Dr. Nisha Bunke and Dr. Helane Fronek, La Jolla Vein Care’s vein specialists
Check out La Jolla Vein Care’s Dr. Bunke and Dr. Fronek in the October issue of San Diego Magazine, which is the Top Doctor’s Issue. The article highlights the doctor’s expertise, specialized training, and diagnostic and innovative treatment technology that is offered at La Jolla Vein Care.
Recognized on 13 October, World Thrombosis Day (WTD) focuses attention on the often overlooked and misunderstood disease of thrombosis. With hundreds of educational events in countries around the world, WTD and its partners place a global spotlight on thrombosis as an urgent and growing health problem.
Thrombosis is the formation of potentially deadly blood clots in the artery (arterial thrombosis) or vein (venous thrombosis). Once formed, a clot can slow or block normal blood flow, and even break loose and travel to an organ. This can result in significant injury, including heart attack, stroke and venous thromboembolism – the top three cardiovascular killers.
At La Jolla Vein Care, we specialize in ultrasound imaging technology that can diagnose blood clots in the leg veins, called deep venous thrombosis or DVT. A new or acute DVT requires emergency care. Old or chronic DVTs can damage the valves in the leg veins, causing a collection of signs and symptoms related to venous disease. We treat these types of conditions at La Jolla Vein Care. 
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) – A blood clot that forms in the veins located deep within a limb, usually the lower leg or thigh. By blocking the flow of blood back to the heart, these clots are often characterized by pain and swelling of the leg. Clots in the leg can break off, travel to the lungs and lodge there as pulmonary embolism (PE). These can be fatal because they block the flow of blood from the lungs back into the heart.
learn more about world thrombosis day
To learn about how La Jolla Vein Care can help you, please call or email us @info@ljvascular.com
The great saphenous vein (GSV), previously referred to as the long saphenous vein, is a superficial leg vein that runs from the top of the thigh near the groin, down the inner thigh all the way to the inner ankle. The top blue arrow in this diagram points to the location of the great saphenous vein.
The Great Saphenous vein is responsible for varicose veins about 80% of the time. When varicose veins appear in the inner thigh or calf areas, the GSV is often the culprit (see picture). The other superficial vein is largely responsible for varicose veins in the small saphenous vein. The small saphenous vein (SSV) runs along the back of the calf. The SSV was previously referred to as the short saphenous vein. Varicose veins on the backside of the leg are often caused by leaky valves within the small saphenous vein.
Need help putting on your compression stockings or want useful tips? Watch this video. Go to La Jolla Vein Care’s Youtube channel for more videos.
Curious how foam sclerotherapy works? Watch an animation here. For more vein procedure videos, go to La Jolla Vein Care’s Youtube channel.
Are you curious how sclerotherapy is performed? To view more vein procedure videos, go to La Jolla Vein Care’s YouTube channel.
On Friday, former American Idol contestant Michael Johns suddenly died at age 35, allegedly from a blood clot that formed in his ankle. No official details have been released, but TMZ is reporting that Michael Johns twisted his ankle. Other celebrities who have made relatively recent headlines for suffering from DVT include Real Housewives of Atlanta star, Nene Leakes, and Tennis Star Serena Williams. Other well known figures such as
Richard Nixon, Dan Quayle, Dick Cheney and David Bloom have all suffered a potentially fatal deep venous thrombosis (DVT).
Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) mainly affects the large veins in the lower leg and thigh. The clot can block blood flow and cause swelling and pain. When a clot breaks off and moves through the bloodstream, this is called an embolism. An embolism can get stuck in the brain, lungs, heart, or other area, leading to severe damage.
Blood clots may form when something slows or changes the flow of blood in the veins. Risk factors include:
You’re also more likely to develop DVT if you have any of the following conditions:
If you might have a DVT, it is important to see a doctor. Signs of a DVT may be sudden leg pain and swelling. It can be diagnosed by ultrasound imaging. See our other blogs about ultrasound imaging and DVT detection.
A thrombophlebitis is swelling and inflammation of a vein caused by a blood clot. There are two main types of thrombophlebitits: deep venous thrombosis (affects deeper, larger veins) and superficial thrombophlebitis (affects veins near the skin surface). This is often referred to as an STP.
The following symptoms are often associated with thrombophlebitis:
The following increase your chances for thrombophlebitis:
An STP is a common complication of varicose veins. But, it can also indicate an underlying problem with blood clotting. In some cases, there may also be a concurrent blood clot in other veins, such as the deep veins (DVT) which can be serious. For this reason, a duplex ultrasound examination is used to look at the deep veins and other veins not visible to the naked eye for the presence of blood clots.
If it is localized to a small surface vein, it can usually be treated with aspirin or other anti-inflammatory medication to reduce pain and inflammation, compression stockings, and cold/warm packs to also reduce inflammation and discomfort. The discomfort is usually improved within 6 weeks but it can take a few months to resolve.
If the superficial thrombophlebitis is extensive or if it appears to be ‘migrating’ up the leg, a blood thinner may be necessary. You should see your doctor if you develop an STP.
A thrombophlebitis is swelling and inflammation of a vein caused by a blood clot. This patient has superficial thrombophlebitis, which is a blood clot in the superficial, surface veins. You can see redness in the inner thigh of this patient, which is caused by the inflammation and swelling from the blood clot. It can be very painful. You should see your doctor for superficial thrombophlebitis.
La Jolla Vein Care is announcing their new ‘Tea with the MD’ series of educational seminars for patients to learn more about varicose veins, what causes them, what’s new in treatment, etc. Dr. Bunke will be kicking off the first seminar Monday, August 11th. This is an opportunity to ask the doctor all of your vein related questions in a small group. Those who are interested are asked to call 858-550-0330 to RSVP as space is limited to keep the discussions quaint. Light snacks/lunch will be served and parking will be validated. Tea-With-MD-Ad-print
When the skin becomes darker around the ankles, it may indicate underlying venous insufficiency. If you notice that your skin around the ankles changes color, you should see your doctor. Venous insufficiency can be diagnosed with ultrasound scanning by specialists.
Is Darkening of the Skin A Sign of Venous Disease? Yes. Skin discoloration, also referred to as skin hyperpigmentation or venous stasis, describes the darkening of the skin as a result of venous insufficiency. This is most frequently cause by venous reflux, an underlying condition that can be treated. When skin changes like these are present, the condition is termed chronic venous insufficiency. Over time, the skin condition may worsen and the skin may become darker, firm to touch, scaly and itchy, and the skin may break down causing a venous leg ulcer. It usually occurs around the ankles.
CONTACT INFORMATION
La Jolla/UTC
Vista
Use the search features below to find articles and insights for the diagnosis and treatment of vascular disease
© Copyright 2010-2024, La Jolla Vein & Vascular | All Rights Reserved
CONTACT INFORMATION
Use the search features below to find articles and insights for the diagnosis and treatment of vascular disease
© Copyright 2010-2024, La Jolla Vein & Vascular | All Rights Reserved
