Interview with Dr. Manish Taneja, Vascular Specialist, at Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic

The Future of Vascular Health Technology and Medicine

1. What are some cutting-edge minimally invasive procedures?

Minimally invasive procedures have become increasingly popular in vascular treatments. Could you elaborate on some cutting-edge techniques that are being employed to treat vascular issues? How do these techniques compare to traditional surgical methods?

Dr. Manish Taneja: I’ve been looking after vascular conditions since 1995, there has been a huge change and paradigm shift in the management of these conditions over the last 28 years. There are better devices that are able to treat conditions that we could never do before without surgery. Nowadays, these devices manage to treat more than 90% of patients. Of course, the advantage is that recovery is faster and patients can get on with their lives within a day or two compared to more than a week or to a month, which used to be the standard of care. (We provide care for vascular conditions and treatments at Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic in Singapore.)

2. What are some recent breakthroughs in the field of vascular medicine? 

There have been remarkable advancements. Could you highlight some recent breakthroughs in the treatment of vascular conditions? How have these breakthroughs transformed patient outcomes and treatment options?

Dr. Manish Taneja: The 3 major medical risk factors are high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and blood sugar. There have been so many new and very effective drugs, which control these conditions so much better than they’ve ever done in the past. For example, there are newer innovations coming out including injectable medications to reduce cholesterol. This is especially good for people who are not compliant in taking medication. Similarly, there’s medication to reduce blood pressure and control diabetes, which never existed in the past. And all these things have made a huge difference. There are also some better drugs on the horizon, and within the next few years, we will see increased improvement with newer, better drugs.

3. How has diagnostic technology greatly evolved?

Can you explain the significance of imaging techniques, such as ultrasound and angiography, in diagnosing and monitoring vascular conditions? How have these technologies improved over time?

Dr. Manish Taneja: So in the beginning of my practice, we used to only have clinical examination and very crude diagnostic techniques used for testing. Nowadays, we can detect and plan treatment based on the wonderful advances in imaging technology from handheld dopplers to high-end imaging machines including ultrasound machines as well as angiography techniques using CT / MRI scans. All of these are non-invasive with no risk to patients unlike in the past. In the future, there will be more advances and better techniques coming out that will significantly improve patients’ lives. 

4. For individuals already facing vascular conditions, what range of treatment options are available today?

How do you approach individualized treatment plans, considering factors such as patient health, age, and the severity of the vascular issue?

Dr. Manish Taneja: One of the most important things in vascular management is medical management of the underlying issue. You can use any devices or techniques but the key is medical management of the vascular disease or condition. After the treatment, on top of that, there are better imaging assessments. Putting all this together, each patient has a structured and specific treatment plan, which is then decided accordingly. Just like we are all different as individuals, vascular diseases also have a huge spectrum and we tailor treatment accordingly after proper clinical assessment. 

5. Looking to the future, what do you see as the most promising direction for vascular health research and treatment?

Are there any emerging trends or areas of study that could potentially revolutionize how we approach vascular conditions?

Dr. Manish Taneja: There will be some role for better medication coming out in the next few years with innovative devices, which are safer for patients with enhancements and improvements in cutting edge technology. Moreover, there will be the role for AI that will help us not only in treatment but prevention of vascular diseases. 

How to Prevent A Vascular Condition:

6. If you could offer one piece of advice to Singaporeans on preventing vascular conditions, what would that be?

Are there specific lifestyle changes or habits that can significantly lower the risk of vascular issues?

Dr. Manish Taneja: I would advise to completely abstain from smoking, exercise five times a week especially as you get older since a lot of vascular conditions affect after 50 years of age. In addition, I encourage going for regular screening assessment once a year.

7. Is there an increased risk of vascular-related conditions with Singapore’s aging  population?

Have you noticed a growing awareness among the public about modifiable risk factors for conditions like cardiovascular diseases and peripheral artery disease? Are more individuals taking proactive measures to prevent these conditions?

Dr. Manish Taneja:  There’s a generalized improved awareness in the community compared to 15 years back. You see many people walking, jogging, and going to gym more so than in the past. There’s constant campaigns in newspapers and social media as well as governmental organizations to promote health. To me, it has helped greatly in improving awareness and maybe some reduction in vascular disease. I do strongly believe that over the next 10 years, it will have a meaningful impact in the community.

How to Look after Your Vascular Health:

8. What do you find most fulfilling or rewarding in practicing vascular medicine?

The field of vascular health is multifaceted. What aspect of practicing vascular medicine do you find most fulfilling or rewarding, and why?

Dr. Manish Taneja: Unlike quite a few conditions in the body, most of the vascular conditions are fully curable, at least not affecting one’s life span. The great thing about being a vascular specialist is making a huge difference in peoples’ lives as it is amongst the top five most common causes of death and disability in the community. 

9. Dr. Manish, how do you maintain your own vascular health in your daily life? 

Could you share some personal insights? What habits do you practice to promote healthy blood circulation and overall well-being?

Dr. Manish Taneja: I do regular physical activity and exercise at least 5 times a week, I like to balance my diet and cut down on carbohydrates and fatty foods. I play sports like tennis. I do regular health screening for vascular conditions such as blood tests and assess the flow in my blood vessels. I also monitor my blood pressure, cholesterol and sugar on a regular basis.

10. Are there specific dietary, exercise, or habits that you recommend?

Lifestyle plays a crucial role in maintaining vascular health. What are some dietary choices, exercise routines, or habits that you recommend to your patients to improve their vascular well-being?

A nut and plant-based diet including vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and fruits are especially good for promoting vascular health and increase blood circulation. Try adding leafy greens and more nuts to your diet to improve blood flow.

What is Vascular Disease?

Vascular disease refers to a condition affecting the circulatory system (arteries, veins, and lymph vessels). It can be because of blockage or weakening of blood vessels inhibiting smooth blood flow leading to possible health conditions.

Types of vascular diseases include:

• Aneurysm: Is an abnormal bulge in an artery wall. (Understand the types of aneurysms in our other blog post and our clinic’s aortic aneurysm treatment options.)
• Blockage / Stenosis: is a narrowing of the blood supply to the vein that gets affected with relevant symptoms to the area involved.
• Stroke: Happens when blood fails to flow to the brain due to rupture or blockage of a blood vessel (Discover the Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic Stroke treatments in Singapore including stroke management and prevention as well as stroke screening.)
• Peripheral arterial disease: PAD is caused by blockage of blood circulation to the legs
• Heart attack: Occurs when there’s inadequate blood supply to the heart muscles causing them to die due to oxygen deprivation.
• Venous diseases: Damage vein valves inhibiting blood flow. We understand their impact and our varicose veins specialist, Dr. Manish Taneja offers care and treatment for a wide range of venous diseases.
• Deep vein thrombosis: Refers to blood clots in the veins, which block blood flow. We offer advanced interventions and personalized treatment plans to get you back on your feet.
• Lymphedema: Occurs when the lymph vessels or nodes get damaged, leading to an abnormal buildup of the lymphatic fluid such as leg swelling.

Vascular health is crucial for transporting oxygen, nutrients, removing waste products and carbon dioxide from the body, regulating blood pressure, and preventing cardiovascular diseases. It also supports brain health, overall well-being and longevity by ensuring proper circulation and function of the blood vessels. However, various conditions can disrupt vascular function and cause health complications.

At our specialized vascular and interventional clinic in Singapore, we are committed to providing expert care and tailored treatments to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients’ vascular health and well-being.

Varicose Veins Resources

Explore our varicose veins and spider veins resources for patients. Gain insight into the diagnosis and treatment of varicose and spider veins conditions, their underlying causes, symptoms, and complications. Connect with your vascular health.

Varicose, Spider Veins, or DVT: Blue or Purple Veins

Varicose Veins and Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

Venous Diseases and Other Vascular Treatments

Aortic Aneurysm