Dr. Martin Forlee is a distinguished vein specialist based in Cape Town with an impressive academic and professional background. His expertise lies in vascular surgery, particularly in minimally invasive venous and arterial endovascular surgery as well as the management of diabetic foot complications. Dr. Forlee completed his MBChB with first-class honours from the University of Cape Town and proceeded with his postgraduate general surgery training at the University of Cape Town and Groote Schuur Hospital. He became a fellow of the College of Surgeons of South Africa in 2003 and was recognized as the most outstanding candidate in his fellowship exams. His specialization in vascular and endovascular surgery was further honed during a three-year tenure at the St James Vascular Institute in Dublin, Ireland. Additionally, he contributes to the medical field as a senior honorary lecturer at Groote Schuur Hospital and the University of Cape Town​​.

Regarding the services related to chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), this condition is caused by inadequate blood flow back to the heart from the legs, often due to faulty valves in the veins or blockages, leading to symptoms like aching legs, swelling, skin changes, and potentially venous ulcers. Treatment options include lifestyle changes, medication to improve blood flow, and minimally invasive procedures such as using radiofrequency or laser energy, sclerotherapy, or superglue to seal problematic veins​​.

For peripheral arterial disease (PAD), a condition where arteries in the legs are narrowed due to atherosclerosis, Dr. Forlee’s services would encompass managing symptoms and reducing the risk of serious complications. Symptoms of PAD include leg cramps, muscle weakness, and in severe cases, gangrene. Risk factors for developing PAD include smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and obesity. Diagnosis is typically made through the ankle-brachial index, vascular ultrasound, or angiogram. Treatments focus on lifestyle changes, medication, and in more advanced cases, surgical procedures like angioplasty with stenting or artery bypass grafting to improve blood flow​.

Dr. Forlee’s comprehensive approach to vascular health, with a focus on education, prevention, and innovative treatment methods, makes him a prominent figure in his field of specialty in Cape Town.

He can be reached at https://capetownvascular.co.za/dr-martin-forlee/