22, 3, 2024

Dr. Amanda Steinberger Named a 2024 Castle Connolly Top Doctor

2024-02-27T18:59:22-08:00

Dr. Amanda Steinberger Named a 2024 Castle Connolly Top Doctor

In the realm of healthcare and the sight of Castle Connolly, certain individuals stand out not only for their exceptional skill and expertise but also for their unwavering commitment to patient well-being. Dr. Amanda L. Steinberger, an interventional radiologist specializing in venous medicine, exemplifies this standard of excellence, earning the prestigious title of a 2024 Castle Connolly Top Doctor for the second consecutive year.

Dr. Steinberger’s recognition as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor is a testament to her dedication and proficiency in the field of venous medicine. With only about 7 percent of the nation’s licensed physicians selected annually for this honor, her achievement underscores the exceptional caliber of her work and the esteem in which she is held by her peers.

As a key member of the esteemed team at La Jolla Vein & Vascular, Dr. Steinberger specializes in the evaluation and treatment of superficial vein disease, addressing a wide range of conditions including varicose veins, venous reflux/insufficiency, spider veins, and venous thrombosis. Her expertise extends to advanced, minimally invasive treatment procedures such as thermal ablation, sclerotherapy, and cosmetic laser, offering patients a comprehensive range of options for managing their vein disorders.

Castle Connolly recognizes Dr. Steinberger’s approach to patient care. It is characterized by a commitment to excellence and a focus on delivering personalized, holistic treatment solutions. She and her colleagues at La Jolla Vein & Vascular are dedicated to providing state-of-the-art minimally invasive vein care, utilizing image-guided procedures that offer significant improvements in patients’ quality of life with minimal downtime.

“We’re fortunate at La Jolla Vein & Vascular to be able to offer patients every available minimally invasive treatment for these issues,” says Dr. Steinberger. “It’s life altering without having a long or difficult recovery.”

Dr. Steinberger’s journey to becoming a leading authority in her field is marked by a pursuit of excellence in education and training. A graduate of the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, she completed her residency in diagnostic radiology at Mercy Catholic Medical Center before undertaking a fellowship in vascular and interventional radiology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, a teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School.

In addition to her clinical accomplishments, Dr. Steinberger is revered by her patients for her exemplary bedside manner and by referring clinicians across the nation for her expertise in managing the most complex cases in her subspecialty. Her dedication to advancing the field of venous medicine and improving patient outcomes serves as an inspiration to her colleagues and peers alike.

The Castle Connolly Top Doctor designation is a testament to Dr. Steinberger’s outstanding contributions to the field of healthcare and her unwavering commitment to excellence in patient care. Her recognition is not only a reflection of her individual achievements but also a celebration of the collective expertise and dedication of the entire team at La Jolla Vein & Vascular.

As we congratulate Dr. Steinberger on this well-deserved honor, we are reminded of the profound impact that exceptional healthcare professionals can have on the lives of their patients and the advancement of medical science. Dr. Steinberger’s continued pursuit of excellence serves as an inspiration to us all, embodying the values of compassion, innovation, and dedication that define the very best in healthcare.

Check out the full press release here! 

“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

Dr. Amanda Steinberger Named a 2024 Castle Connolly Top Doctor2024-02-27T18:59:22-08:00

Dr. Amanda Steinberger Named in Vista Chamber’s 40 Under 40

2024-02-27T18:46:32-08:00

Congratulations Dr. Amanda Steinberger!

It is with immense pride and joy that we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Amanda Steinberger, one of our esteemed physicians here at La Jolla Vein and Vascular, for her well-deserved recognition in the Vista Chamber Forty under Forty!

Dr. Steinberger’s dedication to her craft as a vascular and interventional radiologist shines through in every aspect of her work. Her commitment to providing safe and effective minimally invasive procedures underscores her passion for making a tangible difference in the lives of her patients. It’s truly inspiring to witness her unwavering dedication to enhancing the quality of life for those she serves.

In her own words, Dr. Steinberger eloquently expresses her profound motivation: “I’m inspired knowing I can make a difference in someone’s life every day.” This sentiment encapsulates the essence of her compassionate approach to patient care, where each interaction is infused with empathy, expertise, and a genuine desire to heal.

Beyond her clinical expertise, Dr. Steinberger embodies a spirit of continuous learning and growth, a quality that is indispensable in the ever-evolving field of venous disease management. Her eagerness to expand her knowledge and contribute to advancements in her field reflects a deep-seated commitment to excellence and innovation.

Dr. Steinberger’s success is also a testament to the supportive environment fostered within our community here at La Jolla Vein & Vascular. She speaks fondly of the camaraderie among colleagues and the collaborative spirit that permeates the medical community. Indeed, it is this sense of unity and mutual support that enables professionals like Dr. Steinberger to thrive and flourish in their careers.

Her advice to aspiring healthcare professionals resonates deeply: “Choose a job that allows you to grow, shares an interest in your goals, and supports lifelong learning.” These words serve as a guiding light for those navigating their own professional journeys, reminding us all of the importance of pursuing our passions and embracing opportunities for personal and professional development.

Dr. Steinberger’s remarkable achievements remind us that success is not merely measured by accolades, but by the lives we touch and the difference we make in the world. We are immensely proud to have her as part of our team at La Jolla Vein and Vascular, and we look forward to witnessing her continued success and contributions to the field of vascular medicine.

At La Jolla Vein & Vascular, excellence isn’t just a goal—it’s a culture that permeates every aspect of our practice. Dr. Amanda Steinberger’s recent recognition in the Vista Chamber’s 40 Under 40 is not only a testament to her individual brilliance but also a reflection of the collective spirit of achievement that defines our team.

Each member of our vein specialists’ team brings a unique blend of expertise, passion, and dedication to the table, inspiring one another to reach new heights of success. Whether it’s through groundbreaking research, innovative treatment approaches, or exemplary patient care, our specialists continually push the boundaries of what’s possible in the field of vascular medicine.

Dr. Steinberger’s accomplishment serves as a source of motivation for her colleagues, spurring them on to pursue their own professional aspirations with renewed vigor and determination. Her success is not viewed in isolation but rather as a shared triumph that uplifts the entire team.

Moreover, the camaraderie and mutual support among our vein specialists create an environment where achievements are celebrated, challenges are overcome together, and ideas are freely exchanged. This collaborative ethos fosters a culture of continuous learning and growth, where each member is empowered to excel and contribute their unique talents to the collective endeavor of providing exceptional patient care.

As we celebrate Dr. Steinberger’s well-deserved recognition, we also celebrate the spirit of inspiration and collaboration that defines our team at La Jolla Vein & Vascular. Together, we strive to push the boundaries of excellence, making a meaningful difference in the lives of our patients and the field of vascular medicine as a whole.

“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

Dr. Amanda Steinberger Named in Vista Chamber’s 40 Under 402024-02-27T18:46:32-08:00

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

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 to expect when you receive Foam Sclerotherapy

2022-03-25T12:49:38-07:00

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 administer it precisely and direct it towards nearby varicose veins. Foam sclerotherapy can be safely used for veins that travel close to the skin or nerves. It also travels easily through veins with many twists and turns. 

 

Foam treatment of varicose veins is not as new as people think. It was originally described as early as 1944.  Foam sclerotherapy is a method for treating varicose veins. It involves injecting a foamed sclerosant medication into unhealthy varicose veins, causing them to eventually dissolve.

image of foam sclerosant

Colleagues in Spain attracted attention of some vein specialists and interest in the use of foam technology in treating venous insufficiency was reawakened. Administration of foamed sclerosant was reintroduced in the early 1990s by Cabrerra, who summarized a broad experience in 1997. By the 1990’s, broad use of diagnostic ultrasound imaging made it possible to monitor foam distribution with ultrasound scanning. Some 40 years earlier, and before the development of ultrasound scanning, foam had been used in Germany to treat varicose veins.  At that time, foam was made by special syringes and its distribution was assessed by touch, instead of ultrasound scanning.

foam

How many treatments will I need?

 

The number and frequency of treatments depends on a patient’s anatomy, how well the veins respond to each treatment, and the patient’s treatment goals. The national average is 2 to 5 treatment sessions to achieve 80% improvement. Some larger or resistant veins require two or more treatments to respond completely. 

 

What should I expect on my treatment days?

You will sign your consent form then change into shorts provided by the office. We will clean your skin with alcohol, then use ultrasound to localize the veins. The foam medication will then be injected into your veins with a fine needle. You will elevate your legs on a wedge pillow for approximately 15 minutes. After your foam sclerotherapy treatment, we will help you into your compression stockings, then you will walk for 30 minutes prior to getting in your car. This is normal for your legs to be achy and tender to the touch after treatment. 

For more information on foam sclerotherapy, read this article.

 

What to expect when you receive Foam Sclerotherapy2022-03-25T12:49:38-07:00

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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