10, 5, 2023

Treatment for venous reflux disease

2023-02-15T19:07:43-08:00

Venous reflux disease is also known as venous stasis, venous insufficiency or venous incompetence. 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.

Step 1: The Underlying Problem

The first step is to treat the underlying problem, the venous reflux. The specific pattern of venous reflux was detected by ultrasound. Venous reflux usually starts in the saphenous veins. The saphenous veins are most effectively treated with vein ablation procedures. This involves placing a small catheter within the vein and using heat or a solution to produce injury and eventual closure of the vein. The most commonly used treatments for the saphenous veins are radiofrequency ablation (RFA), laser ablation, mechanico-chemical ablation (MOCA or Clarivein), and in some cases Varithena Foam. The treatment Step recommendation is customized, based on where reflux is present and other clinical factors.

Step 2: Varicose Veins

After the underlying saphenous vein reflux is corrected, the bulging veins (varicose veins) can be treated by injecting a foamed medication that will cause them to scar and eventually dissolve (foam sclerotherapy), or to remove them using tiny incisions. The most common method is foam sclerotherapy. This is also known as ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy (UGFS).

Step 3: Spider Veins

Spider vein treatment is always considered a cosmetic procedure. If improved cosmesis is a goal of treatment, make sure to discuss this with your doctor and plan on having cosmetic treatment as the last step. Spider vein treatment is accomplished by sclerotherapy, which is an injection of a liquid medication into the spider veins. Ask your provider for an estimate about how many treatment sessions/ vials are necessary to get the results you want.

“Bringing Experts Together for Unparalleled Vein and Vascular Care”

La Jolla Vein & Vascular (formerly La Jolla Vein Care) is committed to bringing experts together for unparalleled vein and vascular care. 

Nisha Bunke, MD, Sarah Lucas, MD, and Elliot DeYoung, MD are specialists who combine their experience and expertise to offer world-class vascular care. 

Our accredited center is also a nationally known teaching site and center of excellence. 

For more information on treatments and to book a consultation, please give our office a call at 858-550-0330. 

 

For a deeper dive into vein and vascular care, please check out our Youtube Channel at this link.

 

For more information on varicose veins and eliminating underlying venous insufficiency, check this link out full of resources. 

Please follow our social media Instagram Profile and Tik Tok Profile for more fun videos and educational information. 


Treatment for venous reflux disease2023-02-15T19:07:43-08:00

Treatments for varicose veins

2023-02-15T18:53:12-08:00

Conservative Management & Lifestyle Modifications

The goals of treatment are to relieve symptoms, prevent complications and for some to improve appearance.  Lifestyle changes can ease the symptoms, but do not cause the veins to vanish.  These treatments include:

  • Avoid standing or sitting for long periods of time:  To keep blood moving when you have to sit or stand for long periods, try these tips: at work, take walking breaks and try walking during your lunch hour. While sitting, try flexing your feet up and down ten times an hour.
  • Exercise: Exercising is good for your veins because it improves blood flow. Walking, cycling or swimming are great exercises for vein health. But be sure to check with your doctor before starting any exercise program.
  • Weight loss or maintaining a healthy weight: Being overweight puts extra pressure on your veins.
  • Leg elevation: Use leg elevation three or four times a day for about 15 minutes at a time. Even elevating your legs on a step stool or ottoman is beneficial. If you need to sit or stand for a long period of time, flexing (bending) your legs occasionally can help keep blood circulating. If you have mild to moderate varicose veins, elevating your legs can help reduce leg swelling and relieve other symptoms.
  • Compression stockings: These elastic stockings squeeze or compress the veins and prevent blood from flowing backward. Compression stockings must be graduated, medical-grade compression to be beneficial. Over the counter,support hose or TED hose are not adequate to reduce symptoms in venous disease for active patients.
  • Supplements such as horse chestnut and grape seed extract can help reduce symptoms of venous disease. Check with your doctor before starting supplements.
  • Anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen.
  • Anti-inflammatory topical agents such as OTC Arnica, or prescription voltaren gel may be helpful for painful phlebitis.
  • Ice packs can be applied to veins that are tender to reduce inflammation

Procedures for Treating Varicose Veins

 

Step 1: The Underlying Problem 

The first step is to treat the underlying problem, the venous reflux. The specific pattern of venous reflux was detected by ultrasound. Venous reflux usually starts in the saphenous veins. The saphenous veins are most effectively treated with vein ablation procedures. This involves placing a small catheter within the vein and using heat or a solution to produce injury and eventual closure of the vein. The most commonly used treatments for the saphenous veins are radiofrequency ablation (RFA), laser ablation, mechanico-chemical ablation

(MOCA or Clarivein), and in some cases Varithena Foam or Venaseal.

The treatment recommendation is customized, based on where reflux is present and other factors that need to be considered when making this decision.

These will involve the following:

  • Your age, overall health, and medical condition.
  • Extent of the condition.
  • The findings of your venous ultrasound.
  • Your signs and symptoms.
  • Your tolerance of specific medicines, procedures, or therapies.
  • Expectations for the course of the condition.
  • Your opinion or preference.

Step 2: Varicose Vein Treatment

After the underlying saphenous vein reflux is corrected, the bulging veins (varicose veins) can be treated by injecting a foamed medication that will cause them to scar and eventually dissolve (foam sclerotherapy), or to remove them using tiny incisions. The most common method is foam sclerotherapy. This is also known as ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy (UGFS). Phlebectomy is another option which includes making small incisions to remove the vein.

 

“Bringing Experts Together for Unparalleled Vein and Vascular Care”

La Jolla Vein & Vascular (formerly La Jolla Vein Care) is committed to bringing experts together for unparalleled vein and vascular care. 

Nisha Bunke, MD, Sarah Lucas, MD, and Elliot DeYoung, MD are specialists who combine their experience and expertise to offer world-class vascular care. 

Our accredited center is also a nationally known teaching site and center of excellence. 

For more information on treatments and to book a consultation, please give our office a call at 858-550-0330. 

 

For a deeper dive into vein and vascular care, please check out our Youtube Channel at this link.

 

For more information on varicose veins and eliminating underlying venous insufficiency, check this link out full of resources. 

Please follow our social media Instagram Profile and Tik Tok Profile for more fun videos and educational information. 


Treatments for varicose veins2023-02-15T18:53:12-08:00

Patient Transformation: Spider Veins

2023-02-15T18:42:47-08:00

What are spider veins?

Spider veins are the fine, thread-like reddish veins at the surface of the skin. These veins are not healthy. Veins are often considered a cosmetic issue, but they can be associated with underlying feeder veins, not visible to the naked eye.  Feeder veins are the ‘blue veins’ also known as ‘reticular veins,’ that give rise to spider veins. Spider veins may also be a sign of underlying venous insufficiency. For example, spider veins located in the inner ankles and inner thighs can indicate an underlying problem with the saphenous vein. As a result, an ultrasound examination may be recommended to identify and effectively treat the underlying source of these veins.

What are the symptoms?

Vein conditions affect people differently. For some, these veins can be a painless cosmetic concern, and for others they may cause symptoms. The most common symptoms of spider veins are burning, throbbing, and localized pain. They can also feel hot and itchy and bleed.

What causes them?

Spider veins in the legs are caused by the same condition that causes varicose veins. Leaky vein valves allow blood to pool within the veins causing them to stretch and become enlarged. These veins on other areas of the body, such as the face, and chest can be caused by sun damage, hormone changes or liver disease. Hormones, such as with pregnancy, birth control or hormone replacement therapy can weaken the vein wall.

Below you can see the transformation of 3 of our patients who received vein treatment.

spider spider spider

“Bringing Experts Together for Unparalleled Vein and Vascular Care”

La Jolla Vein & Vascular (formerly La Jolla Vein Care) is committed to bringing experts together for unparalleled vein and vascular care. 

Nisha Bunke, MD, Sarah Lucas, MD, and Elliot DeYoung, MD are specialists who combine their experience and expertise to offer world-class vascular care. 

Our accredited center is also a nationally known teaching site and center of excellence. 

For more information on treatments and to book a consultation, please give our office a call at 858-550-0330. 

 

For a deeper dive into vein and vascular care, please check out our Youtube Channel at this link.

 

For more information on varicose veins and eliminating underlying venous insufficiency, check this link out full of resources. 

Please follow our social media Instagram Profile and Tik Tok Profile for more fun videos and educational information. 


Patient Transformation: Spider Veins2023-02-15T18:42:47-08:00

27, 4, 2023

Sclerotherapy 101

2023-02-15T17:11:37-08:00

Sclerotherapy Treatment for Spider Veins

sclerotherapy

You have been recommended to have sclerotherapy injections. Spider veins and reticular veins of the legs are most commonly treated with sclerotherapy. Sclerotherapy involves an injection of a medication into the vein.  This will cause the vein to collapse and gradually fade away. Sclerotherapy has been used to treat spider veins for decades, but newer solutions such as AscleraTM allow for spider veins to be treated with minimal discomfort and immediate return to activities. Vein specialists rarely use saline solutions these days, because alternative solutions are less painful and better tolerated. Sclerotherapy is preferred by most vein specialists over laser because spider veins often have underlying ‘feeder veins’ that can easily be treated with sclerotherapy, but are not addressed by laser. Many people will require more than one treatment session for optimal results. The national average is 2 to 5 treatment sessions. Treatment sessions are often spaced a month apart, but your health care provider will help determine your customized care plan. Wearing compression stockings after treatment will improve results.

For larger veins, the medication may be turned into a foam, this is referred to as foam sclerotherapy. Foam sclerotherapy is similar to sclerotherapy of spider veins but instead of a liquid solution, a foamed-solution is injected directly into the vein via a small needle. The solution can be seen on ultrasound monitoring which allows it to be directed into nearby varicose veins painlessly. The veins will seal shut, and gradually be broken down by the body.

What should I expect on my treatment days?

sclerotherapy

Sclerotheraphy Injecting Foam Sclero into vein

You will sign your consent form then change into shorts provided by the office. We will clean your skin with alcohol.  The sclerosant medication will then be injected into your veins with a fine needle.  After your treatment, we will help you into your compression stockings, then you will walk for 30 minutes prior to getting in your car.  It is normal for your legs to be achy and tender to the touch after treatment

 

“Bringing Experts Together for Unparalleled Vein and Vascular Care”

La Jolla Vein & Vascular (formerly La Jolla Vein Care) is committed to bringing experts together for unparalleled vein and vascular care. 

Nisha Bunke, MD, Sarah Lucas, MD, and Elliot DeYoung, MD are specialists who combine their experience and expertise to offer world-class vascular care. 

Our accredited center is also a nationally known teaching site and center of excellence. 

For more information on treatments and to book a consultation, please give our office a call at 858-550-0330. 

 

For a deeper dive into vein and vascular care, please check out our Youtube Channel at this link.

 

For more information on varicose veins and eliminating underlying venous insufficiency, check this link out full of resources. 

Please follow our social media Instagram Profile and Tik Tok Profile for more fun videos and educational information. 


Sclerotherapy 1012023-02-15T17:11:37-08:00

Chemical Ablation: Varithena

2023-02-15T16:18:08-08:00

Varithena (polidocanol injectable foam)

is a prescription medication used to treat the great saphenous vein system (GSV) and associated varicose veins of the GSV system. Varithena improves the symptoms of superficial venous incompetence and the appearance of visible varicosities. It is a non-thermal, non-tumescent, nearly painless method of vein treatment.

WHAT IS VARITHENA?

Varithena

Foam Sclerotherapy

Varithena is a “microfoam” formulation of polidocanol (sclerosing agent) and CO2.

The result is a microfoam that has an appearance and consistency similar to white, foamy shave cream.

Ultrasound guidance is used to inject Varithena® microfoam into the vein. The microfoam fills the lumen for circumferential

contact where it’s designed to displace blood and destroy the endothelial lining efficiently.

Varithena® may be recommended based on your vein location, size, anatomy and vein tortuosity.

Varithena® is:

 

  • Effective to treat veins of different sizes above and below the knee
  • Requires no incisions, sedation or general anesthesia
  • Does not require a wire to be inserted along the length of your vein
  • Does not use heat, eliminating the risk of thermal injury

How many treatments will I need?

The number and frequency of treatments depends on a patient’s anatomy, how quickly the veins respond, and the patient’s treatment goals.  There is a limit on the amount of medication we can give you each day to avoid causing side effects.  Some larger or resistant veins may require two treatments to respond completely but most veins respond to Varithena® after one treatment.

Varithena

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT ON THE DAY OF TREATMENT?

You will sign your consent form then change into shorts provided by the office.  We will clean your skin with alcohol, then use ultrasound to localize the veins.  The foam medication will then be injected into your veins with a fine needle.  The foam fills and treats the desired section of the vein.  The diseased vein collapses and the foam is deactivated.  Your legs will be elevated on a comfortable wedge pillow for approximately 15 minutes. After your treatment, we will help you into your compression stockings, then you will walk for 30 minutes prior to getting in your car.

 

“Bringing Experts Together for Unparalleled Vein and Vascular Care”

La Jolla Vein & Vascular (formerly La Jolla Vein Care) is committed to bringing experts together for unparalleled vein and vascular care. 

Nisha Bunke, MD, Sarah Lucas, MD, and Elliot DeYoung, MD are specialists who combine their experience and expertise to offer world-class vascular care. 

Our accredited center is also a nationally known teaching site and center of excellence. 

For more information on treatments and to book a consultation, please give our office a call at 858-550-0330. 

 

For a deeper dive into vein and vascular care, please check out our Youtube Channel at this link.

 

For more information on varicose veins and eliminating underlying venous insufficiency, check this link out full of resources. 

Please follow our social media Instagram Profile and Tik Tok Profile for more fun videos and educational information. 

 

Chemical Ablation: Varithena2023-02-15T16:18:08-08:00

Radiofrequency Ablation for perforator vein reflux

2023-02-15T15:55:23-08:00

Radiofrequency perforator ablation is performed on perforator veins, short connections between your deep and superficial veins. Perforator veins can suffer the same sort of valve damage and retrograde blood flow (venous reflux) as other veins. Most patients with vein disease who experience skin changes, (that also may result in leg ulcers if left untreated) have reflux in perforator veins near their ulcers, as well as in the superficial or deep veins.

Perforator

What are Perforator Veins?

Perforator veins serve as connections between the two networks of veins in the extremities, the superficial venous system and the deep venous system. Perforators connect the two parallel systems, and normally drain blood from the superficial veins to the deep veins as part of the process of returning oxygen-depleted blood to the heart.

Perforator veins have one-way valves designed to prevent backflow of blood down towards the superficial veins. When those valves no longer function properly and reflux occurs, the buildup of blood and pressure can cause not only the superficial veins but the perforators themselves to become incompetent. Perforator veins in the lower leg and ankle are particularly vulnerable to distention and incompetence, and the resultant circulatory problems create an increased likelihood of edema, skin discoloration, dermatitis and skin ulcers in the immediate area.

Perforator

Your doctor may have recommended treatment of your perforator vein(s) because it is contributing to:

  • Venous leg ulcers
  • Pre-ulcerative skin changes
  • Persistent or recurrent varicose veins
  • Leg pain
  • Leg swelling

 

“Bringing Experts Together for Unparalleled Vein and Vascular Care”

La Jolla Vein & Vascular (formerly La Jolla Vein Care) is committed to bringing experts together for unparalleled vein and vascular care. 

Nisha Bunke, MD, Sarah Lucas, MD, and Elliot DeYoung, MD are specialists who combine their experience and expertise to offer world-class vascular care. 

Our accredited center is also a nationally known teaching site and center of excellence. 

For more information on treatments and to book a consultation, please give our office a call at 858-550-0330. 

 

For a deeper dive into vein and vascular care, please check out our Youtube Channel at this link.

 

For more information on varicose veins and eliminating underlying venous insufficiency, check this link out full of resources. 

Please follow our social media Instagram Profile and Tik Tok Profile for more fun videos and educational information. 


Radiofrequency Ablation for perforator vein reflux2023-02-15T15:55:23-08:00

Patient Reviews & Testimonials

2023-02-15T15:40:22-08:00

La Jolla Vein & Vascular is a state-of-the-art medical center dedicated exclusively to the diagnosis and treatment of vein and arterial conditions for patients. 

 

Vein conditions of patients we have treated include varicose veins, spider veins, and venous leg ulcers, chronic venous insufficiency, edema, lymphedema, and deep vein thrombosis.  Arterial conditions and treatments such as peripheral arterial disease (PAD), atherectomy, angioplasty, stenting.  We also offer prostate artery embolization (PAE) to treat BPH, varicocele embolization for men and uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), pelvic venous congestion (PVCS), pelvic and labial varicose veins for women.  Osteoarthritis treatment includes genicular artery embolization (GAE) to alleviate knee pain due to arthritis.

 

Below are some patient reviews and testimonials. 

patient patient patient patient patient 18 2

“Bringing Experts Together for Unparalleled Vein and Vascular Care”

La Jolla Vein & Vascular (formerly La Jolla Vein Care) is committed to bringing experts together for unparalleled vein and vascular care. 

Nisha Bunke, MD, Sarah Lucas, MD, and Elliot DeYoung, MD are specialists who combine their experience and expertise to offer world-class vascular care. 

Our accredited center is also a nationally known teaching site and center of excellence. 

For more information on treatments and to book a consultation, please give our office a call at 858-550-0330. 

 

For a deeper dive into vein and vascular care, please check out our Youtube Channel at this link.

 

For more information on varicose veins and eliminating underlying venous insufficiency, check this link out full of resources. 

Please follow our social media Instagram Profile and Tik Tok Profile for more fun videos and educational information. 


Patient Reviews & Testimonials2023-02-15T15:40:22-08:00

Vein & vascular conditions are not always visible to the naked eye

2023-02-15T15:25:22-08:00

Noninvasive Vascular Laboratory

The Vascular Laboratory at La Jolla Vein & Vascular utilizes advanced, noninvasive, diagnostic, medical ultrasound technology while ensuring high quality results to detect diseases that may affect blood flow in the arteries and veins.  We utilize “state-of-the-art” color duplex ultrasound imagers and indirect testing equipment.

The Vascular Lab offers the convenience of:

  • Non-invasive testing
  • Same-day imaging appointments
  • Follow-up clinic visits with our on-site vascular team
  • Appointments at multiple locations including La Jolla, Poway, Chula Vista, and Solana Beach.

What is Duplex Ultrasound

vein

Duplex ultrasound involves using high frequency sound waves to look at the speed of blood flow, and structure of the blood vessels. The term “duplex” refers to the fact that two modes of ultrasound are used, Doppler and B-mode. The B-mode transducer obtains an image of the vessel being studied. The Doppler probe within the transducer evaluates the velocity and direction of blood flow in the vessel.

Types of Ultrasound Testing Offered:

Direct testing (duplex imaging)

Venous

Arterial

vein

  • Abdominal Aorta
  • Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Screening- must meet criteria of SAAAVE Act
  • Carotid Duplex
  • Lower Extremity Duplex

Indirect testing (non-imaging)

vein

Who Performs the test?

Accuracy is critical. Our ultrasounds are ALWAYS be performed by a credentialed sonographer, called a Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT). An RVT is a sonographer who completed a two-year ultrasound program, plus additional clinical training and obtained certification by meeting the highest standards by The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography® (ARDMS®).  It is important that a specially trained RVT perform the study, because a special protocol must be followed for each study to meet accreditation standards.  The protocol involves taking images at certain anatomic locations using special waveforms to show blood flow. All images taken by the RVT are reviewed by the physician.

Learn More About Testing

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Ultrasound

Venous ultrasound uses sound waves to produce images of the veins in the body. It is commonly used to search for blood clots, especially in the veins of the leg – a condition often referred to as deep vein thrombosis. Ultrasound does not use ionizing radiation and has no known harmful effects.

Venous Reflux Ultrasound

Ultrasound looks at deep and superficial veins in the legs to check for venous-valvular incompetence (the underlying condition that causes varicose veins). The ultrasound examination is used to both identify the veins that have faulty valves and to map the anatomy of the veins, creating a ‘road map.’  This is necessary to make an accurate assessment of the cause and extent of the varicose veins, as well as to formulate the best treatment plan.  This should be done for any individual being evaluated for varicose veins, leg swelling, skin changes, patients who have failed prior treatment, patients who are symptomatic and in some patients with certain anatomic patterns of spider veins. Up to 40 million Americans have varicose veins. Left untreated, the veins may become worse.

Before your test:

This study does not require any preparation. You should not wear your compression stockings the same day as the examination.  Make sure to be hydrated.

Carotid Artery Ultrasound

Ultrasound evaluation of the carotid arteries that screens for buildup of fatty plaque — one of the leading causes of strokes. Carotid arteries are the main blood vessels to the brain. They can develop a buildup of plaque caused by atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. When the buildup becomes very severe, it can cause a stroke. A stroke occurs when part of the brain is damaged by these vascular problems; in fact, 80 percent of strokes are “ischemic strokes” where part of the circulation to the brain is cut off, usually due to blockages in the carotid arteries. The process is similar to the buildup of plaque in arteries in the heart that causes heart attacks. Strokes are the third leading cause of death in the United States according to the National Center for Health Statistics.

Peripheral Arterial Disease Testing

This test uses ultrasound and blood pressure measurements to check for peripheral arterial disease (plaque build-up) in the lower extremities. If you get leg cramps when you walk, it may be a sign of PAD. Learn more about keeping your legs healthy. Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) occurs when atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, causes a buildup of plaque in the blood vessels that carry oxygen and nutrients to all the tissues of the body. As these plaques worsen, they reduce essential blood flow to the limbs and can even cause complete blockages of the arteries. Early on, PAD may only cause difficulty walking, but in its most severe forms, it can cause painful foot ulcers, infections, and even gangrene, which could require amputation. People with PAD are three times more likely to die of heart attacks or strokes than those without PAD.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

The abdominal aorta serves the entire lower half of the body.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) is an enlargement or “bulge” that develops in a weakened area within the largest artery in the abdomen. The pressure generated by each heartbeat pushes against the weakened aortic wall, causing the aneurysm to enlarge. If the AAA remains undetected, the aortic wall continues to weaken, and the aneurysm continues to grow. Eventually, the aneurysm becomes so large, and its wall so weak, that rupture occurs. When this happens there is massive internal bleeding, a situation that is usually fatal. The only way to break this cycle is to find the AAA before it ruptures. Nearly 200,000 people in the U.S. each year are diagnosed with an AAA, which can be deadly without treatment

 

“Bringing Experts Together for Unparalleled Vein and Vascular Care”

La Jolla Vein & Vascular (formerly La Jolla Vein Care) is committed to bringing experts together for unparalleled vein and vascular care. 

Nisha Bunke, MD, Sarah Lucas, MD, and Elliot DeYoung, MD are specialists who combine their experience and expertise to offer world-class vascular care. 

Our accredited center is also a nationally known teaching site and center of excellence. 

For more information on treatments and to book a consultation, please give our office a call at 858-550-0330. 

 

For a deeper dive into vein and vascular care, please check out our Youtube Channel at this link.

 

For more information on varicose veins and eliminating underlying venous insufficiency, check this link out full of resources. 

Please follow our social media Instagram Profile and Tik Tok Profile for more fun videos and educational information. 


Vein & vascular conditions are not always visible to the naked eye2023-02-15T15:25:22-08:00

4 Arterial Treatments

2023-02-15T15:19:58-08:00

Peripheral Arterial Disease – Treatment
The treatment for the peripheral arterial disease (PAD) has two main goals. One is to manage the symptoms, including leg pain, allowing you to resume your normal physical activities. The second one is to stop the progression of atherosclerosis in the body, which reduces the risk of stroke and heart attack.

arterial

The good news is that through early intervention, you can achieve these goals through lifestyle changes. Quitting smoking is one of the most significant things you can do to stop the progression of Pad. Walking and exercising regularly following supervised exercise training can improve your symptoms. However, if your peripheral artery disease is at an advanced stage, you will need additional medical treatment. Here are some of the standard peripheral artery disease treatment options available.

Atherectomy
A lower extremity atherectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure involving a catheter to remove plaque from arteries. The doctor usually makes a small incision in the artery to insert the catheter. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia to prevent pain. A catheter collects removed plaque in a chamber placed at its tip, ensuring that all the particles are removed from the artery. Depending on the amount of plaque in your arteries, your doctor will repeat the procedure several times to ensure optimal blood flow.

Angioplasty
Also called percutaneous transluminal Angioplasty (PTA), Angioplasty is a medical procedure performed using a catheter. A catheter is usually a thin, flexible tube inserted through an artery and guided by imaging to the narrowed section of the artery. Once the tip of the catheter reaches the narrowed section, the small balloon at the end inflates for a short period. The pressure created by the inflated balloon usually presses the plaque against the artery wall. This procedure will help to widen the arteries, restoring normal blood flow.

arterial

Stenting
Stenting is a procedure that is performed in combination with Angioplasty and atherectomy. Years of plaque buildup damages the artery walls. Even after cleaning the artery, the walls are often too weak to stay open. Stenting is a procedure that helps support the blood vessel walls, preventing them from closing after removing the plaque. The procedure involved placing a small mesh tube inside the artery to offer rigid support.
La Jolla Vein & Vascular offers renal artery stenting, which helps support the blood vessels that transport the blood to your kidneys. A patient with a history of arterial disease or who suffers from hypertension has a higher risk of plaque building up in the renal artery wall. Excess plaque on the renal artery tends to weaken the walls. Renal artery stenting offers firm support that ensures the blood flows unobstructed to the kidney.

“Bringing Experts Together for Unparalleled Vein and Vascular Care”

La Jolla Vein & Vascular (formerly La Jolla Vein Care) is committed to bringing experts together for unparalleled vein and vascular care.

Nisha Bunke, MD, Sarah Lucas, MD, and Elliot DeYoung, MD are specialists who combine their experience and expertise to offer world-class vascular care.

Our accredited center is also a nationally known teaching site and center of excellence.

For more information on treatments and to book a consultation, please give our office a call at 858-550-0330.

 

For a deeper dive into vein and vascular care, please check out our Youtube Channel at this link.

 

For more information on varicose veins and eliminating underlying venous insufficiency, check this link out full of resources.

Please follow our social media Instagram Profile and Tik Tok Profile for more fun videos and educational information.

4 Arterial Treatments2023-02-15T15:19:58-08:00

Interventional radiology procedure GAE

2023-02-15T14:52:39-08:00

Genicular artery embolization (GAE) is an interventional radiology procedure used to treat knee pain due to osteoarthritis. The procedure minimizes the flow of blood to the knee lining (synovium). Osteoarthritis causes the bones in the knee joint to rub each other, creating friction. This leads to increased flow of blood to the knee due to inflammation. Genicular artery embolization (GAE) is a relatively new and effective minimally invasive procedure that is ideal for people with;

  • Mild to severe knee osteoarthritis
  • People who have not responded to medication, injections, and therapy
  • People who are not read to undergo partial or complete knee replacement surgery

While the procedure does not treat the underlying cartilage damage, it effectively treats the symptoms associated with knee arthritis. Additionally, unlike knee surgery, physical therapy is unnecessary after undergoing the Genicular artery embolization (GAE) procedure.

Why Choose Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE )?

GAE

It is essential to point out that while Genicular artery embolization (GAE). It is a relatively new procedure for treating osteoarthritis (OA). It is more effective than other treatments. One of the main reasons you should choose Genicular artery embolization (GAE) is that it is minimally invasive. The procedure is performed by an outpatient surgeon, allowing you to go back home the same day. Research also shows that the procedure has low risk and much faster recovery. Unlike taking drugs with numerous side effects, such as stomach upsets, the procedure has minimal side effects. Additionally, the procedure has a very high success rate, with eighty-five percent of patients treated with Genicular artery embolization (GAE) reporting significant pain and discomfort relief within the first month.

Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) vs. Surgery

Compared to traditional surgeries performed to treat knee osteoarthritis, Genicular artery embolization (GAE) is more efficient and safe. This procedure is minimally invasive for starters, meaning that it requires a small incision in the skin. The scar is barely visible in 1-2 months after the procedure. No one loves having scars on their feet. Unfortunately, extensive knee surgeries such as complete knee replacement leave large scars that are difficult to conceal.

Secondly, you get to go home the same day. Knee surgeries require the use of general/local anesthesia, which takes time to wear off. You will also need to spend a night or two for doctor observation after surgery. With Genicular artery embolization (GAE), you do not need to spend the night in the medical facility. Additionally, the procedure works for everyone, including people at high risk of complications and would not want to undergo expensive knee surgeries.

 

“Bringing Experts Together for Unparalleled Vein and Vascular Care”

La Jolla Vein & Vascular (formerly La Jolla Vein Care) is committed to bringing experts together for unparalleled vein and vascular care. 

Nisha Bunke, MD, Sarah Lucas, MD, and Elliot DeYoung, MD are specialists who combine their experience and expertise to offer world-class vascular care. 

Our accredited center is also a nationally known teaching site and center of excellence. 

For more information on treatments and to book a consultation, please give our office a call at 858-550-0330. 

 

For a deeper dive into vein and vascular care, please check out our Youtube Channel at this link.

 

For more information on varicose veins and eliminating underlying venous insufficiency, check this link out full of resources. 

Please follow our social media Instagram Profile and Tik Tok Profile for more fun videos and educational information. 


Interventional radiology procedure GAE2023-02-15T14:52:39-08:00
Go to Top