South Bay Vascular announces the opening of the South Bay’s only Dialysis Access Center providing full time coverage by Vascular Surgeons. The new center can be easily accessed via our toll free one call service number.
1-855-WE-D-CLOT
Experienced Care in a State of the Art Facility conveniently located in Campbell, CA
Trusted, local physicians providing compassionate care in a personalized setting
Dedicated to the South Bay for Over 60 years of combined service
South Bay Vascular Center and Vein institute is pleased to announce the opening of the South Bay’s only Dialysis Access Center with full time Vascular Surgery Coverage.
The new dialysis access center is the only full service access center of its kind in the South Bay. By offering full time vascular Surgery coverage the new center provides an unmatched level of care not found anywhere else in the South Bay. Dialysis access complications are treated quickly and effectively enabling dialysis patients to return to their dialysis sessions with minimal disturbance to their lives. Complications encountered in dialysis can be completely treated by qualified surgeons without the need for secondary referrals and or delays in the treatment of clotted or failed grafts.
The new center has an on-site accredited full service vascular lab to assist patients in the rapid and accurate diagnosis and treatment of any complications associated with dialysis access.
We can be reached toll free at 1-855-WE-D-CLOT
South Bay Vascular Center and Vein Institute is pleased to announce the recent affiliation of Local Vascular Surgeons Dr. Polyxene Kokinos MD and Carlos E. Pineda MD with long time community Interventional Radiologists Dr. Anup Singh and Dr. Raj Tandon in the opening of a full time dialysis access center.
Dr.’s Kokinos, Pineda, Singh and Tandon will provide full time coverage in their Campbell, CA Angiography Suite and provide immediate one-call service to local dialysis centers when surgical intervention is needed to enable ongoing dialysis for their patients.
By dialing 1-855-WE-D-CLOT (1-855-933-2568) Local Dialysis centers will now have an immediate option for treating any complications associated with a patient dialysis session, enabling a quick return for patients to continue their treatments.
The new dialysis access center is the only full service dialysis access center in the South Bay with full time vascular surgery coverage.
Full time coverage and Immediate access to care by board certified vascular surgeons and interventional radiologists
Ease of use: One-call service vs being sent to a hospital emergency room
Trusted local physicians providing compassionate care in a personalized setting,
Experienced care in a state of the art facility conveniently located in Campbell, CA.
Dedicated physicians, committed to South Bay patients for over 60 years of combined service
One site accredited full service Vascular Lab
Our specialities include
Thrombosed or failing AV fistulas and grafts
Placement of temporary dialysis catheters
Surgery to place fistulas and grafts
1-855-WE-D-CLOT
Check out our site: www.southbayvascular.com
Hello Everyone, Please check out our website at www.southbayvascular.com. We Can Fix Your Swollen, Aching Legs, Ugly Varicose Veins, Non Healing Leg Wounds, Blood Clots (DVT) and Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) Call Us Today 408-375-3626
Last weekend, during my daughter’s water polo game, I noticed the coach for the opposing team was limping and had a very swollen left leg. With a closer look I realized he had the hyperpigmentation (skin darkening) of chronic venous disease and ugly bulging varicose veins easily the size of my thumb all over the inside of his calves. I decided to go ask him about them, as they looked awful, the man was clearly in pain, and I was concerned. After a brief conversation with the coach, where he told me various “old wives’ tales” it dawned on me that he probably wasn’t alone thinking the way he did so I thought I should post this blog in an attempt to clear up these ten common misconceptions about varicose veins. Here goes:
“Varicose veins are simply a cosmetic problem”
About half of the patients we see in our practice for varicose veins complain about the pain they experience because of their veins. Because these patients are experiencing pain and suffering, many times varicose veins are categorized as a Medical condition and not just a cosmetic issue. This is especially true if they are accompanied by leg aching, throbbing, swelling, or discoloration. Venous disease affects about 40 million people in the United States and about 1 million end up with ulcers that are painful and difficult to heal. As a medical condition, depending on the severity of a patients condition, insurance often covers for the procedure to be done. That way, patients are not forced to pay out of pocket to rid themselves of their painful and ugly veins.
“Varicose veins can cause strokes, heart attacks, or gangrene”
Although varicose veins are a circulatory problem, the blood vessels causing strokes, heart attacks, and gangrene are arteries not veins. The patient profile of patients suffering from vein issues (women, multiple pregnancies, family history, standing occupation) is very different from those that get arterial problems (smokers, diabetics, patients with high blood pressure or cholesterol). Because of this, patients suffering from varicose veins should consult with their physicians to determine if this problem is accompanied by any underlying,and potentially more serious, circulatory issues
“Only women get varicose veins”
Although venous disease is more common in women, about 40% of our patients are men. Unfortunately, men tend to present with more advanced disease or longer standing symptoms.
“I have had my veins just like this for twenty years”
Venous disease does progress if not treated and currently there are several outpatient office procedures that can be done with excellent results and low risks
“It is not worth treating varicose veins because they just come back”
The treatment of venous insufficiency is one of the more successful treatments in medicine, as long as the underlying cause is treated- ie. the underlying veins that have the leaky valves. In the old days, patients were treated simply with removal of the bulgy veins. Because the underlying saphenous veins that had leaky valves were not treated, the bulgy veins come back. Now that we do ultrasound to “map out” the diseased veins, the recurrence rate should only be about 10% at 10 years.
“Insurance will not cover any varicose vein treatment”
Although insurance companies have absolutely made the criteria for coverage for venous disease much more difficult over the last ten years, most patients who do have leaky valves in their underlying valves are covered. Sclerotherapy for spider veins and the simple removal of bulgy veins for appearance are almost never covered today.
“Varicose veins are “surplus parts” that I might need someday”
They are abnormal blood vessels that develop usually because there is an underlying medical problem- vein valve failure or “leakiness”. The underlying greater saphenous vein, that usually is the one that has the leaky valves, is sometimes used in open-heart surgery or arterial vascular bypass surgery. However, today, it is not commonly used as those operations have been replaced to a large extent by less invasive procedures using balloons and stents.
“ Varicose veins are just part of getting old as is my leg pain”
Although it is true that there is an increase in the incidence of varicose veins as one gets older (one study found that 75% of women over the age of 65 had venous issues), it is NOT a normal part of aging to feel heaviness, aching, or throbbing in the legs. It is important to go have those symptoms evaluated by a vascular surgeon as often it can be easily treated.
“Treatment of my varicose veins will lay me up for weeks”
Until about 15 years ago, the main treatment for varicose veins was a difficult procedure called vein stripping. This was generally done under general anesthesia, in a hospital where one was admitted, with two moderate sized incisions in the groin and at the ankle. It generally took patients several weeks to recover. The field was revolutionized by the introduction of endovenous ablation, which currently is an office procedure, done under local anesthesia where the patient usually has NO post-operative pain. Most patients return to all of their normal activities with 24-48 hours.
“You have to have bulging veins to have a vein problem”
Many patients who present with heavy, aching or swollen legs actually do not have bulging varicose veins but are found to have a problem on evaluation. In order to diagnose venous disease, it is important to have a VENOUS REFLUX ULTRASOUND. This is not the same as a vein ultrasound to look for blood clots that primary care doctors often order at hospitals. It is critical to have this test done at an ICAVL accredited laboratory as it is extremely technologist dependent. A good exam will take about 30 minutes per leg and will examine veins with the patient in a standing or head slanted up position from the groin to the ankle.
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot (thrombus) forms in one or more of the deep veins in your body, usually in your legs. Deep vein thrombosis can cause leg pain or swelling, but may occur without any symptoms. DVT is a very feared complication of venous disease because it can lead to a pulmonary embolus, a clot in the lung that can be deadly.
There are several symptoms to DVT but the most common are the sudden onset of pain and swelling in your leg. This does not happen in your foot, but happens, most commonly in the back of your calf or your entire thigh. Usually, the painful part of your leg is also swollen. This comes on abruptly and generally does not go away even after a few days. It is very important to go to your regular doctor and get an ultrasound of your leg. If this is “normal” but the swelling or pain persists, then you should go see a vascular surgeon as more testing (such as CT scan or specialized ultrasound) may need to be done. This is quite important to do quickly as some treatments only work if they are done within a week of the development of symptoms.
If you are diagnosed with a DVT, you should be treated with blood thinners immediately. The role of blood thinners is not to actually “dissolve” the clot in your leg, but rather to prevent it from travelling to your lung and causing a Pulmonary Embolus. The blood thinners also work to prevent the clot from becoming more extensive. If this is your first blood clot, you should be treated for 6 weeks to 3 months with blood thinners depending on why the blood clot occurred. The risk factors for developing blood clots include long plane or car rides, immobility (after an operation or injury), obesity, being very sedentary, pregnancy, having had an orthopedic or gynecologic procedure, some genetic factors (hypercoagulable syndromes), dehydration, and cancer. It is important if there if there is not a clear reason for the blood clot, that a search for a hidden cause be done.
Dr. Kokinos and the staff at South Bay Vascular Center and Vein Institute are experts in the identification of and treatment of blood clots. If you or anyone you know suffers from the rapid onset of pain and or swelling following a medical procedure and or long trip (most common on long airplane flights) please contact your primary physician immediately or call us at 408-376-3626 to discuss your treatment options.
WE CAN TREAT YOUR VARICOSE VEINS, SWOLLEN, ACHING LEGS, NON HEALING LEG WOUNDS, AND PERIPHERAL ARTERIAL DISEASE
For 20 years, the physicians and staff of South Bay Vascular Center and Vein Institute have successfully treated tens of thousands of patients in the Silicon Valley communities of Los Gatos, San Jose, Campbell, Los Altos, Palo Alto, Morgan Hill, Gilroy and the greater South Bay. Our ABMS Boarded Vascular Surgeons are experts in the treatment of varicose veins and swollen legs and can help patients get their lives back by successfully treating these conditions.
Spider and varicose veins are a common problem that many men and women have to confront. Spider veins are small, reddish veins that appear on the surface on the skin, while varicose veins are blue, tangled, bulging, knotted vessels that are much larger. Women are more likely to experience varicose veins than men, but they are common among both genders.
Aside from their unsightly appearance, varicose veins can cause a feeling of heaviness or tiredness in the leg, swelling, tenderness or pain when touched, and a general sense of restlessness. Age and family history are two major factors in a person’s risk of varicose or spider veins, but lifestyle also has a role to play. People who do not exercise regularly, are overweight or obese, or who sit or stand for long periods of time have a higher risk of varicose veins and venous insufficiency. Women who are pregnant also have a higher chance of these issues.
Varicose and spider veins are most common among people who are middleaged, but even those in their teens and twenties can have this problem. No matter what a person’s age, there is no reason to wait to have these issues examined.
Vein issues can occur if a vein becomes weakened. Elastic vein walls and tiny oneway valves help send blood back to the heart, but if they lose their strength blood can start to pool backwards into the vein. Varicose veins may not be symptomatic at first, but many patients eventually report achiness and a sense of heaviness in their legs. Often accompanying these symptoms are ankle and lower leg swelling, cramps, a sense of restlessness, and an irritated or itchy rash around the ankles. The area around the vein may become numb or tender to the touch.
Varicose vein symptoms can also be aesthetic. Bulging, twisted, or knotted veins can form over the ankle and foot while the skin around them becomes discolored, leathery, and thick. In advanced stages this skin may begin to break down, leading to ulceration.
Spider veins are similar to varicosities, but they are smaller and appear closer to the skin’s surface. As their name suggest, they often form in patterns similar to spider webs. They are often red in color and may be a sign of more serious vein disease under the skin
Varicose veins can lead to more serious conditions, including:
● Thromboses – blood clots that form in an enlarged vein
● Phlebitis – vein inflammation
● Venous Stasis Ulcers – Ulcers that form due to a lack of proper drainage in an enlarged vein
Lots of centers treat the complications of poor flow through the venous system when it shows up as spider veins, varicose veins, and other cosmetic issues. Fast cosmetic fixes, however, can often mask more serious underlying circulation issues that only a vascular surgeon is trained to address. At South Bay Vascular Center and Vein Institute our goal is simple: to ensure the best possible outcomes in the safest and most comfortable environment possible.
If you suffer from varicose veins, leg swelling, especially Left Leg Swelling, after cosmetic vein treatments, please call our office at 408-376-3626 to discuss how we can treat your varicose vein and other circulatory issues. We Can Help!
Leg swelling is a difficult symptom to diagnose. There is a long list of underlying causes for leg swelling and it is important to note two things:
1. Is the leg swelling unilateral (in one leg) or is it in both?
If it is in both, it is more likely to be a “systemic” issue, that is a problem with one’s general health. This can be something as simple as too much time in a chair, to something as serious as congestive heart failure. Many medications can also contribute to bilateral leg swelling as can liver disease, kidney problems, and obesity.
2. What part of the leg is swollen?
If the swelling extends into the foot, it is more likely to be lymphedema than a venous problem.
If it goes all the way up into the thigh it may be Iliac Vein Compression or, if the onset of swelling is rapid, it may be the result of an ileofemoral blood clot (DVT).
It is important not to ignore leg swelling, especially if it comes on abruptly as it may be a sign of a serious and potentially life threatening issue.
Iliac vein compression syndrome occurs because of the anatomic compression of the left iliac vein between the lumbar spine and the right iliac artery. Although originally thought to be a rare syndrome, it is now believed that about 30% of all people have significant compression of their iliac vein. In most people, this is asymptomatic and will never cause a problem. However, it is being recognized that in more people who have chronic leg swelling, especially of the left side, continued aching despite treatment of superficial venous disease, recurrent left leg blood clots, and /or nonhealing ulcerations at the ankle or shin that this compression prevents the adequate drainage of blood from the leg. Although about 80% of the compressions are of the left iliac vein, we do sometimes find them on the right, especially as a result of scarring from pelvic or back surgery. This is the most common cause of ileofemoral DVT and should be worked up aggressively.
This is a special area of interest of ours, and we are active in doing clinical research to find better ways to diagnose and to treat iliac vein compression. Unfortunately, many physicians are unaware of these latest treatment options and tell their patients that not much can be done to treat this condition. Consequently, we find that way too many patients live with this painful and difficult condition of leg swelling and the non-healing wounds that often accompany it. There is hope.
We can help.
The physicians at South Bay Vascular Center and Vein Institute are board certified vascular surgeons and not “phlebologists” or “vein specialists”. As such we can do significantly more to treat generalized leg swelling and the leg swelling that often accompanies failed cosmetic vein procedures. Our surgeons are at the forefront of diagnosing iliac vein compression and leg swelling secondary to cosmetic procedures using regular vascular ultrasound. Most importantly, we can treat this painful condition with the newest endovascular techniques using IVUS (intravascular ultrasound) and stents in an outpatient office setting. To date, we have successfully treated over 75 patients in our outpatient angio suite here in Campbell, CA. If you suffer from leg swelling, especially left leg swelling there is hope. Please give us a call at South Bay Vascular Center and Vein Institute to schedule an appointment to discuss your treatment options. 408-376-3626
Varicose veins are raised, ropey, enlarged veins. They usually appear on the legs and can cause the leg to swell, itch, ache, and in severe cases, can cause ulcers. Normal vein valves close after blood travels up the vein, preventing blood from moving backwards (refluxing) down the vein. Varicose veins form when valves in the vein fail (become incompetent). Valves become incompetent for a variety of reasons, including trauma and pregnancy. Once a valve becomes incompetent, the vein below the valve is exposed to higher pressure and becomes dilated. This causes other valves to fail and other veins to dilate.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF VARICOSE VEINS?
Varicose veins are dark blue in color and commonly appear on the backs of the calves or on the inside of the legs. But they can form anywhere on your legs, from your groin to your ankle. They protrude or bulge from under the skin and feel ropey. Varicose veins cause an achy or heavy feeling in the legs, and burning, itching, throbbing, muscle cramping and swelling in your legs. Prolonged sitting or standing makes your legs feel worse, while elevating your legs makes them feel better. Varicose veins can also cause skin ulcers near your ankle.
HOW ARE VARICOSE VEINS TREATED?
Both invasive and non-invasive methods are available to treat varicose veins. Non-invasive methods include wearing compression stockings, exercising, leg elevation, losing weight, not wearing tight clothes, avoiding long periods of standing or sitting and not crossing your legs while seated. Invasive treatments include endovenous therapy, ligation, and phlebectomy. Endovenous therapy is treatment from inside the vein using heat generated by lasers, radiofrequency devices or chemicals to irritate the vein walls and cause the vein to close and then be reabsorbed by the body. Ligation is tying off a vein to cause it to shrink. Phlebectomy is the term used for the removal of varicose veins.