How San Diego Top Doctors are Redefining Vein and Vascular Care
La Jolla Vein & Vascular brings together board-certified experts in Vascular Surgery and Interventional Radiology to provide the most advanced treatments for vascular disorders of the legs and pelvis. We diagnose and treat a complete range of vascular disorders, including varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), chronic venous insufficiency, leg ulcers, May-Thurner, leg swelling, leg pain, peripheral artery disease (PAD), varicocele and vascular conditions specific to women such as pelvic venous congestion and uterine fibroids.
Our non-invasive laboratory is located within our main clinic and at locations throughout San Diego, for greater convenience. Read more about the conditions we treat, our concierge-style approach to patient care and why we are San Diego’s leader in comprehensive vein and vascular care.
OUR PATIENTS SAY
Dr De Young is personable and thorough in his explanations. Exceptional.
I am pleased to recommend La Jolla Vein & Vascular. I am in the process of receiving treatment there. The entire medical staff are super friendly, welcoming and very helpful. Everyone is courteous, including the physicians. I’ve had one doctor follow my case. He’s the one who always treats me at appointments and closely follows my health. I am very comfortable going there. Would go again if needed and encourage anyone who’s thinking of making an appointment to do so asap. You’ll see what a wonderful experience it is. It’s the people who make it so special!
From my greeting at the front desk to the ultrasound and visit with the doctor, I received excellent care. It’s clear they care about their patients and all the staff couldn’t have been nicer or more helpful. I also appreciate how much time the doctor spent with me to explain the results and the next steps. I would definitely recommend this office to friends with vein issues.
“You all are so wonderful ! I always feel so special when I arrive for my appointment, and I am certain that all your patients feel the same. Jodi Hirsch Pa , What a wonderful caring and kind person . The best!! I have never had a bad experience with anyone in that office. How lucky am I, to be treated with such kindness and respect. Thank you so much!!”
We were early and didn’t have to wait at all. The tech that did my husband’s ultrasound, Monica, was very accommodating with my husband’s Parkinson’s. Doctor Lucas whom we hadn’t seen before, came to us instead of making my husband walk down to another office. She spent a lot of time getting caught up on Steve’s background issues/conditions. I was impressed by this medical group before, so I was surprised that the staff was even better this time around; I honestly didn’t think there was room for improvement!
I have been having leg treatments for several months now La Jolla Vein Care. Every time I go to an appointment; the staff is so friendly and takes such good care of me; always informative; not in a rush and always friendly (especially Alejandra & Anna to name a few). Of course Dr. Lucas is amazing. The treatments have changed my life. Overall this has been an incredible experience.
Beautiful facility! I walked in without an appointment and they took me right away! It was even the end of the day…I was so grateful…Every single person was soooo pleasant! Super impressed
Highly recommend! Entire staff are warm& friendly, professional and accommodating. The doctor took the time to thoroughly explain everything and encouraged me to ask questions. I never felt rushed. Significantly better experience than the other 2 vein clinics I’ve been to on the east coast. I wish I could’ve just come here from the beginning.
The staff kept you informed as to when you would be seen and the wait was not too long. Emily took care of my ultrasound and was very accommodating giving me an extra pillow and playing a video to watch. The office is very courteous and professional- Nadia answered our questions and offered us a bottle of water. I have been seeing Dr. Bunke, but now Dr. Lucas and will continue coming to La Jolla Vein Care!
I had the best experience at La Jolla Vein Care. Dr.Bunke is an amazing doctor with the best bedside manners, she truly cares about her patients, she explained everything to me. My procedures where so easy I was impressed how painless and fast my appointments. Anna M was very helpful scheduling my treatments and checking on me to make sure all of my questions were answered. I am very pleased thank you !!! I truly recommend La Jolla Vein Care!
Everyone here is so nice! Usually front desk medical personnel are so rude. The front desk ladies Alejandra, Anna, and I think her name is Liz, went above and beyond to take care of me and my insurance issues. The techs are great too! Rachel and a male technician assisted me…both of them implemented different techniques to make me feel more at ease during an uncomfortable and painful process. These procedures were rough…and I am grateful everyone was so sweet to me. Thanks again.
When I arrived for the first time, I could barely walk. My legs were red and swollen. After my treatments, I can now walk again. I’m so thankful to the doctor and his staff. They are caring, supporting and knowledgeable about my issues. Five Stars all the way!!!!
La Jolla Vein care has the best staff ever. They are so nice, accommodating and professional!! Dr. Bunke is the best doctor that I ever seen. She is so friendly upfront and has the best bed side manner. I thank this office for letting me be their patient. . Plus they are so careful with COVID which I really appreciate!!!
Services We Provide
Our full-service vascular lab on-site provides state-of-the-art facility and testing so our physicians can can quickly and accurately address each patient’s unique case. Our certified vascular technicians have special expertise in conditions related to arteries and veins. They use painless, non-invasive imaging called ultrasound, to look at blood flow in the arteries and veins. Ultrasound is used to diagnose conditions such as venous insufficiency, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Same day ultrasounds may be available.
Our accredited vein center treats the entire spectrum of vein disorders from simple spider veins to varicose veins and venous leg ulcers. Varicose veins are abnormally enlarged, twisted veins at the surface of the skin on the legs. We use non-surgical treatment methods to remove the varicose veins and treat the underlying root cause, called venous reflux disease. Treatments we offer include sclerotherapy, Radiofrequency ablation, Chemical Ablation, Laser ablation, Venaseal® , Varithena, and Clarivein®. Because we offer all procedure modalities, the treatment plan is customized to the individual, rather than what is available. Procedures are minimally-invasive and performed in our office in less than an hour, with nearly immediate return to normal activities.
La Jolla Vein & Vascular provides comprehensive, state-of-the-art diagnosis and treatment of vein conditions of the legs and pelvis, ranging from serious disorders such as deep-vein thrombosis to common conditions such as varicose veins and spider veins. Our Interventional Radiologist treats deep vein conditions such as chronic Blood Clots/deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and other deep vein conditions, like iliac vein stenosis and May-Thurner.
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) refers to poor blood flow in the legs from a blockage in the arteries of the legs. Symptoms may include leg pain, non-healing ulcers, loss of muscle and ultimately tissue death and limb loss. Modern technology can help restore blood flow. Laser Atherectomy is a minimally invasive endovascular technique for removing plaque from clogged blood vessels in the legs. The procedure uses a catheter that emits high energy light (laser) to unblock the artery. Laser energy is used to essentially vaporize the blockage inside the vessel resulting in increased blood flow to the peripheral tissue. Other arterial treatments include angioplasty, where a small balloon is used and stenting, a procedure that helps support the blood vessel walls.
Women, especially after pregnancy can develop varicose veins around the ovaries in the gonadal vein. The gonadal vein carries blood from the ovaries back to the heart. When varicose veins develop in the pelvis, it can cause a collection of symptoms called Pelvic venous congestion syndrome (PCS) and sometimes bulging veins in the labia. Treatment of pelvic varicose veins is called gonadal vein embolization (GVE). Women also suffer from vascular tumors of the uterus, called fibroids. We provide uterine artery embolization (UFE), which essentially starves a fibroid of blood, glucose, and oxygen by blocking the arteries flowing to the fibroid.
A varicocele is the abnormal enlargement of veins which occurs in the scrotum, usually on the left side, which can cause pain, swelling, and reduced fertility. Just as varicose veins can affect the legs and pelvis in women, they can also arise from dysfunctional veins in the pelvis of men. Dr. Elliot DeYoung specializes in varicocele embolization which is a minimally-invasive procedure that treats the varicocele by redirecting blood away from an enlarged vein in your scrotum.
Spider veins and reticular veins of the legs are most commonly treated with sclerotherapy. Sclerotherapy involves an injection of a medication into the vein. This will cause the vein to collapse and gradually fade away. Sclerotherapy has been used to treat spider veins for decades, but newer solutions such as AscleraTM allow for spider veins to be treated with minimal discomfort and immediate return to activities.
Venous leg ulcers, depending on the severity can be healed with a combination of correction of the underlying venous reflux, wound care clinic referral, and compression therapy. A detailed ultrasound will determine what specific treatment is needed depending on where the underlying reflux lies (for example, in the saphenous veins, perforator veins and tributaries). Deep vein reflux is also present in many individuals with ulcers.
Some people who suffer from chronic knee pain related to osteoarthritis (OA) may be candidates for a novel procedure called, Genicular artery embolization (GAE), or embolization of the knee. The goal of this minimally-invasive procedure is to provide immediate and long term pain relief for patients by reducing the blood flow to the lining of the knee, known as the synovium. Tiny particles are injected through the catheter into these arteries, reducing the blood supply. This in turn reduces the inflammation associated with osteoarthritis, which alleviates the pain.
At La Jolla Vein & Vascular, we feel that vascular conditions deserve specialized care,
and you deserve a dedicated team of physicians and staff who understand your concerns.
Why thousands of patients and over 800 referring physicians trust our care:
- Area’s first accredited dedicated vein center.
Proven results since 2010.
10,000+ patients treated.
Credentials and accreditation matters.
Our Physicians are leaders in our field.
We participate in ongoing research.
Free Benefits Verification and Price Transparency
COVID precautions are a priority.
We get you!
La Jolla Vein & Vascular has been featured in:
MEET OUR DOCTORS
Our specialists are not your average doctors. They vein train and teach other doctors, medical students, physician assistants, and empower and educate patients everyday with knowledge and choices. They lead clinical research studies and contribute to scientific journal and textbook publications. Our recent research made the cover of the “Journal for Vascular Ultrasound” in March, 2018. Our doctors continuously strive to elevate the standard in vascular care- they are fellowship-trained, board certified in venous and lymphatic disease, and earned additional credentials in ultrasound interpretation to provide comprehensive vascular care for all patients.
Sarah Lucas MD, FACS, RPVI
Dr. Sarah Lucas, MD, FACS, RPVI is a board-certified vascular surgeon who has chosen to focus her practice on the care of patients with venous and lymphatic disease. She is also a diplomate of the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine. She is a graduate of the Duke School …
Elliot DeYoung, M.D.
Dr. Elliot 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.
Nisha Bunke, MD FAVLS, RPhS
Dr. Nisha Bunke was the first physician in the United States to complete fellowship training supported by the American Vein and Lymphatic Society (formerly known as the American College of Phlebology) in 2008 and is a diplomate of the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic …
TOUR OUR FACILITY
La Jolla Vein & Vascular, formerly LA Jolla Vein Care is accredited by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC). IAC accreditation is a “seal of approval” that patients can rely on as an indication that the facility has been carefully critiqued on all aspects of its operations considered relevant by medical experts in the field of Vascular Testing and as a Vein Center.
Keep up with the latest News from
Dr. Bunke and La Jolla Vein & Vascular
What you need to know about abdominal aortic aneurysm
What is an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)? The aorta, the largest artery in your body, runs from your heart, down through your chest, and into your abdomen. The abdominal region of the aorta is [...]
What can I expect with Foam Sclerotherapy?
Ultrasound-Guided Foam Sclerotherapy Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy works well for treating surface varicose veins and veins that are not visible to the naked eye. The foam medication can be seen on ultrasound, which allows us to [...]
Ways to treat varicose veins without procedures
Ways to treat varicose veins without procedures: conservative management and self-care. Conservative Management and Self-Care for Varicose Veins Conservative management and lifestyle changes can ease the symptoms of varicose veins and help reduce complications such [...]
Venous Reflux Disease
What is Venous Reflux Disease? Venous reflux disease is also known as venous stasis, venous insufficiency or venous incompetence and refers to ‘leaky valves’ in the veins of the legs. Reflux may occur in the [...]
