Vascular Doctors in Singapore:
Varicose Veins Specialists
Our Team
OUR TEAM
Meet Our Team of Vascular Doctors in Singapore
Our dedicated vascular doctors bring specialised training and a patient-focused approach to every consultation.
About Dr Benjamin Chua
Vascular Specialist
Dr Benjamin Chua is the Medical Director and Senior Vascular Surgeon with over two decades of clinical experience.
Prior to setting up the Vascular and Interventional Centre, Dr Chua was the Founding Head of the Department of Vascular Surgery, Singapore General Hospital (SGH), the first department of its kind in Singapore dedicated to caring for patients with vascular diseases.
He was also concurrently Senior Consultant Surgeon and Director, Endovascular Surgery.
Dr Chua is the founding Member of Society of Vascular and Endovascular Surgeons of Singapore, and is a lead author in several international vascular journals.
Special Interests
- Aortic aneurysm
- Diabetic limb salvage
- Stroke prevention (carotid surgery)
- Vein diseases
- Dialysis access issues
- Vascular malformations
Qualifications
- MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery at the National University of Singapore)
- MHSc in Clinical Research (Duke University School of Medicine), 2003
- MRCSEd, FRCSed (Fellow of Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, General Surgery), 2008
About Dr Chen Minqi
Vascular Specialist
Dr Chen Minqi is a fellowship-trained Vascular and Endovascular Surgeon with a special interest in venous disorders, including varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis, and chronic leg swelling. Prior to joining the Vascular and Interventional Centre, Dr Chen was appointed as Head of Vascular Service in Woodlands Health in 2020. He brings a precise, gentle approach to patient care, and is particularly skilled at managing complex venous cases.
Dr Chen is an active Member of the Society of Vascular and Endovascular Surgeons of Singapore, and has a strong focus on early screening and holistic management approach of conditions
Special Interests
- Aortic surgery (inclusive of open and endovascular repair of aneurysms and dissections)
- Carotid artery surgery
- Dialysis access surgery (inclusive of arteriovenous fistula and graft creations, as well as endovascular fistula salvage surgeries)
- Limb salvage surgery (inclusive of endovascular angioplasty and stenting and open bypass operations)
- Varicose vein surgery (inclusive of minimally invasive radiofrequency ablation and VenaSeal vein closure procedures)
Qualifications
- MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery at the National University of Singapore), 2005
- MMed (Master of Medicine, General Surgery), 2015
- MRCSed (Member of Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh), 2010
- FRCSed (Fellow of Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, General Surgery), 2016
SCOPE OF WORK
What Does a Vascular Doctor Do?
Vascular doctors are medical specialists who focus exclusively on diagnosing and treating conditions affecting your blood vessels—the intricate network of arteries, veins, and capillaries that carry blood throughout your body. Unlike general practitioners, vascular specialists possess advanced training in complex circulatory system disorders.
Think of your vascular system as the motorways of your body. When these pathways become blocked, damaged, or weakened, it affects everything from your energy levels to your ability to heal from minor injuries. Vascular doctors are the engineers who identify these problems and implement solutions to restore proper blood flow.
What Conditions Does a Vascular Doctor Treat?
Vascular doctors in Singapore are trained to handle both arterial and venous disorders.
Common conditions treated include:
Venous Conditions
- Varicose veins
- Spider veins
- Deep vein thrombosis (blood clots)
- Chronic venous insufficiency
- Leg ulcers and non-healing wounds
Arterial Conditions
- Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
- Carotid artery disease
- Aneurysms
- Arterial blockages
Complex Circulatory Issues
- Poor circulation in extremities
- Diabetic vascular complications
- Vascular malformations
- Post-surgical vascular complications
Difference Between Vascular Doctor vs Cardiologist vs Neurologist
While all three specialists deal with circulatory issues, they focus on different systems:
Vascular Specialist
Focus Area:
Arteries, veins, lymphatics
Common Conditions Treated:
Varicose veins, PAD, DVT, ulcers
Cardiologist
Focus Area:
Heart and coronary arteries
Common Conditions Treated:
Heart attacks, arrhythmia, hypertension
Neurologist
Focus Area:
Brain, spinal cord, and nervous system
Common Conditions Treated:
Stroke, epilepsy, neuropathy, multiple sclerosis
Whilst there’s some overlap—particularly with stroke treatment—vascular doctors are your best choice for leg vein problems, circulation issues, and peripheral vascular disease. Cardiologists focus on your heart’s pumping function, whilst neurologists address brain and nerve-related conditions.
warning signs
Signs You Need to See a Vascular Doctor in Singapore
Recognising when to consult a vascular specialist can prevent minor issues from developing into serious complications. Many vascular conditions develop gradually, making it easy to dismiss early warning signs as normal ageing or lifestyle factors. Here’s what to look out for.
Symptoms of Vascular Disease (Leg Pain, Swelling, Numbness)
You may need to consult a vascular doctor if you experience:
- Aching, cramping, or heaviness in the legs (especially after standing)
- Swelling in the feet or ankles
- Tingling or numbness in the lower limbs
- Restless legs at night
These could be early signs of venous insufficiency or poor circulation.
Hard Signs of Vascular Damage (Non-Healing Wounds, Discoloration)
Unlike mild discomfort, these signs warrant urgent attention:
- Leg or foot ulcers that persist for weeks or months
- Skin darkening around the ankles
- Hardening of veins or visible bulging of veins
- Coldness or numbness in the foot
These often indicate severe vascular insufficiency or artery narrowing.
How to Know if Leg Pain is Vascular or Orthopaedic
Vascular leg pain is often worse with prolonged standing and improves with leg elevation. In contrast, orthopaedic pain (like from joints or muscles) may worsen with movement or exercise.
Vascular Pain Characteristics:
- Occurs predictably with walking distances
- Relieved by rest (usually within 5-10 minutes)
- Described as cramping, burning, or fatigue
- May be accompanied by colour changes
- Often worse in cold weather
Orthopedic Pain Characteristics:
- Related to specific movements or positions
- May worsen with rest or at night
- Often sharp, stabbing, or throbbing
- Usually accompanied by joint stiffness
- Responds to anti-inflammatory medications
Mixed presentations are common, which is why comprehensive evaluation by a vascular specialist is valuable when symptoms persist or interfere with daily activities.
Tests
Tests & Screenings by Vascular Doctors
Modern vascular medicine relies on diagnostic tools to accurately assess your circulatory system and develop targeted treatment plans. Understanding these tests can help reduce anxiety and ensure you’re well-prepared for your consultation.
Here’s what to expect during your vascular consultation at our clinic.
What Does a Vascular Doctor Check During Consultation?
During your visit, the doctor will:
- Take a detailed history of your symptoms and lifestyle
- Examine your legs for swelling, discolouration, ulcers
- Perform a manual assessment of pulses and skin temperature
- Assess risk factors (family history, smoking, diabetes)
Blood Tests That Show Vascular Disease
While not always diagnostic on their own, certain blood tests help support vascular evaluations:
- D-dimer: Elevated in cases of blood clots
- Lipid profile: High cholesterol increases arterial risk
- C-reactive protein (CRP): Measures inflammation that can damage blood vessels
- Homocysteine: High levels increase risk of arterial disease
- HbA1c: Checks diabetic control, which affects blood flow
These help identify systemic risks and guide long-term care.
Advanced Vascular Imaging & Circulation Tests
We use non-invasive imaging to assess blood flow and vessel health:
- Doppler Ultrasound: Visualises blood flow in real time
- Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) and Toe Pressures: Measures circulation efficiency
- Venous Duplex Scan: Detects reflux in varicose veins
- CT Angiography: Detailed mapping for surgical planning
These tests are painless and provide crucial insights for accurate diagnosis.
CONTENTS
YOUR Preferred Health Partner
Why Choose the Vascular & Interventional Centre
We Own Our Own Hybrid Operating Theatre
Unlike many other clinics, the Vascular & Interventional Centre owns and operates our own fully equipped day surgery theatre (angiosuite). This gives you a significant advantage:
- Lower facility and equipment fees – as we do not rely on third-party hospitals.
- Faster scheduling – skip the hospital queues, your procedure can be done promptly and at your convenience.
- Seamless care – from consultation to surgery and follow-up, all under one roof.
This integrated setup allows us to offer greater cost transparency, shorter waiting times, and a smoother overall experience for patients seeking varicose veins treatment.
Highly Experienced Team with Transparent Pricing
Our team brings years of specialised experience in varicose veins treatment, having successfully treated thousands of patients with various venous conditions.
We believe in transparent pricing without hidden costs or unexpected charges. Before beginning treatment, you’ll receive a detailed cost breakdown including all anticipated expenses, helping you plan accordingly and avoid financial surprises during your treatment journey.
Our commitment to transparency extends to treatment expectations, potential risks, and realistic timelines for results. We want you to feel confident and well-informed.
