More About the Vascular Surgery DHA Prometric Exam

Vascular Surgery Prometric Exam
Administered by: Dubai Health Authority (DHA)
Duration: 3 Hours
Number of Questions: 150
Pass Score: 65%
Fee: USD 280
Exam Code: VAS5291
Exam Coverage:
1. Basic Vascular Knowledge
Focus Areas: Fundamentals of vascular anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology.
Key Concepts:
Blood vessel structure and function, hemodynamics, and vascular response to injury.
Overview of vascular diseases and their systemic impact.
Tips: Familiarize yourself with vascular anatomy and basic disease mechanisms as foundational knowledge.
2. Vascular Imaging
Focus Areas: Diagnostic imaging modalities, including ultrasound, CT angiography, and MR angiography.
Key Concepts:
Indications, techniques, and interpretation of vascular imaging.
Role of imaging in diagnosis, treatment planning, and follow-up in vascular diseases.
Tips: Understand the strengths and limitations of each imaging modality and basic interpretation skills.
3. Aneurysmal Disease
Focus Areas: Aortic aneurysms, peripheral aneurysms, and management approaches.
Key Concepts:
Pathophysiology of aneurysms, risk factors, and screening guidelines.
Surgical vs. endovascular repair and criteria for intervention.
Tips: Emphasize understanding of rupture risk, monitoring protocols, and treatment decision-making.
4. Atherosclerotic Disease & Ischemia
Focus Areas: Peripheral arterial disease, carotid artery disease, and critical limb ischemia.
Key Concepts:
Pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, risk factor modification, and treatment options.
Clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of ischemic vascular diseases.
Tips: Focus on evidence-based treatments, including lifestyle changes, medications, and revascularization.
5. Visceral & Renovascular Disease
Focus Areas: Renal artery stenosis, mesenteric ischemia, and vascular conditions affecting abdominal organs.
Key Concepts:
Diagnosis, risk factors, and interventions for renovascular hypertension and mesenteric ischemia.
Surgical vs. endovascular treatment options.
Tips: Review indications for intervention and management of visceral vascular emergencies.
6. Neurovascular Disease
Focus Areas: Cerebrovascular conditions, including stroke and transient ischemic attacks (TIAs).
Key Concepts:
Pathophysiology of neurovascular disease, risk factors, and preventive measures.
Role of carotid endarterectomy and stenting.
Tips: Focus on indications and contraindications for neurovascular interventions.
7. Venous and Lymphatics Diseases
Focus Areas: Varicose veins, venous insufficiency, lymphedema, and deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Key Concepts:
Pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of chronic venous diseases and lymphedema.
DVT prevention, treatment options, and complications.
Tips: Emphasize conservative management, compression therapy, and intervention strategies.
8. Vasculitis and Connective Tissue Disease
Focus Areas: Large and small vessel vasculitis and connective tissue disorders affecting the vasculature.
Key Concepts:
Clinical presentation, diagnostic criteria, and management of vasculitic syndromes.
Immunosuppressive therapies and role of steroids.
Tips: Familiarize yourself with distinguishing features and treatment protocols for various vasculitides.
9. AV Fistula and Access
Focus Areas: Creation, maintenance, and complications of arteriovenous fistulas and grafts.
Key Concepts:
Indications, types of access, and monitoring for dialysis patients.
Management of complications such as stenosis and thrombosis.
Tips: Focus on the technical aspects of AV fistula creation and long-term maintenance.
10. Vascular Emergencies
Focus Areas: Acute limb ischemia, aortic dissection, and other vascular emergencies.
Key Concepts:
Pathophysiology, urgent assessment, and management of life-threatening vascular conditions.
Emergency interventions, including thrombolysis and endovascular techniques.
Tips: Review protocols for rapid assessment and intervention in vascular emergencies.
11. Patient Safety and Professionalism & Ethics
Focus Areas: Safe surgical practices, ethical considerations, and professionalism in vascular care.
Key Concepts:
Importance of patient-centered care, informed consent, and communication skills.
Ethical dilemmas, particularly in high-risk surgical cases and end-of-life care.
Tips: Focus on guidelines for ethical practice and patient communication in complex vascular cases.
Study Recommendations:
Blueprint-Based Preparation:
Allocate study time according to the weight of each topic, with emphasis on high-yield areas like atherosclerotic disease, aneurysmal disease, and venous diseases.
Core Textbooks and References:
Use recommended resources such as:
Rutherford's Vascular Surgery for in-depth understanding.
Current Therapy in Vascular Surgery for updated therapeutic guidelines.
Practice with Clinical Cases:
Familiarize yourself with clinical scenarios to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings.
Mock Tests:
Take timed practice exams to improve pacing and comfort with the question format.
Review Guidelines and Diagnostic Criteria:
Focus on criteria for vascular diseases, intervention protocols, and imaging interpretations.
This outline provides a structured approach to prepare for the Vascular Surgery Prometric Exam, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of each core area.