8, 3, 2024

Introducing Our New Amazing Dermatologist: Dr. Busch, MD

2024-02-17T16:06:20-08:00

Introducing Our New Dermatologist: Dr. Busch

We are thrilled to announce the addition of Dr. Busch, a highly respected and board-certified dermatologist, to our team at La Jolla Vein & Vascular! With her extensive expertise and dedication to patient care, Dr. Heidi Busch brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our Vista location.

About Dr. Busch

Dr. Busch has been board certified by the American Board of Dermatology since 2001, showcasing her commitment to maintaining the highest standards of dermatologic care. With a focus on general, cosmetic, and surgical dermatology, Dr. Busch is adept at addressing a wide range of dermatologic concerns for patients of all ages, from pre-teens to senior citizens.

What sets Dr. Busch apart is her meticulous nature, diagnostic skill, and genuine compassion for her patients. Colleagues hold her in high regard for her expertise and dedication to patient well-being. Patients appreciate her approachability and the thorough patient education she provides, ensuring they feel empowered and informed about their skin health. Dr. Busch believes in building long-term relationships with her patients, fostering a welcoming and comfortable environment where they can trust they are receiving exceptional dermatologic care.

Dr. Busch: Background and Experience

Dr. Busch’s journey to becoming a dermatologist is marked by a remarkable academic and professional trajectory. She graduated with honors from UC San Diego with a double major in Physiology and Psychology in 1990. Following this, she earned her medical degree from Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston in 1994, while on a military scholarship.

Her dedication to serving her country led her to complete her internship year in Obstetrics & Gynecology at the Naval Medical Center San Diego. Dr. Busch was then selected to serve as a Naval Flight Surgeon, providing medical care to the renowned VMA-214 Black Sheep Squadron at the Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, AZ. Following her tenure as a Flight Surgeon, she pursued her passion for dermatology, completing her residency at the esteemed dermatology program at the Naval Medical Center San Diego.

During her military career, Dr. Busch served as the department head of dermatology in Yokosuka, Japan, before completing her ten-year service at Camp Pendleton as a Lieutenant Commander. Her diverse experiences have honed her skills and equipped her with a unique perspective on dermatologic care.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Dr. Busch is a devoted wife and mother of three, actively involved in her community through volunteer work at her children’s school and church. She particularly enjoys supporting youth sports and theater activities.

Services of Dr. Busch

Dr. Busch offers a comprehensive range of dermatologic services, including:

  • Skin cancer screenings
  • Management of skin conditions such as acne and eczema
  • Removal of benign growths including lipomas, cysts, cherry angiomas, moles, warts, and molluscum
  • Treatment of skin rashes and infections
  • Cosmetic enhancements

Schedule Your Consultation Today with Dr. Busch

We invite you to explore our website to learn more about Dr. Heidi Busch’s services and schedule a consultation at our Vista location. Experience personalized and expert dermatologic care tailored to your unique needs. With Dr. Busch’s expertise and compassionate approach, you can trust that your skin health is in good hands.

“Bringing Experts Together for Unparalleled Vein and Vascular Care”

La Jolla Vein & Vascular (formerly La Jolla Vein Care) is committed to bringing experts together for unparalleled vein and vascular care. 

Nisha Bunke, MD, Sarah Lucas, MD, and Amanda Steinberger, MD are specialists who combine their experience and expertise to offer world-class vascular care. 

Our accredited center is also a nationally known teaching site and center of excellence. 

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

 For a deeper dive into vein and vascular care, please check out our Youtube Channel at this link, and our website https://ljvascular.com

For more information on varicose veins and eliminating underlying venous insufficiency,

Please follow our social media Instagram Profile for more fun videos and educational information. 

For more blogs and educational content, please check out our clinic’s blog posts

Introducing Our New Amazing Dermatologist: Dr. Busch, MD2024-02-17T16:06:20-08:00

7, 9, 2023

New Doctor: Dr Amanda Steinberger: Let’s get to know her!

2023-09-07T10:40:50-07:00

New Doctor: Dr Amanda Steinberger: Let’s get to know her!

Steinberger

We are thrilled to introduce our newest addition to the La Jolla Vein & Vascular team, Dr. Amanda Steinberger, a distinguished interventional radiologist with a passion for advancing the field of venous disease treatment. With a wealth of experience and specialized expertise, Dr. Steinberger brings a unique perspective to our practice, ensuring the highest level of care for our valued patients.

Meet Dr. Amanda Steinberger

Dr. Amanda Steinberger is a board-certified Interventional Radiologist, renowned for her dedication to both Interventional Radiology and Diagnostic Radiology. Her commitment to excellence and patient-centered care sets her apart in the field. What truly sets Dr. Steinberger apart is her specialization in superficial vein disease. With a deep understanding of this complex area, she has earned certification from the American Board of Venous & Lymphatic Medicine, a testament to her expertise.

Exceptional Training and Expertise

Dr. Steinberger’s journey to becoming a leading figure in interventional radiology and venous disease is marked by rigorous training and remarkable achievements. She completed her fellowship training in Vascular & Interventional Imaging at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), a prestigious teaching hospital affiliated with Harvard Medical School. This training not only honed her skills but also exposed her to cutting-edge techniques in the field.

Before her fellowship at BIDMC, Dr. Steinberger completed her residency training in diagnostic radiology at Mercy Catholic Medical Center in Philadelphia. Her comprehensive training laid the foundation for her future success, equipping her with the knowledge and skills to excel in her practice.

Passion for Venous Disease

Dr. Steinberger’s journey into the world of venous disease began early in her career. With her focus set on making a positive impact in this specialized area, she has dedicated over 5 years to practicing and specializing in venous disease. Her commitment to staying at the forefront of advancements in the field ensures that her patients receive the most up-to-date and effective treatments available.

Partnering for Your Wellness

With Dr. Amanda Steinberger joining our team, we are proud to offer an even higher level of expertise and care to our patients. Her passion for venous disease, coupled with her exceptional training, aligns seamlessly with our mission to provide the best possible care and outcomes for those we serve. Whether you’re seeking treatment for varicose veins, spider veins, or other vascular conditions, Dr. Steinberger’s knowledge and dedication ensure that you’re in capable hands.

We extend a warm welcome to Dr. Amanda Steinberger, a trailblazing interventional radiologist whose expertise in venous disease adds a new dimension to our practice. Her commitment to delivering exceptional patient care and staying at the forefront of advancements in her field perfectly aligns with our values. If you’re in search of compassionate, specialized care for your venous health, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Steinberger and experience firsthand the difference that expertise and dedication can make.

“Bringing Experts Together for Unparalleled Vein and Vascular Care”

La Jolla Vein & Vascular (formerly La Jolla Vein Care) is committed to bringing experts together for unparalleled vein and vascular care. 

Nisha Bunke, MD, Sarah Lucas, MD, and Amanda Steinberger, DO are specialists who combine their experience and expertise to offer world-class vascular care. 

Our accredited center is also a nationally known teaching site and center of excellence. 

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

 For a deeper dive into vein and vascular care, please check out our Youtube Channel at this link, and our website https://ljvascular.com

For more information on varicose veins and eliminating underlying venous insufficiency,

Please follow our social media Instagram Profile and Tik Tok Profile for more fun videos and educational information. 

For more blogs and educational content, please check out our clinic’s blog posts

New Doctor: Dr Amanda Steinberger: Let’s get to know her!2023-09-07T10:40:50-07:00

1, 6, 2023

Our new La Jolla Vein & Vascular Vista Clinic is now open!!! 

2023-05-30T17:32:05-07:00

Our new La Jolla Vein & Vascular Vista Clinic is now open!!! 

Vista

We had our wonderful ribbon cutting ceremony this past month with Vista City’s Chamber of Commerce. 

Vista

We were so honored to have Vista City Council member, Dan O’Donnell and 

District Representative, Jessica Ramirez attend and support our opening! 

vista

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Thank you to all who attended. We are proud and honored to serve the Vista community! Stay tuned for more updates from the clinic through our social media and website and special informational posts to learn more about what we specialize in and can help you with!

 

North County San Diego / Vista Endovascular Center

 

Location: Our North County office is located on the south side of Highway 78 in Vista, East of I-5 and 6 miles from Tri-City Medical Center. It is just miles from Oceanside and Carlsbad.  Our endovascular center is located at this location.  

 

-Phone: 760-249-7007

-Text us: (858) 283-4099

-Fax: (760) 249-7017

-Full Address: 906 Sycamore Ave, Vista, CA 92081

 

Vista Clinic Services:

 

-Vascular lab & Diagnostic Imaging:

 

La Jolla Vein and Vascular’s non-invasive vascular laboratory utilizes advanced imaging machines that look for vascular diseases that may affect how well blood flows in the arteries and veins. As an accredited Vein Center, we are expanding our services in vascular imaging to offer comprehensive diagnostic vascular testing. Our laboratory is accredited by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC) for Vascular Testing.

 

-Evaluation for all vascular conditions of the legs, feet and pelvis

 

The vascular lab examines blood vessels throughout the body that feed major organs and tissue. These tests can help diagnose and treat many vascular conditions such as peripheral arterial disease (PAD), stroke, aneurysms and venous insufficiency.

By using cutting edge diagnostics, our Duplex Ultrasound technology is used for screening and testing purposes. 

A Duplex ultrasound combines Doppler flow information and conventional imaging information, sometimes called B-mode, to allow physicians to see the structure of your blood vessels. Duplex ultrasound uses sound waves to get images of your blood vessels.  It also helps determine how fast blood moves through the vessels. It can also be useful to estimate the diameter of a blood vessel as well as the amount of obstruction, if any, in the blood vessel. Using duplex ultrasound technology, the structure of your blood vessels, the valve function, the movement of your red blood cells and direction of blood flow through the vessels, and any blockages or blood clots can be seen.

 

-Varicose vein procedures

 

Step 1: The Underlying Problem

 

The first step is to treat the underlying problem, the venous reflux. The specific pattern of venous reflux was detected by ultrasound. Venous reflux usually starts in the saphenous veins. The saphenous veins are most effectively treated with vein ablation procedures. This involves placing a small catheter within the vein and using heat or a solution to produce injury and eventual closure of the vein. The most commonly used treatments for the saphenous veins are radiofrequency ablation (RFA), laser ablation, mechanico-chemical ablation

(MOCA or Clarivein), and in some cases Varithena Foam or Venaseal.

 

The treatment recommendation is customized, based on where reflux is present and other factors that need to be considered when making this decision.

 

These will involve the following:

 

Your age, overall health, and medical condition.

Extent of the condition.

The findings of your venous ultrasound.

Your signs and symptoms.

Your tolerance of specific medicines, procedures, or therapies.

Expectations for the course of the condition.

Your opinion or preference.

 

Step 2: Varicose Vein Treatment

 

After the underlying saphenous vein reflux is corrected, the bulging veins (varicose veins) can be treated by injecting a foamed medication that will cause them to scar and eventually dissolve (foam sclerotherapy), or to remove them using tiny incisions. The most common method is foam sclerotherapy. This is also known as ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy (UGFS). Phlebectomy is another option which includes making small incisions to remove the vein.

 

-Leg ulcers

 

We might all be familiar with ulcers in a general manner, but certain types of ulcers behave quite differently due to various contributing factors. These are nonhealing ulcers or nonhealing wounds, and if not treated with care and in good time, such wounds can pose a serious risk to the patient’s health. Severe cases may lead to amputation of the affected limbs or loss of life in the most extreme circumstances. The nonhealing ulcers cases we treat here at La Jolla Vein & Vascular fall under peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and a subcategory of arterial disease.

 

Non-healing wounds or ulcers do not follow the usual healing process and are referred to as chronic wounds should they persist beyond 3 weeks. Such wounds can be a heavy burden to live with for anyone. Still, the board-certified vascular surgeons and specialists at La Jolla Vein & Vascular are dedicated to administering effective treatment and management solutions to all patients so they may resume a healthy, productive, and pain-free life.

 

-Lymphedema care

 

At La Jolla Vein & Vascular, we can assist in the diagnosis of a vascular cause of leg swelling by using duplex ultrasound.  Duplex ultrasound can diagnose a blood clot or venous reflux.  In some cases a venogram may be recommended if an obstruction higher than the groin is suspected.  Lymphedema is a clinical diagnosis, but lymphoscintigraphy can be ordered at an outside imaging center.

 

-Endovascular Center (vein and arterial procedures)

 

Vista Clinic Providers:

 

-Dr. Elliot DeYoung (Interventional Radiologist) 

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Dr. Elliot DeYoung is a board-certified interventional radiologist who has spent his career focused on minimally invasive procedures. He completed his training at University of California, San Diego where he specialized in vascular interventions and served on the patient safety committee. Dr. DeYoung’s expertise spans vascular disease from angioplasty and stenting to embolization and ablation. He values thorough patient education and the continuity of patient care.

He will lead the center in the expansion of vascular services to provide crucial out-patient care to the community. The practice is enthusiastic to offer treatments for peripheral arterial disease, May Thurners’, and uterine fibroids.

Dr. DeYoung received his bachelor’s degree from USC in Psychology followed by his medical degree from the University of Sydney, School of Medicine. He initially trained as a General Surgery resident in New York before transitioning his training to Interventional Radiology in San Diego. He has a passion for water sports and his free time is spent enjoying the outdoors with his family.

Dr. DeYoung is looking forward to treating your vascular needs at La Jolla Vein & Vascular.

Our La Jolla Vein & Vascular Vista team is looking forward as well to serving you!

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“Bringing Experts Together for Unparalleled Vein and Vascular Care”

La Jolla Vein & Vascular (formerly La Jolla Vein Care) is committed to bringing experts together for unparalleled vein and vascular care. 

Nisha Bunke, MD, Sarah Lucas, MD, and Elliot DeYoung, MD are specialists who combine their experience and expertise to offer world-class vascular care. 

Our accredited center is also a nationally known teaching site and center of excellence. 

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

 For a deeper dive into vein and vascular care, please check out our Youtube Channel at this link, and our website https://ljvascular.com

For more information on varicose veins and eliminating underlying venous insufficiency,

Please follow our social media Instagram Profile and Tik Tok Profile for more fun videos and educational information. 

For more blogs and educational content, please check out our clinic’s blog posts


Our new La Jolla Vein & Vascular Vista Clinic is now open!!! 2023-05-30T17:32:05-07:00

15, 8, 2022

La Jolla Vein Care EXPANDS SERVICES, RENAMES LA JOLLA VEIN & VASCULAR

2022-07-20T13:26:27-07:00

La Jolla Vein Care EXPANDS SERVICES, RENAMES LA JOLLA VEIN & VASCULAR

 

Renowned vein clinic welcomes new physician, offers new services, and rebrands to La Jolla Vein & Vascular

 

La Jolla Vein and Vascular is a leader in vein treatment serving the Southern California community since 2010, announces a new name to reflect their recent expansion of services. La Jolla Vein Care is known for their renowned physicians, technically advanced and innovative approach to vein care. It was one of the first vein centers in the region to earn esteemed accreditation by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC) for its dedication to quality patient care, positive patient outcomes, safety and physician expertise in the evaluation and management of superficial venous disorders. IAC accreditation is a “seal of approval” that patients can rely on as an indicator of consistent quality care and a dedication to continuous improvement. Varicose veins affect more than half of one half of Americans age 50 and older. Varicose veins occur when the valves in the leg veins no longer function, causing blood to pool in the legs. In some cases, this condition progresses to a more serious form of venous disease called chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). 

 

While LJVC has provided relief of painful varicose veins and ulcers of the legs, many people suffer from varicose veins in other areas of the body, such as the pelvic region in both men and women. These and other vascular conditions can be diagnosed and treated by interventional radiologists with special vascular training. Dr. Elliot DeYoung has joined LJVC’s  powerhouse team to continue its renowned venous care and add a complementary layer of medical specialization to the practice. 

Specializing in interventional radiology, with expertise The practice is enthusiastic to welcome Dr. Elliot DeYoung to their medical staff. Dr. DeYoung’s expertise spans vascular disease from angioplasty and stenting to embolization and ablation.  He will lead the center in the expansion of vascular services to provide crucial out-patient care to the community. The practice is enthusiastic to offer a wide variety of interventional procedures including treatments for other vascular conditions such as peripheral arterial disease, pelvic congestion, may thurners, deep vein thrombosis, varicocele, and uterine fibroids. 

 

‘It’s always been our mission to offer the most comprehensive vein care possible. Now, we are able to offer even more comprehensive vein and vascular care to the community. “Dr. Deyoung’s expertise and skills will help us continue to provide patients with leading edge therapeutics for venous disease,” said Dr. Nisha Bunke, founder of La Jolla Vein Care. We are proud to welcome him to our team.”The treatments Dr. DeYoung is able to offer are endovascular procedures that rely on “real-time” advanced medical imaging to precisely target areas of the body for treatment through millimeter-size incisions. It takes medical care to the next level beyond vein care. As a result, we saw fit to change the medical practice’s name to La Jolla Vein & Vascular (LJVV) to reflect these changes.’ Says Dr. Nisha Bunke, the clinic’s Founder and Medical Director. 

 

Dr. Elliot DeYoung is a board-certified interventional radiologist who has spent his career focused on minimally invasive procedures. He completed his training at University of California, San Diego where he specialized in vascular interventions and served on the patient safety committee. Dr. DeYoung’s expertise spans vascular disease from angioplasty and stenting to embolization and ablation. He values thorough patient education and the continuity of patient care. Dr. DeYoung received his bachelor’s degree from USC in Psychology followed by his medical degree from the University of Sydney, School of Medicine. He initially trained as a General Surgery resident in New York before transitioning his training to Interventional Radiology in San Diego. He has a passion for water sports and his free time is spent enjoying the outdoors with his family.

 

To learn more about La Jolla Vein and Vascular, visit ljvascular.com.  Connect with LJVV on Instagram and Facebook.

 

About La Jolla Vein & Vascular: 

La Jolla Vein & Vascular is San Diego’s most comprehensive endovascular center, dedicated exclusively to the diagnosis and treatment of vascular disorders. Vascular conditions permeate both women and men’s health. Vascular disorders treated include peripheral arterial disease, pelvic congestion, labial varicose veins, uterine fibroids,  may thurners, deep vein thrombosis, varicocele, varicose veins, leg ulcers and uterine fibroids.

 

La Jolla Vein Care enjoys positively impacting patient lives, health and overall well-being with its minimally invasive procedures, including an array of endovenous techniques such as radiofrequency, laser and foam sclerotherapy treatments. Learn more about La Jolla Vein Care’s specialty physicians, approach and what has driven its 10+ years of success at LJVascular.com.

 

La Jolla Vein Care EXPANDS SERVICES, RENAMES LA JOLLA VEIN & VASCULAR2022-07-20T13:26:27-07:00

26, 4, 2022

La Jolla Vein and Vascular welcomes Jodi Hirsch, PA-C

2022-04-23T14:24:17-07:00

La Jolla Vein and Vascular welcomes Jodi Hirsch, PA-C

jodihirsch

Jodi Hirsch PA-C is a board-certified physician assistant who has spent her career specializing in the field of peripheral vascular disease and venous disease.  She gained her undergraduate degree in chemistry and pursued her degree in Physician Assistant Studies from Touro University in NY in 2006. She has spent her professional career in San Diego, previously working in the Department of Vascular Surgery at Scripps. When not at work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two little boys.

For more information please watch Jodi’s video here.

La Jolla Vein and Vascular welcomes Jodi Hirsch, PA-C2022-04-23T14:24:17-07:00

La Jolla Vein & Vascular welcomes Dr. Elliot DeYoung, M.D.

2022-04-23T14:16:23-07:00

La Jolla Vein & vascular welcomes our newest doctor at the La Jolla location, Dr. Elliot DeYoung, MD.

new doctor

Dr. Elliot DeYoung is a board-certified interventional radiologist who has spent his career focused on minimally invasive procedures. He completed his training at University of California, San Diego where he specialized in vascular interventions and served on the patient safety committee. Dr. DeYoung’s expertise spans vascular disease from angioplasty and stenting to embolization and ablation. He values thorough patient education and the continuity of patient care.

Dr. DeYoung is excited about joining La Jolla Vein & Vascular team to continue its renowned venous care. He will lead the center in the expansion of vascular services to provide crucial out-patient care to the community. The practice is enthusiastic to offer treatments for peripheral arterial disease, may thurners, and uterine fibroids.

Dr. DeYoung received his bachelor’s degree from USC in Psychology followed by his medical degree from the University of Sydney, School of Medicine. He initially trained as a General Surgery resident in New York before transitioning his training to Interventional Radiology in San Diego. He has a passion for water sports and his free time is spent enjoying the outdoors with his family.

Dr. DeYoung is looking forward to treating your vascular needs at La Jolla Vein & Vascular.

Dr. DeYoung is a vascular specialist with focus on aortic and peripheral vascular disease, pelvic congestion syndrome, and interventional oncology. His skills include varicocele embolization, venous interventions, uterine fibroid embolization, prostate artery embolization, and genicular artery embolization.

Please check out Dr DeYoung’s video for more information.

La Jolla Vein & Vascular welcomes Dr. Elliot DeYoung, M.D.2022-04-23T14:16:23-07:00

Diabetes and Vascular Health

2022-04-01T08:55:27-07:00

Diabetes and Vascular Disease

Diabetes Mellitus is a disease that affects the body’s ability to absorb glucose, which is a form of sugar and a major source of energy. There are two types of diabetes, Type 1 (formerly known as juvenile diabetes) and Type 2 (formerly called adult onset diabetes).

Both cause high levels of glucose in the bloodstream. High blood sugar causes many of the long-term effects of diabetes. Too much sugar in the blood damages the linings of the arteries of all sizes, and that can cause atherosclerosis, in which arteries are weakened and/or clogged with plaque.

Atherosclerosis in diabetic patients can lead to:

  • Kidney damage. Kidneys have tiny blood vessels that remove waste from the blood, but diabetes blocks these blood vessels. As the disease progresses, the kidneys lose function and eventually fail.
  • Retinopathy. High blood sugar can cause tiny blood vessels in the eyes to become blocked. When your eye tries to grow new blood vessels, they grow abnormally, eventually leading to blindness.
  • Peripheral artery disease. Glucose damage to the arteries that feed oxygen and nutrients to the legs and feet can lead to pain in the legs, foot sores that won’t heal, chronic pain from poor circulation and in some cases, amputation.
  • Neuropathy. In this condition, the patient loses feeling in the feet and toes. Decreased blood flow caused by clogged arteries can damage the nerves in the extremities.

If you or someone in your family has diabetes, be aware that:

-Patients with diabetes are more likely to get vascular disease.

-Patients with both diabetes and vascular disease are at risk of amputation, blindness, kidney failure and other serious disabilities.

Treatment of diabetes:

Because of the effects, it is very important to aggressively treat both types of diabetes to minimize long-term damage. Careful maintenance of the blood glucose level is the primary goal of this treatment. The HbAl c is a test that estimates the averaged glucose level over a three-month period. Maintaining an HbAl c < 7% is known to lower the risk of amputation, heart attacks, stroke and onset of peripheral arterial disease.

 

Avoiding foods and snacks high in sugar (which can include seemingly innocuous items such as white bread and pasta) can help maintain healthy glucose control. In addition, exercise helps to burn energy and improve your body’s ability to keep your glucose at a healthy level.

Ultimately, medication is often required to maintain this control. For type 2 diabetes, it has been shown that use of an insulin sensitizing medication (usually an oral agent) dramatically decreases cardiovascular complications compared to using only insulin. Consultation with a diabetes specialist can help you to manage your diabetes optimally. There are many new ways to check your glucose at home, including phone apps, and this knowledge and feedback can help you to manage your A1c better.

 

Preventive Care

Preventive care is a critical component of limiting lifetime complications for diabetics. Diabetes predisposes one to heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure and peripheral arterial disease. Knowing the signs and symptoms of these can facilitate you seeking help before a tragic event occurs. However, diabetes can also blunt the usual nerve response to diseases such as the pain of peripheral artery disease. This loss of sensation results in an increased risk of pressure ulcers on the feet. Patients with diabetes should perform routine inspection of their feet to evaluate for any breaks in the skin and notify their doctor immediately if found.Often, nail care can be complicated in diabetic patients. If you have been told you have peripheral neuropathy, ask for a referral to a podiatrist to assist you with nail care to avoid potentially dangerous injuries in nail care. If you do develop any wounds on your feet that do not heal in a reasonable time or seem to be expanding, ask your doctor to refer you to a vascular surgeon here at La Jolla Vein Care.

 

Diabetes and Vascular Health2022-04-01T08:55:27-07:00

28, 3, 2022

Asclera: A New Treatment For Spider Veins and Small Varicose Veins

2022-12-13T13:26:40-08:00

What is polidocanol (Asclera)?

A variety of sclerosant medications can be used for veins, but at La Jolla Vein Care, we prefer polidocanol (brand name Asclera), because it is the most comfortable for the patient and has the lowest risk of side effects. It is a detergent-type medication that injures the inner lining of the veins. This causes the vein to stop flowing, then eventually close down completely. Polidocanol has been well-studied and has been approved by the FDA since 2010 for the treatment of varicose veins and has been used in Europe for decades. Polidocanol is turned into a foam to treat larger veins. This is an off-label use of the sclerosant but very effective and well tolerated. Asclera (polidocanol) Injection is a prescription medicine that is used in a procedure called sclerotherapy to remove unwanted veins on your legs. It is administered by a healthcare provider to treat two types of veins:

Uncomplicated spider veins (very small varicose veins ≤ 1 mm in diameter)
Uncomplicated small varicose veins (1 to 3 mm in diameter) known as reticular veins
Asclera has not been studied in varicose veins more than 3 mm in diameter. La Jolla Vein Care providers have extensive experience with foam sclerotherapy.

Patient Results before and after at 26 weeks after last treatment

asclerabeforeascleraafter

The patient was treated for uncomplicated spider veins (≤ 1 mm)
Treated with 0.5% Asclera

ADVERSE REACTIONS:

-Injection site hematoma
-Injection site irritation
-Injection site discoloration
-Injection site pain
-Injection site itching
-Injection site warmth
-Neovascularization
-Injection site clotting

How often do I need treatment to see results?

The number and frequency of treatments depends on the size of the vessels and their location. Ask your provider about an individualized treatment approach that is right for you.

asclerabeforeafter

How does Asclera work?

Asclera is a sclerosing agent that is injected into the vein. It works by damaging the endothelium, the inside lining of blood vessels. This causes blood platelets and cellular debris to attach to the lining of the vessels. Eventually, cellular debris and platelets cause the blood vessel to clot. Over time, the clotted vein will be replaced with tissue.

How satisfied are patients who use Asclera?

88% of clinical study patients were satisfied or very satisfied with their Asclera treatment after 12 weeks.

ascleragraph
How long is each Asclera session?

A typical session lasts 15 to 45 minutes. Generally, 1 to 3 injections may be necessary to treat a given spider or reticular vein. Repeat treatment sessions may be necessary. Any additional treatment sessions are usually separated by 1 to 2 weeks.

What should I expect after being treated with Asclera?

Following treatment, you’ll need to wear compression stockings day and night for 2 to 3 days, then for 2 to 3 weeks during the daytime, as directed by your provider. Compression stockings are designed to apply pressure to your lower legs, helping to maintain blood flow, and reduce discomfort and swelling. Compression helps your legs heal and is necessary to reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis.

Are there activities I should avoid after receiving an Asclera Injection?

For 2 to 3 days following the treatment, avoid:
-Heavy exercise
-Sunbathing
-Long plane flights
-Hot baths, hot tubs, or saunas

Possible side effects to Asclera treatments:

Temporary side effects may occur at the site of the injection, including:

-Bruising
-Raised red areas
-Small skin sores
-Darkened skin in the form of lines or spots
-Multiple tiny red blood vessels
-These side effects usually go away within a few days to several weeks. Some side effects may take months or years to resolve.

For more information or to book an appointment for Asclera therapy, please call our office at 858-550-0330.

Asclera: A New Treatment For Spider Veins and Small Varicose Veins2022-12-13T13:26:40-08:00

What are the adverse effects of Vein treatment?

2022-03-17T10:21:05-07:00

What are the adverse effects of Vein treatment?

Patients generally do very well with vein treatments, all of which have a low risk of complications. Some post treatment effects can include:

 

Aching over the treated veins is normal after vein treatment. This responds well to walking, ice packs, and anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve). 

vein treatment pain

Bruising over injection sites is also normal after vein treatment and resolves in about two weeks. 

vein treatment bruise

Hyperpigmentation over a vein can occur from blood pigments that are released as the vein is healing. It is more common in patients with large bulging veins and certain complexions. Hyperpigmentation tends to fade over many weeks after vein treatment if you stay out of direct sunlight. 

deep vein clots

Intravascular hematoma refers to a large varicose vein that becomes firm and tender days to weeks after treatment. This also responds well to ice packs and anti-inflammatory medications. We may also recommend a confirmatory ultrasound and/or offer needle drainage of the trapped blood to alleviate discomfort and minimize skin pigmentation. 

 

Deep vein clots are very uncommon, and usually are limited to patients with poor mobility, advanced age, hormone treatment, and/or genetic tendency for clotting. We monitor all patients with ultrasound throughout treatment so we can detect clots at a very early stage before they cause a symptom. We may recommend surveillance ultrasounds, extra walking, and/or a short course of blood thinners. 

deep vein thrombosis

Numb spot over a treated vein is another uncommon event after radiofrequency or laser vein ablation. This occurs when a branch of a skin nerve gets stunned during the heat treatment. It tends to improve over several weeks. The nerves that control the movement of the leg and foot are located far from the superficial veins. 

 

What are the adverse effects of Vein treatment?2022-03-17T10:21:05-07:00

Why have I been offered an endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) procedure? 

2022-03-17T10:20:32-07:00

Endovenous Laser Ablation for Saphenous Vein Reflux 

Endovenous laser vein ablation, also known as endovenous laser therapy (EVLA), is a type of treatment for saphenous vein reflux, the underlying cause of most varicose veins. At La Jolla Vein Care, we offer ALL treatment modalities for varicose veins, not just one. Treatment is customized based on a person’s individual pattern of venous reflux (determined by ultrasound examination), personal preference, and personal health history.

The  endovenous laser vein ablation procedure may be offered for backward flow (or “reflux”) in your saphenous vein(s).  The great and small saphenous veins are the two main superficial veins that run along the inner thigh/ calf and the back of the legs, respectively. Some people have anatomic variations where the small saphenous vein in the back of the calf extends to the thigh. Many people also have reflux in their anterior or posterior saphenous veins.

evla

This minimally invasive procedure can be performed in the office in less than 30 minutes and patients return to their usual level of activity the same day.

evla treatment

How does the treatment work?

The skin is numbed with lidocaine, then a tiny wire and the laser catheter are inserted into the vein. The catheter delivers laser energy to the vein wall, causing it to seal shut. The remaining healthy veins continue to bring blood back to the heart. 

 

What should I expect on the day of treatment?

The procedure is performed with local anesthesia, but many patients elect to use a mild oral sedative (Valium), which is taken after checking in and completing all paperwork. You will change into a gown and leave underwear on.

Depending on the vein to be treated, you will lay on your back or on your belly. We do our best to make special accommodations (for example, if you cannot lie flat or cannot bend a knee very well) with body positioning and using pillows. We will do our best to make you comfortable. Then, we will give you the option of watching a movie on Netflix or listen to music. Once you are comfortable, your leg will be prepped with cleansing solution for the sterile procedure. The doctor will perform an ultrasound to map the vein to be treated.

Then, a numbing agent (lidocaine) will be injected into the skin. In the numb area of the skin, a tiny puncture is made to pass the laser catheter under ultrasound guidance. Your doctor will then use a needle to administer a combination of cool saline and local anesthetic around the vein. This solution numbs the vein and insulates it from the surrounding tissue. Laser energy will then be used to painlessly treat the vein. Once your vein has been treated, we will help you into your compression stocking, which you will wear for 72 hours continuously. You will walk for 30 minutes prior to getting in your car. 

 

Why have I been offered an endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) procedure? 2022-03-17T10:20:32-07:00
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