced angiologists provide all forms of treatment — from medication-based therapies and minimally invasive procedures to full surgical interventions. In addition, our medical team offers specialized consultations for patients with conditions in other systems that are related to or benefit from vascular procedures.
For more information about this Department, we invite you to watch the video and read the articles below:
Clinical examination and Doppler ultrasound for:
• Carotid artery diseases
• Lower limb arterial diseases (arteriopathy)
• Arterial evaluation in diabetic patients with foot wounds
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Varicose veins of the lower limbs
• Chronic leg ulcers
• Planning and follow-up of arteriovenous fistulas for hemodialysis
Consultations for:
• Diseases of the aorta and iliac arteries
• Portal vein thrombosis
• Limb lymphedema
At Hygeia Hospital, diagnosis of vascular diseases is completed with specialized radiological exams such as Angio CT scan, Angio MRI, Angiography, and Lymphoscintigraphy.
Treatments for varicose veins using the following methods:
1. Radiofrequency
2. Sclerotherapy
3. Surgery
Surgical treatments for arterial diseases:
• Carotid artery stenosis
• Abdominal aortic and iliac artery aneurysms
• All types of bypasses for lower limb arterial diseases
Vascular access for hemodialysis and treatment of complications:
1. Arteriovenous fistulas
2. Arteriovenous grafts
3. Permanent catheters
Placement and removal of Port-a-Cath for chemotherapy
1. COLOR DOPPLER ULTRASOUND
This is an ultrasound-based test used to evaluate blood vessels both functionally and anatomically. By providing direct imaging and key functional parameters such as flow speed in different points of the vessels, it helps verify vessel integrity or identify disease, including its location and severity. It is also used for monitoring disease progression and follow-up after treatment. This test has high sensitivity and specificity, offering accurate diagnosis or exclusion of vascular conditions. It is harmless and can be repeated as needed. Color Doppler ultrasound is a foundational exam for vascular diseases.
It is used to assess the carotid arteries, abdominal aorta and iliac arteries, as well as arteries and veins of the upper and lower limbs.
What kind of diagnoses does this test provide?
• Assessment of atherosclerosis level
• Screening and diagnosis of carotid artery stenosis
• Screening and diagnosis of abdominal aortic and peripheral aneurysms
• Diagnosis of peripheral artery disease (PAD)
• Evaluation of blood supply to the lower limbs in diabetic patients
• Differential diagnosis of foot ulcers
• Diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis
• Diagnosis of varicose veins and superficial thrombophlebitis in the lower limbs
• Evaluation of vessels for dialysis access
• Monitoring function and diagnosing complications of dialysis access
Color Doppler ultrasound is also useful during treatment of some vascular conditions such as: sclerotherapy and radiofrequency ablation for varicose veins.
It is relevant to heart-related vascular conditions as well, such as:
• Checking for carotid artery stenosis before coronary bypass surgery
• Evaluating abdominal aortic aneurysm in patients with ascending aorta aneurysm
• Assessing limb vascularization in patients with aortic dissection
• Identifying causes of thrombi in patients with pulmonary embolism
• Evaluating renal artery function in patients with severe arterial hypertension
2. ANGIO CT SCAN
This is the primary radiological exam for vascular evaluation. It examines all body regions and is mainly used for arteries but also for veins. It is fast, highly accurate, and provides valuable anatomical details for planning treatment procedures. It is particularly useful in vascular trauma cases where ultrasound and other exams are less effective.
• Common uses include identifying carotid artery stenosis and assessing its branches
• Evaluating size and extent of aortic aneurysms
• Diagnosing aortic dissection and aneurysm rupture
• Identifying and localizing vascular lesions from trauma
• Evaluating vascular malformations
• Assessing extent of peripheral artery disease
3. PERIPHERAL ANGIOGRAPHY
This is an invasive exam performed under X-ray in a hemodynamic lab, mainly used for endovascular procedures on the iliac, femoral, and tibial arteries.
4. LYMPHOSCINTIGRAPHY
A nuclear medicine test using radioactive tracer for the diagnosis of lymphedema.