precision-vein-care-guzzo

Do Vein Procedures Hurt and Is There a Long Recovery Time?

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 10:09:31 GMT

At Precision Vein Care , our goal is to provide minimally invasive vein treatments, tailored to your symptoms and anatomy. As a standalone office vein practice, we are able to provide procedural services directly in our office, with direct access to our very own procedure rooms each day. Because of this, we do not require an appointment in our office and then a hospital visit at a later date for your procedure. It’s convenient one stop shopping.

For those seeking cosmetic treatments for spider or small varicose veins, we offer liquid and foam sclerotherapy , procedures utilizing injections of medications using very small needles directly into the problematic vein. Other than a small ‘sting’ the procedure is very well tolerated by all, and patients can very easily drive to and from the office for treatment. Recovery time is minimal, and your usual activities can be resumed within a day or two without discomfort nor compromising treatment success.

For bigger vein issues, such as varicose veins , we offer the full spectrum of minimally invasive, office-based vein procedures. We are equipped and have experience providing three endovascular therapies to treat your veins as well as a minor surgical procedure. We will tailor each of these offerings to your particular symptom complex, vein anatomy as seen clinically and on ultrasound exam, while paying particular attention to your insurance coverage—all with the goal of creating a unique, individualized, and low-cost plan of attack for you.

The endovascular procedures have had little to no procedure or post-procedure discomfort, little to no downtime, and excellent results. We offer ClosureFast ablation, VenaSeal ablation, and Varithena ablation. Common to each procedure is the goal of forcing the abnormal vein to shut down, with flow then directed into the normal veins. Each procedure involves an intravenous needle puncture akin to giving blood or getting IV medication or fluid, with a small amount of lidocaine used to numb the skin. After the procedure, we wrap your leg or place your compression sock on, to help keep the vein collapsed. Within a day, patients are back to normal activities, are back to work without restriction, and have little to no discomfort.

In some situations, a small surgical procedure, called stab phlebectomy, is required to remove more stubborn veins that remain symptomatic. But, this is also a short, office-based procedure, and does not require a trip to the hospital like major surgery. The procedure involves marking the abnormal veins with a pen while standing, injecting lidocaine next to the offending vein, making a small skin puncture in the numb area, and the vein removed with a special hook. If the skin puncture is small enough, you may not even require a suture to close the wound. While somewhat more invasive than the other techniques described above, it typically takes less than an hour, any post-procedure discomfort treated easily with medication, and recovery still very rapid.

Each of the procedures described, when performed alone or in combination, have mild to no discomfort post-procedure. In fact, we only typically recommend pain medication for stab phlebectomy, in the form of Ibuprofen or Tylenol products; it is exceptionally rare to ever require narcotic medications. Patients are able to resume their usual activities, exercise, and employment in just a few days in the overwhelming majority of patients. So, don’t wait, get your vein evaluation today , and get on the pathway to having your legs look and feel great!

Blog Disclaimer: The information provided on this blog is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, and should not be considered, medical advice. All information, content, and material available on this blog are for general informational purposes only. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The author and the blog disclaim any liability for the decisions you make based on the information provided. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

What Procedures Do You Provide at Precision Vein Care?

Mon, 20 May 2024 09:22:42 GMT

At Precision Vein Care , we offer office-based procedures that avoid larger hospital operating room settings, general anesthesia, pre-op and recovery room wait times, and as a result, offer a much more convenient process for patients needing vein care.

We treat spider veins with cosmetic sclerotherapy , an office-based procedure where a special solution is injected into the small veins, which causes them to close, and slowly disappear over time. It has very little discomfort, and most patients are very surprised at how simple a treatment session really is.

For bigger vein issues, such as varicose veins, we offer the full spectrum of minimally invasive treatments all performed right in our procedure rooms at both office locations . We offer an individualized treatment plan, taking into account your symptoms, your vein anatomy, and insurance benefits coverage. This allows us to develop an individualized treatment plan to offer one the best outcomes possible.

Our team is equipped to perform three distinct endovascular procedures, all with little to no discomfort, little to no downtime, and excellent results. We offer ClosureFast ablation , a technique where a catheter is inserted into the abnormal vein, a heating element is used to close off the abnormal vein, directing flow into the normal veins. Another technique is used where a catheter is directed into the abnormal vein and a surgical adhesive is deployed directly into the abnormal vein closing it off. We also offer Varithena , an even less invasive technique were a surgical grade foam medicine is injected directly into the abnormal vein, shutting it down, closing off the abnormal vein,

None of these three techniques require incisions, with little more than an intravenous needle puncture, much like giving blood. This ensures little discomfort and rapid return to activity, with your treated leg feeling great.

In some situations, a small surgical procedure, called stab phlebectomy, is required to remove more stubborn veins that remain symptomatic. But, this is also a short, office-based procedure, and does not require a trip to the hospital with long check in times, general anesthesia, a full operating room, and long recovery room stay. This procedure involves marking the abnormal veins with a pen, lidocaine is injected next to the offending vein, a small skin puncture made in the numb area, and the vein removed with a special hook. If the skin puncture is small enough, you may not even require a suture to close the wound. While somewhat more invasive than the other techniques described above, it typically takes less than an hour, any post-procedure discomfort treated easily with Ibuprofen or Tylenol, and recovery still quite simple.

The team at Precision Vein Care , led by Dr. Guzzo, has a combined experience with these treatments that number into the thousands. We will strive to create a comprehensive vein care plan to treat your symptoms, prevent recurrences, and use the latest technology all in the comfort of our office. So, don’t wait, get your vein evaluation today , and get on the pathway to having your legs look and feel great!

How do I Choose the Best Vein Practice?

Mon, 06 May 2024 09:22:36 GMT

There are numerous options that exist to provide vein care in 2024. Large health network vascular surgery or cardiology practices, commercial/corporate vein centers, private practice offices, and medspa-type aesthetic settings. And when one adds the numerous specialists that can provide vein care (as outlined in a prior blog post, “What Type of Doctor Performs Vein Procedures”), choosing where to find care for your vein issues can be a daunting task.

Thanks to the Internet, one can glean a great deal of information about a center’s location, hospital affiliation, physician training and experience, staff, facilities, treatments offered, and accreditation. A Google search can generally land one on the practice or facility’s website and the following important questions can be answered.

First, is the practice part of a large health network, employing its physicians and staff, is it part of a commercial/corporate vein center, or is it a private practice? Each has advantages and disadvantages. For health network practices, one will typically find vascular surgeons, cardiologists, and dermatologists providing vein care. Speaking from experience, these practices do not place emphasis on vein work, instead needing to prioritize arterial disease such as aortic aneurysm care, stroke prevention with carotid surgery, lower extremity arterial procedures (for vascular surgeons), heart care (for cardiologists), and skin conditions (dermatology). Commercial/corporate vein centers (such as USA Vein or Center for Vein Restoration) primarily focus on vein care alone. Private practices can fall between each extreme, with some attention paid to venous care or vein care alone.

In each of these practice settings, it is important to see if the practice has achieved accreditation. Intersocietal Accreditation Commission is a non-profit organization that certifies vein centers and vascular testing laboratories who have met strict safety and quality standards. IAC Accreditation means the physician, ultrasound technicians, and staff have achieved a specific and consistent standard of care. Practice websites, advertisements, stationery will typically demonstrate this qualification, and with it, you will see a level of quality not all vein centers are able to achieve.

Just as important as facility accreditation is the question of training, licensing, and board certification of the physician at the office you are considering for your care. With many different medical specialties providing vein care, a simple search can typically find a provider’s training background, licenses, board and specialty certifications, added qualifications, etc.

At Precision Vein Care , we are unique in that we are the only local practice employing a board certified, vascular surgery fellowship trained vascular surgeon providing 100% vein care in an office-based setting. With one stop shopping for all your vein care needs, IAC Accreditation , start of art equipment, two locations , we welcome you to see what sets us apart. Call today for your vein evaluation and get on the pathway to having your legs look and feel great!

Can I Have Vein Disease Even If I Don’t See Varicose Veins?

Mon, 15 Apr 2024 15:20:18 GMT

Chronic venous disease is an incredibly common condition , affecting 20 million people worldwide. Unfortunately, only a small proportion seek treatment. While the presence of aching, twisted, bulging, and dark veins are an easy indicator of vein disease, many people are affected without having visible veins, and the issue goes on unrecognized, without therapy, and relief.

Superficial venous disease arises from abnormalities that can develop in two veins of the leg, the great saphenous and small saphenous veins. When valves in these two veins fail, venous blood flow can be directed backwards with gravity, called venous reflux, causing pressure within these two veins and the branches that arise from them. If the branches are skin level, they enlarge over time, become apparent to the individual, and when aching/throbbing pain, itching, or burning develops over time, they seek treatment.

However, a sizable portion of vein disease has this very same process, but the veins remain ‘subterranean,’ residing below the skin surface. Common symptoms of leg heaviness, easy fatigability, tiredness, aching pain are overlooked and not understood to be possibly venous in origin. Instead, they are written off and assumed to be present from inactivity/ lack of exercise, “being out of shape,” getting older, etc. They unfortunately go on suffering, not knowing a thoughtful vein evaluation and simple treatments are available to ease their discomfort.

At Precision Vein Care , we are equipped to evaluate each of the above sets of patients. With two locations , we offer initial vein evaluation, second opinion consultations, and perform ultrasound screening as well as formal diagnostic venous ultrasound to thoroughly understand your unique vein issues.

Swollen, tired, heavy, aching legs have you down? Large, rope-like painful varicose veins bothering you? We can help. Call today and begin your venous evaluation, where we can provide you with minimally invasive therapy, maximum results.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this blog is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, and should not be considered, medical advice. All information, content, and material available on this blog are for general informational purposes only. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The author and the blog disclaim any liability for the decisions you make based on the information provided. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Do I Need Vein Stripping to Fix My Varicose Veins?

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 20:09:03 GMT

Our vein practice sees many different types of patients with unique medical issues, family history of venous issues, and a very common discussion point with new patient consultations revolves around a parent having had severe vein disease. When a patient has such family history, we see an almost predictable, regular, and consistent mention of, “My mother had bad veins, she got them stripped, and it was AWFUL.”

This reference is to a largely abandoned surgical procedure called saphenous ligation and stripping. This would involve treatment being performed in an operating room, under general anesthesia, incisions made over the ankle and groin, and running a large stripping device through the vein, removing it along the course of the vein in the leg. If you are a golf fanatic like me, it is pretty much the John Daley ‘grip it and rip it’ of vein care.

The many patient’s comments regarding the painful memories of their parents’ leg treatments are deserved…the treatment was quite painful, required a few weeks of recovery time, missed work and recreational activities as well. Not exactly a highly technical procedure, but at the time had its place. It remains in the memories of patients and their families, and since the internet is forever, can be found with a simple Google search, and the less than stellar reviews the treatment’s reputation has earned. And this can sometimes prevent people from seeking treatment!

Today, it is extremely rare to require such an invasive procedure. Modern catheter-based techniques allow this vein to be adequately and safely treated in an office-based setting, with little discomfort and minimal to no recovery or down time. These days, radiofrequency, laser, and surgical adhesive methods have replaced conventional ligation/stripping and are available to obtain the goal of closing the saphenous vein in modern vein care practices. There is virtually no need to undergo this antiquated procedure, much less require general anesthesia in an operating room for safe and effective treatment.

At Precision Vein Care , we offer the latest treatment modalities for the care of symptomatic superficial venous insufficiency. We offer two locations, each with fully equipped procedure rooms that allow our team to perform expert vein care in a comfortable and convenient setting. If you have seen another provider and are offered ligation and stripping, we welcome you to one of our locations for a second opinion. Come and experience the difference at Precision Vein Care.

Minimally invasive therapy, maximum results.

Does My Insurance Cover Office Visits and Procedures for My Varicose Veins?

Wed, 13 Mar 2024 15:17:06 GMT

At Precision Vein Care, we offer full vein disease evaluations, ultrasound imaging, and office-based procedures. We provide the convenience of one stop shopping for vein care, which avoids the need to visit hospital-based ultrasound labs, wound care centers, avoids larger hospital operating room settings, and centralizes your care to one location for all aspects of your care. It is a very common misconception that vein disease is an entirely cosmetic issue, and as a result, treatments are an expensive out of pocket endeavor. This is not true!

While treatments for spider veins are considered cosmetic in nature for nearly all insurance providers, for anyone who suffers from symptoms of leg heaviness, easy fatigability, aching pain, swelling, skin discoloration, even in the absence of visible varicose veins, you could have significant vein disease with treatments that are covered by insurance. In addition, if you suffer from visible varicose veins with throbbing, aching pain, burning, or itching at those areas, you very likely have significant vein disease with treatments that are covered by insurance.

Certain criteria exist that make one a candidate for a procedure based on clinical grounds, and our team at Precision Vein Care has the expertise to determine your best treatment options. For example, visible varicose veins that do not cause symptoms, probably don’t require treatment, but can typically still be treated with some modest out of pocket costs. Our rates are competitive, and we also accept CareCredit to help assist with those costs. But, if you have symptoms as described above, you likely have significant vein disease with treatment available that is covered by your insurance plan.

For insurance to authorize treatment, a patient must satisfy certain insurance criteria for treatments to be considered ‘medically necessary.’ The criteria that need to be demonstrated by the patient’s medical history, symptoms, and vein ultrasound anatomy required by the many insurance companies are quite sound medically speaking, and well understood by Dr. Guzzo and his team.

We accept most major insurance plans , including Aetna, Cigna, Humana, United Healthcare, Medicare, Medicaid, Multiplan, and all forms of Blue Cross/Blue Shield (Capital, Anthem, Horizon, Highmark, Independence, etc). We can expertly provide diagnosis and treatment options, as well as determine medical necessity and insurance eligibility. So, don’t wait, put Dr. Guzzo and his team to work for you. Get your vein evaluation today and get on the pathway to having your legs look and feel great!

The information provided on this blog is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, and should not be considered, medical advice. All information, content, and material available on this blog are for general informational purposes only. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The author and the blog disclaim any liability for the decisions you make based on the information provided. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

What is Ambulatory Phlebectomy?

Fri, 03 Feb 2023 19:37:15 GMT

When one is undergoing treatment for symptomatic varicose veins that failed conservative therapy with leg elevation, exercise, weight loss, NSAIDs for pain, and compression stockings, several procedures are available for treatment. A duplex venous ultrasound map will demonstrate which veins are abnormal and allow your vein specialist to target the appropriate veins for treatment. Commonly, the first stage usually involves treating saphenous vein incompetence with ablation techniques such as endovenous laser, radiofrequency, or adhesive ablation. But once that is completed, what treatments are available to remove those persistent, large, painful varicose veins?

As your physician or surgeon will explain, the great or small saphenous vein requires treatment before the more obvious large varicose veins are targeted, as their very presence is due to that saphenous vein abnormality. Once this is addressed, the branch/tributary veins can be treated with complementary procedures such as ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy, a commercial product called Varithena, or ambulatory phlebectomy.

Ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy (UGFS) and Varithena are similar minimally invasive treatments and involve injecting a medication directly into the abnormal tributary vein. Veins with abnormal diameters between 3-6mm can be effectively treated with this modality. However, in some instances, vein diameter and burden of veins may see this treatment carry a prolonged treatment course. The veins may be very slow to resolve. Sometimes, the treated veins can feel quite lumpy and remain uncomfortable as they heal and require small drainage procedures to remove trapped blood. In other instances, the skin overlying the treated veins may become discolored, called hyperpigmentation. While each of these issues does resolve with time, some patients may find this process troublesome.

Ambulatory phlebectomy is an alternative treatment option. It is a minor surgical procedure that can be easily performed in an office setting under local and tumescent anesthesia. Small skin incisions are made in the anesthetized regions, the veins snared with a hook, removed, and the incision closed with a Steri-strip or suture. Phlebectomy is useful for veins that are quite large and superficial, and avoids the slow resolution time, need for removal of trapped blood, and hyperpigmentation than can occur with foam injection treatments. While more invasive than injection therapy, the vein is immediately removed, the 2-3mm incision sites heal quickly, with only a day or two of recovery in experienced hands.

At Precision Vein Care, we provide several modalities for saphenous vein ablation as well as several complimentary treatments for the visible veins, including UGFS, Varithena, and phlebectomy. Call today to discuss your symptoms and treatment options.

What Type of Doctor Performs Vein Procedures?

Fri, 03 Feb 2023 19:34:20 GMT

Chronic venous insufficiency affects 20% of the population, with a wide range of symptoms. If they progress and cause substantial negative impact on your daily activities, exercise regimen, or employment, your primary care team may refer you to a vein specialist, or you may seek one out using the internet. So as the vein space can get quite crowded, a common question may arise, “What kind of doctor am I going to see?”

While in the most literal sense, a vein doctor is a “phlebologist,” a number of different specialties can be found offering good vein care, with variable training, skill sets, and certifications. A phlebologist is typically a medical doctor, one that has completed medical school, internal medicine or dermatology training, and has pursued additional coursework and seminars in vein disease. There is an American Board of Phlebology, with certification granted after successful completion of a written exam, but this is not recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialites (ABMS).

General surgeons, plastic surgeons, interventional cardiologists, dermatologists, and interventional radiologists all may provide vein care. Although separate and distinct specialties, each requires residency training and often additional training in fellowship programs. These specialties are recognized by the ABMS, and may provide a component of quality vein care as a part of their practice, or solely focus on vein care. However, a common thread of these specialties is that vein care is not the primary focus of their training (e.g. cardiologists focus primarily on the heart, dermatologists on skin, etc).

Last but not least, and with obvious bias by the author, are vascular surgeons. These specialists provide expert care for all blood vessel diseases. They typically have five to seven years of general surgery training following medical school, which is then followed by another two years of specialized vascular and endovascular surgery training. This is what sets this specialty apart, as it is the only subspecialty devoted entirely to the care of blood vessel disease. Many of these surgeons incorporate a large portion of their practice to vein care. Because they have the most comprehensive interventional and surgical training, they can offer an unparalleled level of care to patients with vein disease. For example, a medically trained vein specialist may limit their vein offerings as a result of their training and comfort level (i.e. not performing surgical procedures like ambulatory phlebectomy), while a vascular surgeon has no difficulty offering the entire spectrum of vein care, from minimally invasive, catheter-based interventions, to surgical procedures.

Is there a best type? Each specialist will obviously have their biases, many will provide quality care, but none can match the breadth of training of a vascular surgeon. As you investigate vein care practices, look at the type of physician or surgeon, their training programs, years in practice, board certifications, professional societies, and accreditations. A little homework will help you find the best match for your vein care. At Precision Vein Care, we are proud to have a fellowship trained vascular surgeon, certified by the American Board of Surgery, and our facility is fully accredited through the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission.

Varicose Veins in Pregnancy

Tue, 31 Jan 2023 14:04:47 GMT

While varicose vein disease may affect up to 20% of the population, as many as 40% of women will experience varicose veins as a result of pregnancy. Venous insufficiency is a term that describes malfunctioning veins, causing symptoms of leg heaviness, aching pain, swelling, leg skin discoloration, and bulging, throbbing varicose veins. This can occur in a wide array of people, with a wide range of ages, and people with or without other medical conditions.

The pathology that typically causes varicose veins, namely reflux of the great or small saphenous vein, with enlarged, visible branch veins, can be caused or worsened by pregnancy. Fluctuations in female hormones during normal pregnancy can weaken veins, and the enlarged uterus placed pressure on veins in the pelvis, worsening the problem.

Common symptoms during pregnancy include leg swelling, heaviness, and aching pain. If the venous insufficiency is severe, bulging varicose veins may appear, and cause more pain. The first steps in treatment include wearing a good compression stocking by day, elevating the legs, and avoiding prolonged periods of sitting or standing. Trying to maintain some level of exercise is beneficial. The symptoms these veins cause, and the veins themselves, can often improve within 3-6 months after pregnancy.

In situations where the veins and the associated symptoms persist, or even worsen, then a vein evaluation is recommended. A vein specialist can discuss signs and symptoms of your venous disease and either recommend continued conservative management with compression stockings, elevation, and exercise, or recommend vein intervention. A venous duplex ultrasound is the next step, and this study can demonstrate which veins are abnormal, and also help to determine treatment options.

So, don’t worry. If you have persistent vein issues following your pregnancy, minimally invasive treatment options are available. These are typically done in an office-based setting, with minimal discomfort, minimal downtime, and rapid relief. If you have any questions regarding pregnancy associated vein disease, call Precision Vein Care today for an appointment.

Does my insurance cover office visits and procedures for my varicose veins?

Tue, 22 Mar 2022 15:26:27 GMT

It is a common misconception that vein disease is an entirely cosmetic issue, and as a result, treatments are an expensive out of pocket endeavor. This, however, is simply not true!

In addition, if you suffer from visible varicose veins with throbbing, aching pain, or itching at those areas, you very likely have significant vein disease with treatments that are covered by insurance.

Our rates are competitive, and we also accept CareCredit to help assist with those costs. But, if you have symptoms as described above, you likely have significant vein disease with treatment available.

For insurance to authorize treatment, a patient must also satisfy certain insurance criteria for treatments to be considered medically necessary . The criteria that need to be demonstrated by the patient’s medical history, symptoms, and vein ultrasound anatomy required by the many insurance companies are quite sound medically speaking, and well understood by Dr. Guzzo and his team.

We can expertly provide diagnosis and treatment options, as well as determine medical necessity and insurance eligibility. So, don’t wait, put Dr. Guzzo and his team to work for you. Get your vein evaluation today, and get on the pathway to having your legs look and feel great!

What procedures do we provide at Precision Vein Care?

Thu, 24 Feb 2022 21:18:47 GMT

At Precision Vein Care, we offer office-based procedures that avoid larger hospital operating room settings, general anesthesia, and pre-op & recovery room wait times. As a result, our procedures are a much more convenient process for patients needing vein care.

We treat spider veins with cosmetic sclerotherapy , an office-based procedure where a special solution is injected into the small veins, which causes them to close and slowly disappear over time. It has very little discomfort, and most patients are surprised at how simple a treatment session really is.

For bigger vein issues, such as varicose veins, we offer a full spectrum of minimally invasive treatments all performed right here in our office’s procedure rooms. We offer an individualized treatment plan, taking into account your symptoms, vein anatomy, and insurance benefits coverage. This allows us to develop an individualized treatment plan to offer one the best outcomes possible.

Our team is equipped to perform three distinct endovascular procedures, all with little to no discomfort, little to no downtime, and excellent results.

We offer ClosureFast ablation, a technique that uses ultrasound guidance to place a small catheter into the abnormal vein, and using the catheter’s heating element to close off the abnormal vein, directing flow into the normal veins.

Another technique also using an ultrasound and an endovascular catheter, VenaSeal ablation, utilizes a surgical adhesive deployed directly into the abnormal vein, closes it off, and directs flow into the normal veins.

We also offer Varithena , an even less invasive technique where a surgical grade foam compound is injected directly into the abnormal vein, shutting it down, with flow then directed into the normal veins.

In some instances, a small surgical procedure, called stab phlebectomy, is required to remove more stubborn veins that remain symptomatic. But, this is also a short, office-based procedure, and does not require a trip to the hospital with long check in times, general anesthesia, a full operative room, or long recovery room stay. This procedure involves marking the abnormal veins with a pen, lidocaine is injected next to the offending vein, a small skin puncture made in the numb area, and the vein removed with a special hook.

If the skin puncture is small enough, you may not even require a suture to close the wound. While somewhat more invasive than the other techniques described above, it typically takes less than an hour, any post-procedure discomfort treated easily with medication, and recovery is still very rapid.

The team at Precision Vein Care, led by Dr. Guzzo , has a combined experience with these treatments that number into the thousands. We will strive to create a comprehensive vein care plan to treat your symptoms, prevent recurrences, and use all of the latest technology all in the comfort of our office. So, don’t wait, contact us to get your vein evaluation today, and get on the pathway to having your legs look and feel great!