Vein and Vascular Experts

Varicose Veins

Peripheral arterial disease and varicose vein disease are common vascular conditions that can significantly impact your health. To diagnose these issues, healthcare providers often recommend vascular ultrasound testing, a non-invasive method that helps assess blood flow and identify any blockages or abnormalities in the veins and arteries.

Varicose Vein Disease

Your veins are the blood vessels responsible for transporting blood from your feet back to your heart. These veins rely on one-way valves to facilitate this process. When these valves open, they allow blood to flow upward towards your heart, while their closure prevents blood from refluxing back down into your legs and feet. However, when these valves become damaged, blood can flow back, leading to increased pressure within the veins and in the legs themselves. Over time, this condition may result in symptoms such as pain, cramping, numbness, restless legs, skin color changes, and the development of unsightly veins, often indicative of varicose vein disease. Additionally, this condition may elevate your risk of developing blood clots in your legs, linking it to peripheral arterial disease. To assess the health of your veins, healthcare providers may recommend vascular ultrasound testing to evaluate their function.

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Varicose Vein Treatment

Once the diagnosis of varicose vein disease is complete, the treatment involves the closure of the damaged vein, which is often achieved through thermal or heat energy. This process typically utilizes a specialized medical laser. Initially, we perform vascular ultrasound testing to map out the diseased vein. After administering local anesthesia, we access the affected vein with a fine needle, allowing us to introduce the laser into the vein. When activated, the laser effectively closes the vein from the inside, and once the procedure is complete, the laser is removed, leaving nothing inside your body. This treatment is very safe and effective for varicose vein disease and is carried out by our highly trained staff. All procedures are performed in the office and are usually covered by most health insurance plans. It’s important to note that while we focus on varicose vein disease, our expertise also extends to conditions like peripheral arterial disease.

Atherosclerosis

What is Atherosclerosis?

Atherosclerosis is a medical term for plaque buildup or "clogging" of your arteries, commonly seen in older individuals. The primary risk factors include diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking (or vaping). This plaque can accumulate in any artery in your body, leading to various symptoms and consequences depending on its location. For instance, if plaque develops in the arteries supplying blood to your neck, it can result in a stroke. Plaque buildup in the arteries of your heart can lead to heart disease or a heart attack. Furthermore, if you experience plaque accumulation in the arteries of your legs, it can result in peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Additionally, conditions like varicose vein disease can also be related to vascular issues, which may be assessed through vascular ultrasound testing.

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)

Peripheral Arterial Disease: PAD

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is primarily a condition characterized by poor blood flow to the legs. Initially, symptoms may present as mild cramping in the thighs or calves after walking certain distances. As this condition progresses, the pain becomes more intense and occurs after shorter walks. In severe cases, peripheral arterial disease can lead to ulcers and even gangrene. If left untreated, this disease can result in amputations. It's also important to differentiate it from other conditions like varicose vein disease, which may require vascular ultrasound testing for proper diagnosis and management.

Diagram showing angioplasty with balloon and stent widening a vein for blood flow.

PAD treatment

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is primarily a condition characterized by poor blood flow to the legs. Initially, symptoms may manifest as mild cramping in the thighs or calves after walking a certain distance. As the condition progresses, the pain intensifies and occurs after walking shorter distances. In severe cases, peripheral arterial disease can lead to serious complications such as ulcers and even gangrene, which, if left untreated, may result in amputations. It's important to note that this condition can be related to other issues such as varicose vein disease. To diagnose and monitor these vascular conditions, healthcare providers often recommend vascular ultrasound testing.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: AAA

3D scan showing an abdominal aortic aneurysm in the human body.

AAA

The aorta is the main artery in your body, beginning directly from the heart. It runs through your chest, distributing blood to your arms and brain, before coursing down into your abdomen, where it is known as the abdominal aorta. This vital section of the aorta distributes blood to essential organs such as the liver, spleen, kidneys, pancreas, and intestines. Additionally, the abdominal aorta is the most common location for aortic aneurysms. An aneurysm occurs when the aorta, which is meant to be a uniform tube, becomes dilated. If this dilation becomes significant, it can lead to a rupture, resulting in a ruptured aortic aneurysm, which is a medical emergency. If untreated, this condition can lead to certain death. Furthermore, conditions like peripheral arterial disease and varicose vein disease can also affect vascular health, making it crucial to consider vascular ultrasound testing to monitor and assess the state of your arteries.

Illustration comparing open repair and endovascular repair of aortic aneurysms.

AAA treatment

We can treat your aortic aneurysm, especially if it is detected early. You don't want to wait for it to rupture, as this could lead to serious complications, similar to those seen in peripheral arterial disease. There are two ways to treat your aneurysm: open repair or endovascular repair. With the open repair (LEFT), we make an incision through the abdomen and repair the aneurysm directly, replacing the aorta with a graft. This is a significant operation done in the hospital and requires a lengthy recovery. We are experts in this type of surgery. On the other hand, with the endovascular repair (RIGHT), we avoid making any incisions in your abdomen. This is a minimally invasive procedure performed with catheter access through your femoral arteries in your groin. We advance stents into the aorta and repair the aneurysm from the inside, making it the more common way of treating this disease. Additionally, we also conduct vascular ultrasound testing to better assess your condition. Rest assured, we are the experts in performing both types of surgery.

Dialysis Access

Diagram comparing AV fistula and AV graft types in an arm for vascular access.

Arterial Venous Fistulas & Grafts

Unfortunately, kidney failure is a significant issue in our society, often exacerbated by conditions such as peripheral arterial disease and varicose vein disease. The primary method for managing individuals with kidney failure is through dialysis. There are two main ways to establish 'access' for dialysis. One method involves placing a catheter in the main vein in the chest, connecting the patient to the dialysis machine through that catheter. While these catheters are life-saving, they are not intended for long-term treatment. The optimal way to receive dialysis is through an arteriovenous fistula or graft, a procedure typically performed in your non-dominant arm. In the operating room, we surgically connect one of your veins to an artery, allowing the vein to grow or 'mature.' Once this maturation occurs, the dialysis center can access the fistula for treatment. If your veins are small, we usually utilize a 'graft' to create the fistula. To ensure the best outcomes, vascular ultrasound testing may be employed to assess vein and artery health. We are experts in performing this type of surgery.

Carotid artery disease

Diagram showing carotid artery anatomy and carotid stenosis with plaque buildup.

Carotid Artery Disease

The carotid arteries serve as the primary blood supply to your brain, with one artery located on the right side and another on the left side of your neck. These arteries are a common site for the development of atherosclerotic plaque, which can accumulate and lead to stroke, a significant concern often associated with peripheral arterial disease. Fortunately, this condition is very treatable when discovered early, typically diagnosed through vascular ultrasound testing performed in our office. Treatment options may include open surgery or the placement of a stent, and we are experts in both methods. In addition to plaque buildup, other diseases of the carotid arteries include aneurysms, carotid body tumors, and fibromuscular dysplasia. Our team is skilled in diagnosing and treating these conditions as well, ensuring comprehensive care for related vascular issues, such as varicose vein disease.

TCAR procedure (Carotid stenting)

The most innovative way to treat Carotid artery disease is with the TCAR procedure, which is performed by a specialized Vascular Surgeon. This procedure not only minimizes the risk of stroke during surgery but also provides excellent results for patients with conditions like peripheral arterial disease and varicose vein disease. As experts in this field, we also offer vascular ultrasound testing to assess your vascular health. Watch this short video to learn more.

VasculaR Ultrasound Testing

Color Doppler ultrasound showing blood flow in the right common femoral artery.

Venous and Arterial Disease

Vascular ultrasound testing is the preferred initial test to diagnose arterial and venous problems, including conditions such as peripheral arterial disease and varicose vein disease. This safe and non-invasive procedure does not require radiation, making it an excellent choice for diagnosing vascular issues. For your convenience, we have a fully staffed in-office vascular ultrasound lab, where our experts are highly skilled in performing these tests.

Smiling technician performing an ultrasound scan on a patient's leg.

Friendly and Respectful

Our staff is expertly trained to perform vascular ultrasound testing for all conditions, including peripheral arterial disease and varicose vein disease. We want to ensure that you and your loved ones feel safe and are well taken care of. We are the experts in vascular ultrasound.

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In office Cath-Lab

Modern medical examination room with advanced imaging equipment and organized files.

Invasive imaging of arteries and veins

Our office features an Invasive vascular catheterization lab where we perform procedures that were once only available in hospitals. Fully accredited by the Florida Department of Health, we specialize in Arteriograms, Venograms, and vascular ultrasound testing. If you're dealing with conditions like peripheral arterial disease or varicose vein disease, we can conduct procedures such as angioplasty or stent placements right here in the comfort of our office. This not only creates a less stressful environment but also significantly reduces costs compared to hospital treatments. Our staff is expertly trained in performing these essential procedures.

Varicose Vein Treatment Services