Today, the Vascular Surgery Clinic at UMBAL Burgas celebrates its 16th anniversary. It began on September 1, 2010, when the unit started its operations as a department with only one surgeon specializing in vascular pathology. Today, the structure has established itself as a clinic of the highest competency level, bringing together a team of experienced specialists and residents who provide comprehensive diagnostic services and surgical treatment for a wide range of arterial and venous diseases.
Over the past 16 years, medical care at the clinic has reached more than 20,000 patients. Statistics show that over 60% of the surgical interventions are highly complex and extensive. In addition to standard surgeries, high-tech methods are routinely applied here, with stenting and angioplasty playing a key role.
The team at UMBAL Burgas ranks among the pioneers in Bulgaria regarding the implementation of progressive approaches, which are regularly presented at prestigious scientific forums, congresses, and specialized national and international training events. Highlights of the clinic's work over the last couple of years include:
- the use of a bioprinter to treat difficult-to-heal wounds, which creates a patch from the patient's own tissue;
- the replacement of iodine contrast with carbon dioxide for patients for whom standard contrast media are contraindicated;
- the performance of a complex 12-hour reconstructive intervention on a lower jaw affected by a tumor, using bone from the pelvis along with its nourishing blood vessels, with the participation of a team of over 15 medical professionals.
"Vascular surgery is one of the most innovative fields in medicine. The development of technology allows us to apply more patient-friendly methods and expand our treatment capabilities," said Prof. Valentin Vasilev, MD, PhD, who heads the clinic.
On the occasion of the anniversary, the Executive Director of UMBAL Burgas AD, Dr. Miroslav Obreykov, extended his congratulations to the staff. "Sixteen years is a time during which an organization does not just build a name, but proves its professional authority through its daily work, responsibility toward every patient, and a constant drive for development. Continue to be bold in your innovation, confident in your professionalism, and dedicated to the most important mission – the health and trust of our patients," he wished his colleagues.