Introduction to the Division of Vascular Surgery

The Division of Vascular Surgery at The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital was established in 2012, coinciding with the founding of the hospital. The division is committed to upholding the highest clinical standards and actively engaging in health education, surveillance, screening, and prevention of vascular diseases, as well as advancing scientific research in vascular medicine.

Currently, the division comprises 8 specialized physicians, including:

· 1 Professor

· 1 Associate Professor

· 1 Associate Chief Physician

· 4 Attending Physicians

Within the team, 4 physicians hold doctoral degrees, and the department operates 45 dedicated inpatient beds.

Under the leadership of Professor Cheng, Wing Keung Stephen, an esteemed vascular surgeon and academic authority on the international stage, the department upholds a standard of excellence. Professor Cheng's notable roles include:

· Professor of Surgery, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong

· Former President of the Asian Society for Vascular Surgery

· Former Chairman of the Hong Kong Surgical Association

· Former Head of the Department of Surgery, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong

By combining advanced clinical expertise, multidisciplinary collaboration, and a patient-centred approach, the division remains at the forefront of vascular disease management and innovation.

Clinical Services of the Division of Vascular Surgery

The Division of Vascular Surgery at The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital provides comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for both arterial and venous disorders.

Arterial diseases encompass a range of conditions such as:

· Thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysms,

· Aortic dissection

· Carotid artery stenosis

· Visceral artery aneurysms

· Peripheral arterial occlusive disease (atherosclerosis)

· Acute arterial embolism

· Diabetic foot disease

Venous diseases include:

· Pulmonary embolism

· Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

· Catheter-related  thrombosis

· Central venous stenosis

· Superficial venous insufficiency (Varicose vein)

Our centre specializes in the full spectrum of disorders involving the descending aorta, central veins, and peripheral arteries, adhering to standardized, minimally invasive, and personalized therapeutic protocols. Through the integration of advanced technologies and evidence-based practices, we prioritize precision and safety in clinical care.

Furthermore, the department fosters a compassionate, patient-centred culture, emphasizing holistic care and open communication, which has earned consistent acclaim from patients and peers alike.

Disease Spectrum and Primary Surgical Interventions

The Division of Vascular Surgery specializes in the management of various conditions, employing advanced surgical techniques tailored to patient-specific needs. These include interventions for:

1.Aortic Aneurysms/Dissection/Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) / Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) / Complex aortic aneurysms / Aortic dissection with:

• Endovascular repair (EVAR/TEVAR)

• Physician-modified fenestrated/branched endograft repair

• Open surgical aneurysm resection + synthetic graft replacement

2.Lower Extremity Arterial Occlusive Disease (Atherosclerosis) with:

• Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA)

• Stent implantation

• Atherectomy (mechanical plaque removal)

• Open bypass surgery

• Endarterectomy

• Patch angioplasty

3.Carotid Artery Stenosis with:

• Carotid endarterectomy (CEA)

• Carotid artery angioplasty with stenting

4.Lower Extremity Superficial Venous Insufficiency (Varicose Veins) with:

• Radiofrequency ablation of the great saphenous vein

• High ligation and stripping of the great saphenous vein

• Sclerotherapy

5.Dialysis Access with:

• Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) creation

6.Arteriovenous Fistula Dysfunction with:

• AVF revision

• AVF reconstruction

• Balloon angioplasty

7.Acute Lower Extremity Arterial Embolism with:

• Percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy

• Open surgical thrombectomy

8.Lower Extremity Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) with:

• Inferior vena cava (IVC) filter placement

• Pharmaco-mechanical thrombolysis and thrombectomy, which can be performed without the placement of an IVC filter, represent a minimally invasive, safe, and highly effective technique that is pioneering and internationally recognized. This innovative approach was developed at our centre and is at the forefront of vascular surgical practices.

Key Innovations

Our division is distinguished by its proprietary DVT thrombectomy protocol, which eliminates the need for IVC filter placement. This approach underscores our commitment to advancing minimally invasive, patient-centred therapies with globally recognized efficacy and safety.

Members of our team

The Division of Vascular Surgery at The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital consists of 8 physicians, including 3 registered specialists from Hong Kong and 5 local mainland physicians, fostering a collaborative, cross-disciplinary environment.

Subspecialty Leadership

Director of the subspecialty:

· Professor Cheng, Wing Keung Stephen

Assistant Director of the subspecialty:

· Dr. Cui Dongzhe (Deputy Chief Physician)

Core Clinical Team:

· Dr. Chan Yiu-che (Associate Professor)

· Dr. Tam Siu-chung (Associate Consultant)

· Dr. Li Ning (Resident Physician)

· Dr. Huang Jianxiong (Resident Physician)

· Dr. Li Yue (Senior Physician)

· Dr. Chen Xiao (Resident Physician)

Key Strengths

Our team integrates Hong Kong's internationally benchmarked expertise with Mainland China's advanced clinical experience, ensuring world-class, patient-centric care. The multidisciplinary collaboration emphasizes innovation in vascular surgery, minimally invasive techniques, and translational research.