Vascular Surgery Association - Tallahassee, Florida

1. Specializing in Total Vascular Care Treatment for Spider Veins: Many people are affected with unsightly and painful varicose or “spider” veins. This condition not only has physiological, but it can also have emotional effects on a patient’s well-being. It is important to understand that having varicose veins may be more than a cosmetic issue. Individuals at a higher risk for venous disease include females, pregnant women, obese men and women, those with “standing” occupations. Family genetics can also be a cause for spider veins. In most cases there exists an underlying venous disorder in which the varicosities are the result of a circulation abnormality. Healthy veins carry blood from the legs back to the heart by the use of tiny valves with-in their walls. In contrast, varicose veins arise from a malfunction of these valves, where they become damaged or stretched, causing blood to pool in the legs and feet, resulting in an increase in venous hypertension. This event causes varicose veins to form, become enlarged and even bleed. This hyperdynamic process can lead to inflammation, phlebitis, blood clots and open sores. By superficially treating varicosities without checking for an underlying venous condition, treatments will most likely fail. Venous specialists can use multiple non-invasive diagnostic studies to identify and treat any underlying venous disease in addition to treating varicosities. If you are having trouble with your veins, it is best to confer with a board-certified vascular specialist for a consultation. Vascular Surgery Associates has the board-certified vascular specialists who perform many non-invasive and minimally invasive techniques to treat not only an underlying venous condition but the superficial varicosities as well. Our Areas of Expertise Carotid Disease Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) in the neck arteries (carotid arteries) can lead to transient ischemic attacks (TIA’s) or temporary strokes as well as completed strokes. The treatment of carotid artery disease is an effort to prevent strokes when possible. We offer the complete diagnostic workup for carotid disease. In most cases carotid artery disease can be followed with appropriate medical therapy including risk factor control. We would then schedule regular follow up ultrasound studies to watch for progression. In some cases intervention may be needed. If interventionis indicated we offer both standard open endarterectomy (surgical removal of the plaque) and carotid stenting. Which one is right for you depends on your individual situation. Vascular Surgery Associates 2631 Centennial Blvd #100, Tallahassee, FL 32308 850-877-8539

2. Aneurysm Disease Aneurysm disease is when an artery becomes wider than it should be. This most often occurs in the main artery in the abdomen called the abdominal aorta. It does have a tendency to run in families. All first degree relatives of a patient with an abdominal aortic aneurysm should be screened. The main risk of aneurysms is that they could rupture. The risk of rupture is directly related to the size of the artery. In most cases ultrasound can be used to both diagnose an aneurysm and follow it. If it grows to a size that poses a risk of rupture it may need repair. We offer both standard open repair and the new less invasive stent graft. In most cases patients who are candidates for stent grafts can go home the day after surgery and do not typically require a stay in the intensive care unit. For most patients the stent graft procedure is about the same as getting a hernia fixed. Each member of our group is fully certified in the placement of the less invasive stent grafts. Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Atherosclerosis of the extremity arteries most commonly causes trouble with walking. Most patients experience discomfort or cramping of the calf when they try to walk. The distance can vary from day to day. Only 1 out of 5 patients require intervention. Most patients can be treated medically with a combination of risk factor control and exercise. We offer complete evaluation of extremity vascular disease including a fully staffed non-invasive vascular lab complete with the latest in ultrasound technology. We can provide state of the art minimally invasive treatment withballoon angioplasty, stenting, Silverhawk atherectomy and laser treatment. If needed we also offer thefull range of surgical treatment. Varicose Veins Varicose veins develop because of too much back pressure in the veins. This causes the surface veins to dilate. Most patients do not require any specific therapy. Those that do require treatment can almost always be treated in the office with laser therapy. This is covered by Medicare and most payors for symptomatic disease. Venous Insufficiency This typically causes swelling in the legs and can be associated with other medical conditions. We offer complete venous evaluation including the use of vascular ultrasound specific for all causes of venous disease. Most patients with this condition are treated medically. Some may also require compression stockings. Contact us for Vascular Surgery Tallahassee (850) 877-8539 Vascular Surgery Associates 2631 Centennial Blvd #100, Tallahassee, FL 32308 850-877-8539