Vein conditions can go beyond appearance — they may cause discomfort, swelling, skin changes, and slow-healing wounds. At the Wound and Vascular Centre, we manage a range of vein-related conditions using diagnostic tools and evidence-based treatments.

We care for patients with:

• Varicose veins – enlarged, twisted veins that may cause leg heaviness, pain or swelling

• Chronic venous insufficiency – reduced blood flow in the legs, which can lead to skin changes or ulcers

• Venous leg ulcers – wounds, often near the ankle, that heal slowly due to poor circulation

• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) – blood clots in the deep veins of the leg that require timely treatment

• Post-thrombotic syndrome – ongoing leg swelling, pain and skin changes after a DVT

Your care begins with an assessment at our Vascular Diagnostic Laboratory, where we use non-invasive ultrasound scans to assess blood flow and vein health.

These findings guide us in tailoring your treatment plan.Depending on your condition, treatment may include:

• Minimally invasive procedures such as radiofrequency ablation or cyanoacrylate glue for varicose veins

• Compression therapy for venous ulcers and leg swelling

• Specialised wound care for chronic or slow-healing wounds

Some patients experience long-term issues after a DVT, particularly in the iliac or femoral veins. This may lead to post-thrombotic syndrome, with persistent swelling, discomfort and skin damage.

We offer iliac vein stenting, a minimally invasive procedure to open up blocked veins and restore blood flow. This can help relieve symptoms, support wound healing and prevent further complications.

If you have had a DVT or are experiencing post-thrombotic symptoms, our team can assess if this procedure is suitable for you.

Some wounds take longer to heal—especially in people with underlying health conditions such as diabetes, poor circulation or limited mobility. These are known as chronic wounds and require specialised care to prevent complications.

We manage patients with:

• Pressure injuries (bedsores) – skin and tissue damage caused by prolonged pressure, often affecting those who are bedbound or use wheelchairs
• Surgical site infections – wounds that heal slowly or become infected after surgery
• Non-healing wounds – wounds that persist beyond four weeks despite treatment

Unlike typical cuts, chronic wounds may result from poor blood flow, infection, or continuous pressure on the skin. If left untreated, they can lead to serious infections, hospitalisation, or even amputation.

Our team-based approach brings together doctors, wound nurses and allied health professionals to provide comprehensive support during your recovery.

Treatments we offer include:

• Regular wound cleaning and advanced dressings
• Pressure relief methods such as specialised mattresses and repositioning techniques
• Nutritional advice to promote healing
• Offloading strategies to protect vulnerable areas like heels, buttocks and surgical scars​
• Monitoring for early signs of infection or worsening conditions

Our goal is to promote faster healing, relieve pain, and help you regain your daily activities. Whether your wound is from surgery, injury, or a chronic condition, we offer personalised and compassionate care throughout your healing journey.

For patients with end-stage kidney failure, having reliable access to the bloodstream is essential for effective haemodialysis. At the Wound and Vascular Centre, we support you in planning, creating, and maintaining your dialysis access to ensure safe and efficient treatment.

We work closely with Renal Physicians to plan and surgically create your dialysis access early, ideally before you need dialysis. Early planning helps reduce delays and lowers the risk of emergency catheter use.

Our services include:

• Early AVF planning and surgical creation
• Ultrasound vein mapping and access assessment at our Vascular Diagnostic Laboratory

We work closely with Renal Physicians to plan and surgically create your dialysis access early, ideally before you need dialysis. Early planning helps reduce delays and lowers the risk of emergency catheter use.

Our services include:

• Early AVF planning and surgical creation
• Ultrasound vein mapping and access assessment at our Vascular Diagnostic Laboratory

Ongoing care and monitoring are crucial to keep your AVF functioning well. Our team provides:

• Regular monitoring and evaluation
• Minimally invasive procedures to clear blockages or improve blood flow
• Prompt management of any complications

Some of the most serious vascular problems happen silently—until it’s too late. At the Wound and Vascular Centre, we help detect and treat aortic aneurysms and carotid artery disease early, before they become life-threatening. We also support spine surgeries that require precise vascular exposure techniques.​​

An aortic aneurysm is a bulge in the body’s largest artery. If it enlarges excessively, it may rupture, causing severe bleeding and potentially fatal outcomes. Most aneurysms have no symptoms and are typically detected through screening or imaging.

Our services include:

• Ultrasound screening for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA)
• CT scans to evaluate aneurysm size and risk
• Minimally invasive repair (Endovascular Aneurysm Repair, EVAR) and open aortic surgery for eligible patients
• Regular monitoring to track aneurysm growth

The carotid arteries supply blood to the brain. Narrowing of these arteries, known as carotid stenosis, can increase stroke risk. Early evaluation is especially important for individuals with transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) or stroke symptoms.

We provide:

• Carotid ultrasound scans to assess narrowing
• Surgical or stenting procedures to restore blood flow when indicated
• Medical therapy and lifestyle advice to reduce stroke risk

For some spinal procedures, surgeons need to reach the front of the spine safely. Our vascular surgeons work closely with orthopaedic and neurosurgeons to provide precise surgical exposure of large blood vessels.

This is critical for operations such as:

• Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF)
• ​Oblique Lumbar Interbody Fusion (OLIF)

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With expert vascular support, spine surgeries can be performed more safely and efficiently.

At the Wound and Vascular Centre, research is integrated into clinical care. The team conducts clinical studies aimed at improving wound healing, limb preservation, and patient outcomes. To date, the centre has received over S$8 million in competitive research grants and published more than 65 papers in international journals. Key research areas include diabetic limb salvage, wound healing, health services research, and the application of artificial intelligence in chronic wound care.

Some of our key initiatives include:

• DEFINITE Care

   

  A landmark population-based programme reducing major amputations through coordinated diabetic foot care across primary and tertiary settings within NHG Health.

   

• AI in Wound Imaging

   

  We are building explainable AI tools that can analyse wound images, track healing, and support decision-making in clinics and community care.

   

• Chronic Wound Healing Trials​

   

  We are running clinical studies on innovative wound therapies, including cell-based gels and digital patient activation platforms. The trials are in collaboration with NHG Health’s Wounds iCare Collaborative (WiCC) Clinical and Research Workgroup, with the associated Wounds Clinical Trial Network.

   

• Socioeconomic Health Equity

   

  We study how social determinants—like housing and income—affect diabetic foot outcomes in Singapore, driving more inclusive care models.

We also collaborate with leading academic institutions, industry partners, and AI developers to shape the future of wound care. Patients at our centre may be invited to participate in research that helps others like them.

By combining research, technology, and compassionate care, we aim to set new standards in wound and vascular care—not just in Singapore, but globally.​

• 2022: National Healthcare Innovation and Productivity Medal (Care Redesign)

• 2024: NHG Innovation Award (Gold) ​

• NHG Health, NHG Polycinics, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital​

• Nanyang Technological University

• National University of Singapore

• Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine

• NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health

• A*STAR Skin Research Labs

• A*STAR Institute of Materials Research and Engineering​

• National Heart Centre Singapore

• Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering

• Nanyang Polytechnic

• Industry: AITIS, Pingoo, eKare, Tetsuyu, Octivio, Celligenics, QBiotics Group, Smith & Nephew, Solventum, Molnlycke, Urgo, Schulke, Cuprina