Author: Angelica Rodezno

One of the most important tools used in the diagnosis of vascular disease is a comprehensive ultrasound examination. Our full-service, ICAVL accredited vascular ultrasound lab makes us the only “free-standing”* private practice in the South Bay to offer this service on site. Why is this important? The answer to this question is simple. The Institute for Vascular Testing allows us to provide high quality vascular ultrasound studies quickly, accurately and without putting our patients through the hassle of visiting a hospital. Our state of the art imaging equipment in a stand alone facility allows our registered ultrasonography technologists to generate the most advanced studies available. In turn, these studies are read by a RPVI accredited Vascular Surgeon, and not a radiologist…that’s important, because instead of being one of a thousand studies being read by a hospital radiologist, the Vascular Surgeon examines the physics and flow parameters of blood; not just the static image of a physical structure. Vascular Surgeons know exactly what to look for as it relates to circulatory issues so that they can build a treatment plan specific to their patients individual needs.

Accurate vascular ultrasound studies are the primary tool a vascular surgeon uses to help diagnose a problem. Without a good study to construct pictures of a patients blood flow and blood vessels easily diagnosed circulatory problems are often over looked. IVT is honored to receive this national recognition as one of the premiere vascular ultrasound laboratories in the country.

*Free Standing indicates that a lab is managed by Vascular Surgeons and Vascular Medicine specialists and not controlled by managed care and or a large hospital corporation.

Blockage of the deep venous circulation in the abdominal/pelvic area in now recognized as a major cause of Chronic Venous Disease. Chronic Vein Insufficiency (CVI) occurs when the veins cannot pump enough blood back to the heart. In many cases CVI MAY be caused when either the iliac vein in your pelvis becomes compressed by the overlying artery or from a blockage following deep venous thrombosis (DVT). Many patients experience the result of this iliac vein compression as leg swelling, particularly left leg swelling. See below.

Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging is a minimally invasive diagnostic procedure that can be used to help diagnose Chronic Venous Disease. During this simple procedure where IVUS is used, a specially designed ultrasound catheter is guided by your vascular surgeon so that they can acquire images of compressed or obstructed vessels that allows them to develop a treatment option for re-establishing normal blood flow through these areas.

Dr. Kokinos, a board certified vascular and general surgeon in Silicon Valley, CA., is recognized as an expert in this rapidly expanding area of vascular surgery. She has successfully used IVUS to help diagnose and treat hundreds of patients in her Campbell, CA. outpatient facility. The procedure is done quickly and easily and a growing body of data suggests that stenting, guiding by IVUS as part of the same procedure, may effectively re-open compressed or obstructed veins with SIGNIFICANT improvement in symptoms, including pain, swelling and ulceration.

If you experience leg swelling, especially left leg swelling, call our office today to speak with our physicians to discuss if IVUS is right for you. 408-376-3626 or visit our website at www.southbayvascular.com

Every year thousands of patients in the US undergo cosmetic vein procedures in the hope of getting rid of their swollen legs and unsightly varicose veins. Unfortunately, in a large percentage of these patients, a simple cosmetic procedure fails to address a more serious underlying vascular issue and, even when the procedure is successful, patients complain of continued leg swelling, heaviness, and pain in their legs. Internet searches for, “Why do my legs continue to swell following my varicose vein surgery?” are everywhere on the internet and lead many patients to simplified, incomplete answers leaving them in a difficult position where they continue to suffer and have no answers for where to go next.

Over the past 5 years, significant advances in medical imaging and device technology have given Vascular surgeons new ways to treat leg swelling. Today, with the help of this new technology, trained vascular surgeons are able to restore normal blood flow to the lower legs in a straightforward, outpatient procedure that has led to significantly better outcomes than ever before possible.

Dr. Kokinos, a board certified vascular and general surgeon, performs these straightforward procedures in her outpatient, state of the art, angiography suite in Campbell, CA. She is a leading expert in the treatment of Iliac Vein Compression. Later this month, Dr. Kokinos will share her findings and outcomes at one of the pre-eminent vascular surgery conferences in Miami, Fl. OEIS, where she will speak to a global audience about the care and treatment of patients suffering from swollen legs.