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22, 6, 2022

Pros and Cons of Pelvic Vein/Ovarian Embolization Procedure:

2022-05-23T15:56:36-07:00

Pros and Cons of Pelvic Vein/Ovarian Embolization Procedure:

 

Benefits

  • Pelvic Vein Embolization of the ovarian vein or pelvic vein has already been demonstrated to be a safe procedure for relieving pain sensations and improving varicose vein appearance.
  • Embolization helps shut off affected veins, easing pressure from them, so they reduce in size.
  • It’s a minimally invasive technique requiring only a tiny incision in the skin. You won’t even need stitches.
  • Fewer complications than traditional surgery. You also lose less blood, and the incision mark is not even visible. You won’t also need to stay in the hospital for long.
  • 85 % of women who undergo the procedure report feeling much better within 14 days of the operation

Pelvic Vein Embolization Risks

  • You may be allergic to the iodine-based dye and a contrast agent used to take detailed images.
  • A small number of women develop infections after embolization.
  • Since the procedure involves placing a tube inside blood vessels, it may damage them or cause bruising and bleeding at the point of incision.
  • if an embolic agent migrates to the wrong place, it may cut off the oxygen supply to the tissue, i.e., non-target embolism
  • There’s a 10 % chance that the varices may develop in the veins again.
  • It exposes the ovaries to radiation. However, studies have not found any links between the procedure and infertility or abnormal periods.

 

 

How to Prepare for Pelvic Vein Embolization?

 

We offer treatment for Pelvic Vein Embolization at La Jolla Vein & Vascular. The doctor will monitor your blood pressure and heart rate. Some patients suffer slight pain or discomfort following the surgery, which can be managed with simple medications taken by mouth or intravenously through the cannula.

Bed rest is advisable for a short period after the procedure. Most patients are cleared to leave the hospital after 4 hours. However, if you’re in significant pain, you might want to stay for longer and get extra care.

Once discharged, expect to resume your normal activities within a few days; however, don’t drive within the first week following the procedure. Of course, you can wait for longer in case of groin discomfort and get medical care too.

After your operation or therapy, your doctor may urge a follow-up scan and checkup. This is to determine whether the operation was successful and address any changes or adverse effects you may have noticed following the treatment. Just like other varicose veins on the leg, engorged veins in the thigh, vulva, buttocks, etc., may need to be treated separately.

The enlarged veins should gradually reduce in size within a few weeks by preventing reflux in pelvic veins. Even the vulvar varicose veins should disappear. You can also seek treatment for any varices in the lower legs. Various safe treatment options can be used to rid of the condition for good. However, seek treatment for other vein varices only after dealing with pelvic vein varices to reduce the chances of the condition coming back in the future. After pelvic vein embolization treatment, any symptoms you’ve been experiencing due to the veins,  should go away.

  1. You will need to have your warfarin medication altered if you are taking any before the pelvic vein embolization. Consult with a doctor for details.
  2. Keep a list of your medications, even the herbal ones, and inform your doctor of any allergies, including allergic to the iodine dye.
  3. Inform your doctor of any recent medical issues, illnesses, or if you are pregnant. Pelvic venography and vein embolism involve the use of X-rays; you don’t want the fetus exposed to the radiation.
  4. Pack comfortable clothes; you will also be given a gown at the hospital for use during the procedure.
Pros and Cons of Pelvic Vein/Ovarian Embolization Procedure:2022-05-23T15:56:36-07:00

Non Invasive Vascular Laboratory

2022-05-23T15:49:54-07:00

Noninvasive Vascular Laboratory

The Non Invasive 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

non invasive

The non invasive 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 Non Invasive

  • Deep Vein Thrombosis- upper or lower extremity
  • Venous Reflux

Arterial Non Invasive

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

Indirect testing (non-imaging)

Arterial –Segmental pressures and waveforms (P&Ws), upper or lower extremity

 

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

For more information please check out our Youtube Channel at this link.

Non Invasive Vascular Laboratory2022-05-23T15:49:54-07:00

Pelvic Venous Congestion Treatment

2022-05-23T15:15:40-07:00

Pelvic Venous Congestion (PVCS) Treatment

What are the treatment options for Pelvic Venous Congestion (PVCs)? Available treatment options for PVCs include pain-relieving progestin hormone drugs, ovarian function-blocking Gonadotropin-releasing hormones, vein embolization, and surgery to rid of damaged veins, uterus, and ovaries. Customarily, your doctor will start you on the medications first to relieve pain. If the medications fail, then they may advise on the next step, usually the invasive options. Vein embolization is the most commonly used procedure. Here’s a look at what it involves:

-Pelvic Venous Embolization

-Sclerotherapy

-Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

pelvic venous congestion

 

Pelvic Venous Embolization

Treating PVCS diseases like pelvic and labial varicose veins requires resolving the backward flow of blood in the ovarian and pelvic veins through embolization. Embolization is an outpatient procedure that uses catheter technology to access the venous system to the problematic ovarian veins. The procedure is painless and requires no major incisions. The physician embolizes each problem vein (blocking blood flow) with vascular plugs or coils. Doing so permanently seals off the varicose veins, diverting blood flow up through healthy veins. The physician will also deliver sclerosing medication to lower the pressure in the pelvic veins and relieve the pain. Once blood can flow smoothly through healthy veins in the pelvic and labial area, the pain disappears. Patients can usually return to work and light activities the day following the procedure and see a full recovery in about one week; at least 7 in 10 women who undergo the procedure report feeling better. This procedure is usually performed by a trained interventional radiologist in the X-ray department.

 

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure that injects sclerosing solutions into the veins. It is used to treat spider, reticular and varicose veins. It also blocks the unsightly or non-functioning veins to gradually improve appearance. This generally involves multiple treatments over the course of several months for pelvic venous congestion. 

Radiofrequency Ablation is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure used to treat varicose veins. An RFA utilizes high-frequency radio waves directed through a thin tube to create intense heat within the varicose vein. This closes up the problem vessel so blood cannot flow through it, redirecting blood flow into healthy veins to allow the blood to return to the heart. Eliminating the unhealthy vein reduces the vein bulging and minimizes leg pain and swelling. It is performed as an outpatient procedure with minimal recovery and discomfort.

 

When Should I Contact My Doctor?

Some women have enlarged veins with no symptoms; others have enlarged veins that cause pains and aches. In most cases, these don’t require a medical emergency. The symptoms should reduce as you head into menopause. However, in case of chronic, unbearable pain, nothing is stopping you from seeking medical help. In fact, see your healthcare giver right away for help.

To get the most out of the pelvic venous congestion consultation, here’s what to do:

-Know the purpose of the visit and what you want to get from it

-Before visiting the doctor, put down questions you need them to answer.

-Bring company along to help ask questions and note down points from the doctor.

-Write down the name of the diagnosis, its tests, and treatment options explained by the doctor. -Also, take notes of any new instructions during each visit.

-Know the reasons for new medication prescriptions, their benefits, and their risks.

-Inquire whether it’s possible to treat your condition another way

-Know why and what the results of a test procedure mean

-Ask what will happen if you don’t undergo testing or take medication.

-Ask whether a follow-up appointment is available and note down the visit’s time, date, and reason.

-Ask the doctor for their contacts in case you need a further chat.

 

 For more information on pelvic venous congestion and to book a consult, please give our office a call at 858-550-0330.

For more information please check out our Youtube Channel at this link.

Pelvic Venous Congestion Treatment2022-05-23T15:15:40-07:00

Arterial Treatments

2022-05-23T14:56:03-07:00

Arterial Treatments

 

Peripheral Arterial Disease – Treatment

Arterial treatments 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 top the progression of atherosclerosis in the body, which reduces the risk of stroke and heart attack.

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.

Why Do I Need This Procedure?

The primary goal for the atherectomy is to eliminate plaque buildup in the artery. You may need this procedure when your arteries become too narrowed or blocked due to increased plaque. When the arteries are blocked, blood flow is restricted, meaning that your tissues will not have sufficient oxygen and nourishment they need to survive. Insufficient blood flow causes the muscle in your feet to cramp and lose strength. The procedure is not ideal for all people. Before performing the procedure, the doctors customize to meet the patient’s unique needs. 

Where is the Procedure Performed?

We usually perform the procedure in our facility. Our board of certified doctors have undergone rigorous training to ensure the best possible results. We also have a state-of-the-art facility with modern atherectomy tools that ensure success even for complex conditions. Our doctors also have a vast wealth of experience in this field. Having performed thousands of atherectomy procedures is sure that you are in the right hands. 

How do I Prepare for an Atherectomy?

A few days before the procedure, the doctor usually performs a pre-procedure test to ensure that it is safe for you to undergo the procedure. The doctor may recommend discontinuation of using certain medications days before the procedure. Our healthcare team will also provide you with specific instructions to prepare for the procedure.

 

Arterial Treatments2022-05-23T14:56:03-07:00

What is an Angioplasty

2022-05-23T13:30:46-07:00

Angioplasty

At La Jolla Vein & vascular, we are dedicated to offering our patients various procedures and treatment options. One of those options is called an Angioplasty. It is 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.

angioplasty

What to expect with an angioplasty:

After Angioplasty, the doctor usually applies pressure to the area where the procedure was done. The doctor uses bandages or a compression device, which helps prevent bleeding. The nurse will also check on your blood pressure, heart rate, and ensure that the area is not bleeding. The procedure also requires you to lie still while keeping you rleg straight for three to six hours. Sometimes, the nurse may also put a weighted bag on the leg to prevent movement. The procedure may require you to spend the night in our facility. Similar to other invasive surgeries, recovery does not take long. 

 

Why is it done?

Angioplasty is done to widen narrowed arteries and ensure optimal blood flow. The procedure is common in restoring blood flow for the individual’s suffering from peripheral arterial disease. 

How well does it work? 

Angioplasty procedure helps in restoring blood flow and relieves intermittent claudication. The procedure will eliminate the symptoms associated with PAD. Our experienced doctor has vast experience in this field and uses advanced tools to ensure the best results for your condition.

 

What is an Angioplasty2022-05-23T13:30:46-07:00

Causes of Osteoarthritis

2022-05-13T17:16:22-07:00

Causes Of Osteoarthritis (OA)

 

Although Knee Osteoarthritis affects as many as 45 percent of people in their lifetime, the exact cause is unknown. However, medical practitioners have discovered several risks that increase the chances of developing knee osteoarthritis. These include:

Advanced Age

Obesity

Joint Trauma

Family History

Congenital Disabilities or Illnesses

Chronic Injury and Joint Stress

Lack of Exercise

Poor Muscle Tone

Female Sex

 

Advanced Age

Your susceptibility to developing osteoarthritis increases with age. As you grow old, the cartilage in the knee joint wears down, making it prone to damage and thinning. According to research done by the Arthritis Foundation, about 19 percent of people over 45 years have knee OA. The research further indicates that 37 percent of people over 60 years have the condition, although not all will have the symptoms.

 

Obesity

The knees support the weight from the thighs upwards. Obese people are at two times more risk of developing knee arthritis than individuals who are not.

 

Joint Trauma

Surgery, a broken bone, or severe injuries that affect the knee joint can also lead to knee osteoarthritis. These symptoms may not be present immediately after the injuries but may reveal years later.

 

Family History

Hereditary genes also play a crucial role in the susceptibility of knee arthritis. For instance, if your mother had knee OA, you are more likely to develop the condition than people with no family history of the condition are.

 

Congenital Disabilities or Illnesses

Septic arthritis, gout, poor bone alignment, congenital conditions, and metabolic disorder can also increase your susceptibility to contracting knee arthritis.

 

Chronic Injury and Joint Stress

Individuals whose daily activities involve heavy lifting while standing, crawling, or squatting tend to experience mini-traumas. These mini traumas can lead to knee osteoarthritis over time—bodybuilders and other athletes who participate in high-impact sports are prone to knee osteoarthritis development.

 

Lack of Exercise

Although putting too much stress on your knee joint can lead to arthritis, lack of exercise can also cause OA. Exercise helps in boosting the cartilage’s health and repair. Additionally, the knee joints contain fluid-rich nutrients that need to be circulated in the knee joint capsule. Regular exercise promotes proper circulation of the joint fluid.

 

Poor Muscle Tone

Poor hamstring, calf, and quadriceps muscle development can put more stress on the knee’s bones and cartilage, causing knee osteoarthritis.

 

Female Sex

Research shows that women are about 40 percent more likely to develop knee arthritis than men are.

 

 So, if this is you and you’ve been experiencing pain, please give our office a call at 858-550-0330. 

 

For more information please check out our Youtube Channel at this link. 

 

Causes of Osteoarthritis2022-05-13T17:16:22-07:00

Signs of Osteoarthritis

2022-05-30T13:29:11-07:00

For most people, the knee osteoarthritis symptoms come and go, worsening over time. While it is easy to dismiss early knee OA signs and symptoms, the symptoms become worse if left untreated, causing mobility issues. 

 

Some of the common OA signs and symptoms include:

 

Knee Pain: Knee pain is the most reported OA symptom. The pain description often varies from one person to the other depending on their condition and situation. Sometimes the pain may come and go, while the person may experience chronic low levels of pain with intermittent intense pain flare-ups. On the other hand, you may experience a dull, aching. Most often, knee OA pain gets worse, especially when doing activities that put a strain on the knee, such as walking upstairs or squatting.

 

Swelling: Damaged cartilage causes the femur and tibia bones to rub together, leading to irritation. The irritation forces the body to produce excess fluid at the joint, making the knee swell.

 

Stiffness: The swelling and friction in the knee make the joint stiff. You may often experience 30 minutes of stiffness after sitting for an extended period or early in the morning. Knee stiffness can also be accompanied by reduced motion range and visible swelling.

 

Redness and Warmth: The irritation develops when the knee joint’s bones rub each other causing the skin over the knee to become warm and red. These signs could also indicate an infection that requires medical attention.

 

Reduced Range of Motion: The swelling in the knee limits your range of motion. Mild to moderate knee OA makes it hard for you to bend or straighten the knee completely.

Worsening Symptoms with Inactivity

Your knees tend to become stiff after long periods of sitting or sleeping. In most cases, you will notice pain and stiffness after waking up in the morning or sitting for long hours.

 

Popping or Crunching: A popping or crunching sound when bending your knee indicates knee joint friction.

 

Buckling or Locking Up: People with moderate to severe knee OA can also cause a sensation of knee-buckling. The sensation develops when there are uneven flaps or grooves, or cartilage breaks off and sticks in the joint.

 

 So, if this is you and you’ve been experiencing  osteoarthritis pain, please give our office a call at 858-550-0330. 

 

For more information please check out our Youtube Channel at this link. 

 

Signs of Osteoarthritis2022-05-30T13:29:11-07:00

What is Osteoarthritis?

2022-05-13T16:57:54-07:00

Osteoarthritis is the most common arthritis form that affects millions of people across the globe. While OA can affect any joint, it often damages the knees, hands, spine, and hips. Also known as wear and tear arthritis, the condition develops when the protective cartilage cushioning the ends of the bone in a joint wears away over time. Joints are parts of the body where two or more bones meet. These parts include your knee, hip, hands, backbone (any part of the body that you can bend has a joint).

The ends of the bones in a joint have a smooth, slippery surface referred to as the cartilage. This protective covering allows the bones to rub against each other without friction. Osteoarthritis causes the wear and tear of the cartilage between the bones, making the joint rough. The increased resistance at the joint causes stiffness, pain, swelling, and decreased ability to move.

While various treatments help in managing the OA symptoms, damaged joints are not reversible. Maintaining a healthy weight and staying active c will also help in slowing the disease progression. Although OA can affect both men and women at any age, individuals aged over 45 years are at an increased risk. Based on the research done by the Arthritis Foundation, osteoarthritis affects more than 27 million people in the USA alone, with the knee being the most susceptible part. Research also shows that women are at an increased risk of developing OA than men.

Osteoarthritis of the Knee

The most common cause of knee pain is knee osteoarthritis. The pain may come and go, become worse over time, or come accompanied by other symptoms, including knee stiffness. The condition develops due to degeneration of the cartilage. While the cartilage does not contain any nerves, damage or missing cartilage in the knee causes friction between bones and bone tissue changes, leading to pain. For example, damaged cartilage can lead to various bone changes such as:

  • Bone Spurs: Bone spurs, also known as osteophytes, are abnormal bony growth at the knee joints with damaged cartilage. The joint bones produce the bone spurs to compensate for missing or deteriorated cartilage. Bone spurs have an irregular shape that creates more friction in the knee joint, causing discomfort and pain.
  • Subchondral Bone Sclerosis: Due to undistributed weight loads, the tibia and femur surfaces, which lie beneath the cartilage, can change in composition, making it harden.
  • Cysts And Bone Marrow Lesions: Missing or deteriorated knee cartilage can also lead to cysts development and bone marrow lesions (areas of abnormal swelling). These cysts and lesions lead to knee discomfort and pain.

 

What is Osteoarthritis?2022-05-13T16:57:54-07:00

What Causes Vulvar Varicosities?

2022-05-12T12:57:33-07:00

What Causes Vulvar Varicosities?

  • There is ongoing research concerning the causes and risk factors associated with pelvic congestion syndrome. However, the most commonly known cause of vulvar varicosities is pregnancy.
  • Blood vessels such as veins contain valves whose task is to prevent blood from flowing back. Veins in the abdominal and lower parts of the body have to work against factors such as gravity to ensure smooth and uninterrupted blood flow.
    However, pregnancy can lead to the dilation of veins.
  • Consequently, this means the valves have to work even harder to keep blood flowing in the proper direction. This dilation can go unnoticed in the initial stages, making pelvic congestion syndrome hard to detect in the early days.
  • Other factors, such as the pregnancy’s pressure on the lower body and the increased blood flow to the genitalia, can alter valves’ normal working and efficiency, which then results in the development of varicose veins.
  • Recent research also shows that pelvic congestion syndrome runs in the family. So, if a relative or someone genetically close to you has encountered a case of vulvar varicosities, you too may be at risk. To combat this situation, you can schedule regular checkups with your physician to ensure no signs of pelvic congestion syndrome.
  • Pelvic tumors have also been identified as a causative and accelerant agent to labia varicose veins. If you’re worried you may have a pelvic tumor – or any other previously undiagnosed tumor, you should seek professional medical services immediately.

So, if this is you and you’ve been experiencing pain, please give our office a call at 858-550-0330. 

 

For more information please check out our Youtube Channel at this link. 

 

What Causes Vulvar Varicosities?2022-05-12T12:57:33-07:00

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Pelvic Varicosities?

2022-05-12T12:52:12-07:00

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Pelvic Varicosities?

As highlighted above, pelvic congestion syndrome, also can be pelvic varicosities, can manifest in varying ways. As a result, there’s no one standard sign or symptom associated with the condition.

However, many women suffering from pelvic varicosities report a dull but recurring pain. While the pain may come and go, certain factors and situations can worsen the pain. Some of the situations that could lead to chronic pain include;

  • Standing up for extended periods of time
  • Sitting for long or remaining inactive
  • The period leading to menstruation
  • In the evenings
  • In the mid or late stages of a pregnancy
  • During or after sexual intercourse

While pain is the most recorded symptom associated with labial varicosities, some women also note a different combination of recurring symptoms. These are likely influenced by the severity and advancement of the condition. Other pelvic congestion syndrome symptoms include;

  • Experiencing overly painful menstruation (commonly called dysmenorrhea)
  • Excessive or abnormal bleeding during menstruation
  • Swelling of the vulva or vagina
  • Irritable bowel syndromes
  • Backache
  • Fatigue
  • Increased urination
  • Depression
  • Hip pain
  • Change in the vaginal discharge
  • The appearance of varicose veins around the legs, buttocks, and vulva
  • Abdominal tenderness

Whether alone or part of a combination, you should consult a doctor if you notice these symptoms. This will help rule out any conditions, and if it is indeed a pelvic congestion disorder such as pelvic varicosities, they can begin the treatment process.

So, if this is you and you’ve been experiencing pain, please give our office a call at 858-550-0330. 

 

For more information please check out our Youtube Channel at this link. 

 

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Pelvic Varicosities?2022-05-12T12:52:12-07:00
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CONTACT INFORMATION

La Jolla/UTC

Vista

Patient Privacy Practices

Privacy Policy

Hippa Privacy Practices
HIPAAOneTM Certified Seal 2

Use the search features below to find articles and insights for the diagnosis and treatment of vascular disease

TWO CONVENIENT LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT SAN DIEGO

La Jolla/ UTC

North County San Diego/ Vista — Endovascular Center
Now Open! Call/Text for Appointments

© Copyright 2010-2024, La Jolla Vein & Vascular | All Rights Reserved

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