In fact, spider veins can be indicators of other serious vascular issues and can lead to painful and dangerous varicose veins. Varicose veins can result in pain and numbness, skin ulcers, or even a serious blood clot.

As with all medical procedures, proper diagnosis is critical to effective remedy. We use duplex vein scanning, an ultrasound procedure that takes less than an hour, to identify and assess abnormal valve function in the veins.

The board-certified vascular surgeons at Premier Vein Clinics are trained in the treatment of spider and varicose veins and venous disease, and can use that clinical experience to determine the best treatment option. Thanks to advancements in medical technology, most procedures require only a local anesthetic, take an hour or less, and patients experience little or no side effects or downtime. Insurance covers most vein treatments.

Procedures available to treat varicose veins include:

• Sclerotherapy, an in-office, minimally invasive, relatively painless procedure in which affected veins are injected with a solution that causes them to collapse and fade away. The number of treatments needed varies based on the severity of the problem.
• Ambulatory phlebectomy, a procedure that uses pinhole incisions to treat medium to large veins with little or no down time. This in-office, minimally invasive procedure can be used in conjunction with sclerotherapy.
• Endovenous laser therapy, a non-invasive treatment for larger veins using laser energy delivered through a small puncture in the leg to treat the diseased vein. The in-office procedure is performed in about an hour. Normally, patients resume regular activity within a day.

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The post Varicose Vein Treatment: Beyond Cosmetics first appeared on Premier Surgical.

In hemodialysis, the patient’s blood is passed through an artificial kidney (dialyzer) where it is cleaned of toxins and extra fluids before being returned to the body. A vascular access is needed for the process, and having the best type of access is important in order to achieve optimal results. There are three types of vascular access: catheter, graft and fistula.

Catheter. A catheter is a small, plastic tube that is inserted into a large vein in the neck or chest. Catheters are typically used on a short-term basis when there is a need for immediate dialysis. Long-term use of a catheter is not recommended because catheters tend to perform poorly and carry the highest risk of infection.

Arteriovenous (AV) Graft. A graft is a small, soft tube placed under the skin that connects a vein to an artery for hemodialysis. Grafts are easy to use, are usually ready for use within about three weeks of placement, and can be placed in almost anybody. Drawbacks to grafts are they typically last no more than three years, clot more often than fistulas, require more upkeep and are more likely to get infected.

Arteriovenous Fistula (AVF). A fistula, also known as an AVF, is a surgical connection of an artery to a vein, usually in the arm or forearm, to provide an entry and exit point for dialysis. Fistulas are recognized as the gold standard of vascular access because they last longer (sometimes for decades), need less rework or repairs, and are associated with lower rates of infection, hospitalization and death. Drawbacks to fistulas are that there is typically a waiting period of up to three to four months before they are ready for use, and they’re not an option for all patients.

As testament to the significant benefits AVFs offer to patients, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid and members of the renal community have come together to start Fistula First, a nationwide industry initiative to expand the number of patients with fistulas. The campaign estimates that in America as many as 5,000 deaths could be prevented each year if more renal patients used AVFs. Additionally, AVFs cost less to place and maintain than other forms of access and are associated with fewer complications requiring hospitalization.

At the Premier Vascular Access & Imaging Center, we’re going above and beyond the Fistula First AVF placement goal of 66 percent, and we’re seeing the benefit of creating a healthier patient population.

If you expect to start dialysis within the next year and have not yet had a vascular access placed, I strongly recommend that you ask your doctor to refer you to a vascular surgeon who has experience placing fistulas.

The post Think Fistula First When Addressing Kidney Failure first appeared on Premier Surgical.

Stroke is a leading cause of death in the United States and a leading cause of serious, long-term disability. Yet many people know little about the risk factors for stroke, how to recognize when a stroke occurs, or how to respond in the event of stroke.

As a reminder during National Stroke Awareness Month, I’d like to take this opportunity to share some little known facts and important information that just may save your life:

• Every year, stroke kills twice as many women as breast cancer.
• African Americans have almost twice the risk of stroke than whites.
• Stroke can happen to anyone at any time, regardless of sex, race or age.
• Stroke is an emergency. Approximately two million brain cells die every minute during stroke, so it is important to learn stroke warning signs and how to respond to them. If you suspect someone is suffering a stroke, use the “FAST” test:

F – Face. Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop

A – Arms. Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

S – Speech. Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange?

T – Time. If you observe any of these signs, immediately call 9-1-1.

• You are at greater risk of stroke if you are over age 55, male, African American, have diabetes or have a family history of stroke. If you fall into one or more of those categories, work with your primary care physician to make lifestyle and medical changes to help prevent stroke.
• The good news is that stroke is largely preventable through risk factor management. Follow these guidelines to help decrease your risk of stroke:

Obesity – Excess weight strains the circulatory system. Control your weight by watching what and how much you eat and exercising regularly.

Tobacco Use and Smoking – Smoking doubles the risk of stroke. If you smoke, stop.

Alcohol Consumption – Limit your alcohol intake to no more than two drinks each day.

High Blood Pressure – Have your blood pressure checked at least once a year.

Atrial Fibrillation (Afib) – This is an abnormal heartbeat that increases stroke risk by 500 percent. See your doctor if you believe your heartbeat is irregular.

High Cholesterol – High cholesterol levels can clog arteries and cause a stroke. See a doctor if your cholesterol is more than 200.

Diabetes – Health problems associated with diabetes increase stroke risk. Follow your doctor’s recommendations for nutrition, lifestyle and medication to control your diabetes.

To assess your risk of stroke and learn how to reduce your vascular risk, complete our Vascular Risk Assessment scorecard (200k PDF) and discuss the results with your primary care physician.

The post May is National Stroke Awareness Month: Know Your Risk and Act “FAST” first appeared on Premier Surgical.