What a cardiovascular surgeon exam covers
Cardiovascular, or vascular, surgery deals with diseases of the blood vessels — veins and arteries — outside the heart. These are most often varicose veins, chronic venous insufficiency, thrombosis, as well as narrowings and diseases of the arteries that impede blood flow. A cardiovascular surgeon exam is the first step toward an accurate diagnosis and the right treatment of these conditions.
At Medical Time the exam begins with a conversation about symptoms — when they started, whether the legs swell, how often heaviness, cramps or pain on walking occur, whether there are visible varicose veins, changes in skin colour or wounds that heal slowly. The surgeon also asks about risk factors: long standing or sitting, obesity, smoking, pregnancies, past thromboses and family predisposition.
A clinical examination of the legs and blood vessels follows: the appearance and distribution of varicose veins, swelling, the colour and warmth of the skin are assessed, as well as the pulses in the legs, which gives insight into the patency of the arteries. The surgeon also looks for signs that point to more urgent conditions, such as thrombosis.
When it is necessary to see the blood flow from the inside, the surgeon at Medical Time can do an ultrasound (Doppler) exam of the blood vessels — a painless imaging of veins and arteries and the speed of flow. Based on the exam and ultrasound you get a clear conclusion: what the cause of the symptoms is, how serious the condition is and what the best way of treatment is — from compression therapy and medications to modern interventions.
When to see a cardiovascular surgeon
You see a cardiovascular surgeon when you have problems with the veins or arteries of the legs, when you notice varicose veins or swelling, or when there is a suspicion of thrombosis and a disorder of blood flow. Some of these conditions are harmless but unpleasant, while others require a quick response — so the exam is important to separate one from the other.
The most common reasons for a cardiovascular surgeon exam are:
- varicose veins, visible winding veins on the legs
- swelling of the legs and ankles, a feeling of heavy and tired legs, especially in the evening
- cramps in the legs, tingling and restlessness in the legs during the night
- pain in the calves on walking that stops at rest (suspected narrowed arteries)
- sudden swelling, pain and warmth of one leg (suspected deep vein thrombosis)
- changes in skin colour, darkening around the ankle and wounds that heal slowly (venous ulcer)
- a family predisposition to varicose veins or thromboses
- monitoring of already known blood vessel diseases and check-ups after interventions
What the exam looks like — the process
A cardiovascular surgeon exam is painless and non-invasive, and usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. It requires no special preparation, but it is useful to wear clothing that easily lifts up to the knee and above, so the legs are accessible for the exam.
After a conversation about symptoms and risk factors, the surgeon carries out a clinical examination of the legs — by looking, they assess the varicose veins, swelling and skin changes, and by feeling, they check the pulses, warmth and tenderness. With suspected venous problems, the exam is often done while standing, because the veins are best shown then.
If insight into blood flow is needed, an ultrasound Doppler exam of the veins and arteries is done — by placing the probe against the skin, with a little gel, completely painlessly. This exam shows whether the veins carry blood upward well, whether there is a clot and whether the arteries are narrowed.
At the end the surgeon explains the findings in simple language and suggests next steps. With venous insufficiency this is often compression therapy (elastic stockings), a change of habits and, if needed, modern interventions on the veins. With suspected thrombosis, action is taken quickly, with appropriate therapy. With arterial problems, further diagnostics and treatment are planned. The goal is for you to know exactly what is wrong and how the condition is best solved.
What to bring to the exam
So the exam can be as complete as possible, it helps to bring documentation about your health so far and any earlier problems with the blood vessels.
We recommend that you bring:
- earlier findings and discharge letters, especially if you have had thrombosis or interventions on the veins
- results of earlier ultrasound (Doppler) exams of the blood vessels, if you have them
- current laboratory findings
- a list of the medications you take, especially blood-thinning therapy
- details of chronic conditions, pregnancies and a family predisposition to blood vessel diseases
When you receive the report
You receive the report of the clinical exam and recommendations immediately, at the exam itself. The surgeon explains the conclusion verbally and hands you a written report with a plan for next steps.
If an ultrasound Doppler of the blood vessels was done during the exam, you receive that report the same day as well. When additional diagnostics or preparation for an intervention are needed, you get a clear plan and appointments, and we invite you for interpretation and a discussion about treatment. All documentation is kept, so each subsequent exam is compared with the previous one and it is tracked how the condition changes.
Why have a cardiovascular surgeon exam at Medical Time
At Medical Time the cardiovascular surgeon exam, ultrasound diagnostics of the blood vessels and treatment are available in one place, with an experienced team and an individual approach. Our goal is that after the exam you know exactly what is wrong, how serious it is and how the condition is best solved — without delay and without wandering.
- experienced surgeons and a dedicated approach to every patient
- an ultrasound (Doppler) exam of the veins and arteries right away, in the same place
- a clear treatment plan — from compression therapy to modern interventions
- a quick response in cases of suspected thrombosis and other urgent conditions
- quick booking, without long waiting and possible without a referral
- the report and recommendations the same day, with digital storage of documentation
- monitoring and check-ups after treatment, comparison with earlier findings
Price
The price of a cardiovascular surgeon exam depends on whether it is an initial exam, a follow-up or a consultation and whether an ultrasound (Doppler) exam of the blood vessels is done during the exam. See the prices of all our doctor exams in the price list, and for an exact quote and an appointment call us.
- Initial cardiovascular surgeon exam
- Follow-up cardiovascular surgeon exam
- Exam with blood vessel ultrasound
To book an appointment, call 062-399-888.
Frequently asked questions about the cardiovascular surgeon exam
See one when you have varicose veins, swelling and heavy legs, cramps, pain in the calves on walking, changes in skin colour around the ankle or wounds that heal slowly. In cases of sudden swelling, pain and warmth of one leg — which may be thrombosis — seek help urgently, without delay.
No. The exam is painless and non-invasive — it consists of a conversation, a clinical examination of the legs and, if needed, an ultrasound Doppler of the blood vessels, which is done by placing the probe against the skin.
Yes, when needed. An ultrasound (Doppler) exam of the veins and arteries can be done right away at the exam, and you receive the report the same day.
Not always. For many patients, compression therapy, a change of habits and monitoring are enough. When an intervention is needed, there are now modern, minimally invasive methods. The decision is made by the surgeon after the exam and ultrasound.
Deep vein thrombosis may be indicated by sudden swelling of one leg, pain, warmth and redness. This is a condition that requires a quick assessment, so in that case seek medical help without delay.
No. At Medical Time you can book a cardiovascular surgeon exam without a referral as well, usually quickly and without long waiting.
You receive the report of the clinical exam and recommendations, including the ultrasound if it was done, right away at the exam itself. The results of additional diagnostics arrive within the agreed time.