Vascular Surgery Associations | Our Areas of Expertise

1. Vascular Surgery Associations Our Areas of Expertise At VSA, we firmly believe we have the required expertise in all areas of vascular care, from simple medical therapy and minimally invasive procedures to performing complex operations when necessary. Our practice utilizes leading technology and treatment options, and we have a track record of outcomes that consistently exceeds the national standards. 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. 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 Vascular Surgery Associates 2631 Centennial Blvd #100, Tallahassee, FL 32308 850-877-8539 | http://vsafl.com

2. 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. Deep Venous Thrombosis This is a condition where clots develop in the deep veins of the arms or legs. Most patients with this condition will be treated medically but some can benefit from more aggressive therapy. We offer percutaneous thrombectomy using a small. Vascular Surgery Associates 2631 Centennial Blvd #100, Tallahassee, FL 32308 850-877-8539 | http://vsafl.com