5, 6, 2020

COVID Precautions at La Jolla Vein Care

2020-09-18T02:11:40-07:00

While we offer telemedicine visits and in-home ultrasound diagnostics, if you prefer or need to come to our office, we want you to know about the extensive COVID precautions we have taken to ensure our office is one of the safest places you can be.

We want you to know that our first concern has always been the safety and care of our patients and our team. Although the coronavirus pandemic is new to many of us, infection control is not new to healthcare. For decades, OSHA has mandated that medical practices follow the strictest guidelines in infection control.  In order to put your mind at ease we at La Jolla Vein Care want to share with you some of the practices we employ to ensure our patients that our office is one of the safest places you can be.

 

La Jolla Vein Care Staff wearing masks

La Jolla Vein Care Staff wearing masks during procedures

 

  • Less appointments will be scheduled throughout the day so that there will be minimal people in the lobby, with little or no wait time.
  •  We’re extending our hours and offering after-hours appointments to minimize the number of patients in office at a given time.
  •  Park and Wait check in. If you prefer, you can wait in your car and we will text you when we are ready to room you. We recommend this for patients checking in prior to procedures.
  • Prior to every visit, we will ask you screening questions, to ensure symptomatic or at-risk patients reschedule their appointments to avoid community spread.
  •  You must wear a mask or cloth facial covering to be permitted into the building. You will be provided with a mask and asked to wear it while in our office. You also will be asked to disinfect your hands with hand sanitizer. Please note only the front entrance is open at the Scripps XiMED building. There is currently no third-floor access via the parking structure.
  • Our staff are required to wear masks for your protection.
  • We are seeing all patients in suite 530.  When you enter our waiting room you will notice that some chairs have been removed in accordance with national social-distancing recommendations.
  • We are eliminating coffee service, snacks and water coolersfrom our waiting area to reduce chance of community transmission.
  • Daily, we are screening our staff and following CDC guidelines regarding staff members who are ill or may have been potentially exposed to COVID-19
  • As a medical facility, we have always had a policy of sanitizing any surface after each patient encounter – but we are increasing our vigilance and frequency of disinfecting during this time.
  • Please fill out any forms electronically if able and return them prior to your appointment.
  • If you need to fill out any forms or sign consents, we have single use pens.
  • We encourage Virtual options and mobile ultrasound at-home visits when possible.

 

COVID Precautions at La Jolla Vein Care2020-09-18T02:11:40-07:00

25, 5, 2020

Memorial Day Observation

2020-09-18T18:59:22-07:00

In observance of Memorial Day, our office is closed. We would like to honor the men and women who have sacrificed their lives while serving in the military. Most of us at La Jolla Vein Care have a direct military connection, and we continue to honor veterans and current military. We have chosen to be a vein care provider for veterans, military retirees, and active military and their spouses with VA CHAMPS, and Tricare.

Both Dr. Bunke and Dr. Lucas have cared for veterans at the VA HealthCare San Diego and VA Memphis correspondingly.

Memorial Day Observation2020-09-18T18:59:22-07:00

Leaky Vein Valve Disease and Varicose Veins

2021-11-05T10:56:55-07:00

Venous reflux disease refers to ‘leaky valves in the veins of the legs. Reflux may occur in the deep and/or superficial leg veins. The deep veins are those within the muscle; they bring at least 80-90% of the blood from the legs back to the heart. The superficial veins are outside of the muscle and under the skin. The main superficial veins are the Great Saphenous Vein that courses up the middle of the thigh and calf and the small saphenous vein, which courses up the back of the calf. Normally, there are one-way valves within the leg veins, which help blood flow in one direction: toward the heart. This means blood is traveling against gravity. The calf muscle also helps move blood toward the heart. When vein valves are leaky, blood flows backward (reflux) towards the feet. Blood pools in the lower legs, causing bulging veins at the surface. Symptoms include leg heaviness, leg fatigue, leg pain, ankle swelling, phlebitis (inflamed and painful veins) restless legs at night, and night cramps. Venous reflux disease is progressive and worsens over time. Skin changes may also develop, including darkening of the skin around the ankles. The darkening of the skin is sometimes referred to as venous stasis skin changes. The skin can become dry and itchy (venous eczema). Eventually, the skin can break down causing a wound, called a venous leg ulcer.

Leaky Vein Valve Disease and Varicose Veins

Leaky Vein Valve Disease and Varicose Veins2021-11-05T10:56:55-07:00

We’re Open: Extended hours, Curb-side check-in, & Virtual Visits

2020-09-18T19:08:55-07:00

We’re Open

Resuming In-office Services

La Jolla Vein Care has been actively monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on our patient care and office protocols.  Our highest priority is to continue providing the highest standard in vein care in a safe environment for our patients and staff.  We have created and implemented a strategic plan using best available practices to minimize the risk of person-to-person COVID-19 exposure in our practice.  These guidelines are in compliance with all State, Local, and CDC guidelines and guidance of the CMA, California Department of Public Health, Center for Disease Control.

While we continue to encourage virtual visits and at-home mobile ultrasound diagnostics, our office has re-opened for medical necessity treatments and for those who require in-office visits. Medical necessity conditions include complications from venous reflux disease and varicose veins such as thrombophlebitis (blood clots), vein hemorrhages, venous leg ulcerations (open leg wounds), and symptoms that interfere with one’s ability to work or maintain daily activities such as leg pain, heaviness, throbbing, swelling and night symptoms that interfere with rest such as restlessness and night cramps.

Cosmetic spider vein treatments are postponed until a future date.

 

SAFETY

We want you to know that our first concern has always been the safety and care of our patients and our team. Although the coronavirus pandemic is new to many of us, infection control is not new to healthcare. For decades, OSHA has mandated that medical practices follow the strictest guidelines in infection control.  In order to put your mind at ease we at La Jolla Vein Care want to share with you some of the practices we employ to ensure our patients that our office is one of the safest places you can be.

  • Less appointments will be scheduled throughout the day so that there will be minimal people in the lobby, with little or no wait time.
  • We’re extending our hours and offering after-hours appointments to minimize the number of patients in office at a given time.
  • Curb-side check in. If you prefer, you can wait in your car and we will text you when we are ready to room you. We recommend this for patients checking in prior to procedures.
  • Prior to every visit, we will ask you screening questions, to ensure symptomatic or at-risk patients reschedule their appointments to avoid community spread.
  • You must wear a mask or cloth facial covering to be permitted into the building. You will be provided with a mask and asked to wear it while in our office. You also will beasked to disinfect your hands with hand sanitizer. Please note only the front entrance is open at the Scripps XiMED building. There is currently no third-floor access via the parking structure.
  • Our staff are required to wear masks for your protection.
  • When you enter our waiting room you will notice that some chairs have been removed in accordance with national social-distancing recommendations.
  • We are eliminating coffee service, snacks and water coolersfrom our waiting area to reduce chance of community transmission.
  • Daily, we are screening our staff and following CDC guidelinesregarding staff members who are ill or may have been potentially exposed to COVID-19
  • As a medical facility, we have always had a policy of sanitizing any surface after each patient encounter – but we are increasing our vigilance and frequency of disinfecting during this time.
  • Please fill out any forms electronically if able and return them prior to your appointment.
  • If you need to fill out any forms or sign consents, we have single use pens.
  • We encourage Virtual optionsand mobile ultrasound at-home visits when possible.

 

We want to assure you that we are taking every precaution to make La Jolla Vein Care a place where you can feel safe and comfortable receiving the best possible care. If you have any specific questions, please call us. We look forward to seeing you at your next visit. We hope at this time that you and your loved ones are healthy and safe.

 

Stay connected to learn more about some exciting changes and how we are redefining vein care in 2020, Vein Care ReimaginedTM

 

We’re Open: Extended hours, Curb-side check-in, & Virtual Visits2020-09-18T19:08:55-07:00

Potential Link Between Blood Clots and Coronavirus 

2020-08-19T01:19:16-07:00

Blood Clots in Patients with SARS-CoV-2

Many physicians treating patients with SARS-CoV-2 have noticed an increased incidence of blood clots, including deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism.  Studies at this point are lacking but there is a hypothesis that this infection affects coagulation. For this reason, the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis has recommended that all patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection, including those that are not critically ill, should receive prophylactic dose low molecular weight heparin unless contraindicated.

Deep venous thrombosis (DVT)  can pose an additional very serious complication to these patients because blood clots in the veins can break loose and travel to the heart and lungs, blocking blood flow (pulmonary embolism). Deep vein thrombosis signs and symptoms can include: Swelling, leg pain (often cramping or sudden difficulty walking), red discoloration of the skin and a feeling of warmth in the affected leg.

Potential Link Between Blood Clots and Coronavirus 2020-08-19T01:19:16-07:00

What’s so great about the saphenous vein?

2021-12-30T11:31:57-08:00

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. In people presenting with varicose veins, the Great Saphenous vein is responsible for varicose veins over 80% of the time and here at La Jolla Vein Care, we have Great Saphenous Vein treatments. Varicose veins originating off the GSV typically appear in the inner thigh, inner calf, across the shin, or start in the thigh and run along the back of the calf. 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. Varicose veins on the backside of the leg are often caused by leaky valves within the small saphenous vein.

What’s so great about the saphenous vein?2021-12-30T11:31:57-08:00

Varicose Veins Common Cause For Restless Legs Symptoms

2021-11-15T13:32:16-08:00

The restless leg was a reported symptom in 30% of people who suffer from varicose veins, in our study.

Varicose Veins

Those who suffer from varicose veins often report a feeling of restless legs, especially at night when in bed. In our study, about 30% of patients with varicose veins complained of nocturnal restless legs.

Restless legs refer to the specific symptoms of restlessness and urge to move the legs. This is different than Restless legs syndrome (RLS), which is a sensorimotor movement disorder characterized by uncomfortable sensations in the legs and an urge to move them.  This is a diagnosis based on a collection of nocturnal symptoms. There are many causes of restless legs syndrome such as neurological disorders, anemia, and kidney disease to name a few, and is often treated with medication. Vascular causes, such as venous insufficiency is often overlooked as a cause for Restless Legs Syndrome. We have case studies of patients who used medication to treat RLS symptoms for years without resolution of symptoms. In our study, 98% of the patients with venous insufficiency and restless legs, had resolution of symptoms following treatment.  In another study, by Hayes, CL et. al, 35 patients with RLS and superficial venous insufficiency underwent endovenous ablation of refluxing superficial veins and ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy of varicose veins. 89% of patients reported alleviation of symptoms.

If a patient has restless legs symptoms and evidence of varicose veins of the legs, a work-up for venous insufficiency should be considered. The workup involves a duplex ultrasound evaluation of the leg veins. This may eliminate the need for medication for RLS in some cases.

Varicose Veins Common Cause For Restless Legs Symptoms2021-11-15T13:32:16-08:00

29, 4, 2020

Vein Care Delivered To Your Home: In-home ultrasound diagnostics

2020-08-19T01:11:28-07:00

We now offer mobile ultrasound services!

Right now we want you to stay home.  But, that won’t stop us from helping you!

Enjoy a thorough vascular assessment from the convenience of your own home.

  1. Have your physician consultation, conservative management or follow-up visit by telemedicine (video) or by telephone (it’s your preference!).
  2. For the ultrasound portion, our Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT) will bring the same hospital grade quality ultrasound technology to your home, while taking proper COVID precautions and utilizing personal protective equipment (PPE).

Ultrasound Services include:

  1. Complete venous reflux study and vein mapping
  2. Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT study for blood clots)
  3. Arterial study of the legs
  4. Follow-up, post-procedure checks
  5. Carotid Artery Screening
  6. Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening

 

Whether you have immediate concerns about leg pain, discomfort, blood clots, or are looking for a first-time consultation or continued follow-up care, we are here for you.

 

Call now to schedule your in-home ultrasound diagnostics and physician telemedicine visit.

Call 858-550-0330

Vein Care Delivered To Your Home: In-home ultrasound diagnostics2020-08-19T01:11:28-07:00

Local Business Shout Out

2021-11-04T13:41:14-07:00

During these uncertain times, we want to pause and show support for local businesses. We want to express our heart-felt appreciation to all the local businesses that have provided amazing service over the years. Here are a few:

Our office designs are inspired by nature and healing. We do our best to bring outdoor and nature elements into our medical office by using water, plants, wood, and ocean-inspired photography.
Our lobby waterfall in suite 410 was custom designed by LL Waterfall Design nearly a decade ago, to create a tranquil environment while guests relax in the lobby. https://www.llwaterfalldesign.com
We love having abundant plants in both offices. Studies have shown that plants create a relaxing environment, reduce physical symptoms of stress and clean the air by absorbing toxins. Evergreen interiors designed and maintain the beautiful plants in both offices.
IMG 1235
We love our wall signage that creative juice signage literally designed and put up overnight. Service was amazing.
@creativejuicessignage on Instagram
IMG 1234
Each exam room in Suite 530 was inspired by an ocean theme, to create a relaxing environment. Some of our rooms actually display murals of local beaches! Thanks to muralsmyway.com
IMG 0412 1030x773 1
Suite 530 lobby displays ocean and nature-themed photography by photographer Aaron Chang. The hallways display his son, Saxton Chang’s ocean photography as well.
IMG 1236

aaron chang photography

We also want to give a shout-out to our amazing photographer over the years, Clay Chapman Photography, claychapman.com.
Local Business Shout Out2021-11-04T13:41:14-07:00

Vein Valves Don’t Work in Venous Reflux Disease

2021-11-15T13:17:51-08:00

Vein valves and the direction of blood flow can be seen on ultrasound. Ultrasound is an important tool in the diagnosis of venous reflux disease.

Humen Circulatory System

In the circulatory system, the veins carry de-oxygenated blood back to the heart. The leg veins carry blood toward the heart, against gravity. Therefore, the leg veins have one-way valves the prevent backflow of blood. When the valves do not function properly, they allow blood to flow backward, causing the pooling of blood. This is referred to as venous reflux or venous insufficiency. Eventually, the backflow of the blood will cause varicose veins to develop and symptoms related to the increased pressure in the leg veins such as leg heaviness, aching, swelling, restless legs, night cramps, throbbing, and pain.

Vein Valves Don’t Work in Venous Reflux Disease2021-11-15T13:17:51-08:00
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