Areas of Expertise

With over 30 years of experience and thousands of patients served, Vascular Associates of San Diego has the knowledge and expertise to deliver effective solutions.

The physicians at Vascular Associates of San Diego specialize in the comprehensive care of all patients with vascular disease. Our comprehensive approach includes preventive treatments, risk factor modification, traditional surgical treatment and less invasive, endovascular treatments of all aspects of vascular disease. Our practice is devoted solely to the treatment of patients with vascular disease.

PERIPHERAL ARTERIAL DISEASE (PAD)

At Vascular Associates we specialize in treating patients with peripheral arterial disease. This includes patients who suffer from intermittent claudication or leg pain with walking that is relieved with rest. We also treat patients that experience leg or foot pain at rest and those with ulcers or gangrene.

Our approach to patients with PAD begins with a detailed review of risk factors for PAD and we focus on helping patients to modify these risk factors. After a complete history and physical examination, many patients will then be evaluated in our Vascular Laboratory with non-invasive ultrasound examinations of the areas in question.

Following this non-invasive evaluation we are then able to determine those patients who will benefit from further evaluation with angiography and consideration for intervention to improve blood flow to those areas most in need.

ANEURYSMS

At Vascular Associates we are specially trained to treat patients with many types of aneurysms. Aneurysms can occur in any artery, but primarily occur in the aorta and
its branches. Aneurysms usually do not cause symptoms and are most often found incidentally when x-rays or ultrasounds are performed for other reasons. Aneurysms that leak or rupture can be life-threatening.

Treatment of aneurysms depends on the size, location and shape of the aneurysm. Management options range from observation to endovascular stenting to open surgical repair. We are equipped to offer all treatment modalities.

CAROTID ARTERY DISEASE

Stroke is the 5th leading cause of death in the United States. Carotid artery disease is one of the major causes of stroke and we specialize in the treatment of carotid artery disease. Similar to PAD, the management of carotid artery disease begins with risk factor modification. Our Vascular Laboratory is specially equipped to perform non-invasive ultrasound evaluation of the carotid arteries to determine the degree of stenosis.

Treatment for carotid disease depends on the degree of narrowing in the carotid artery and whether or not symptoms have occurred. Once carotid artery disease is identified treatment options vary from endovascular stent placement to open surgical repair of carotid artery narrowing. We are specially trained to provide both treatment options and determine which treatment is best for each individual patient.

VENOUS DISEASE

The Vein Clinic of Vascular Associates of San Diego is a state of the art clinic specializing in treatment of all facets of venous disease. We provide comprehensive management of varicose veins, spider veins, chronic venous insufficiency, venous stasis ulcerations and deep venous thrombosis (blood clots).

Our approach to the treatment of venous disease includes non-invasive diagnosis of various patterns of venous disease which allows us to tailor treatment to each patient’s specific needs. Treatment modalities include minimally invasive radiofrequency ablation (VNUS), injection sclerotherapy (foam and liquid), endovascular placement of inferior vena cava filters and catheter directed thrombectomy and thrombolysis to dissolve clots.

Doctor shaking hands with a patient

ABOUT PAD

Arteries carry blood away from the heart to provide oxygen, glucose, and other nutrients to your organs and muscles. The peripheral arteries in your legs are extensions of the largest blood vessel in your body, the aorta. Healthy, unobstructed arteries freely carry the blood and its nutrients downstream. Typically, with age, the arteries can build up plaque or “hardening of the arteries” which narrows the vessels and limits the blood supply to your legs.

Poor blood supply to the legs can cause pain or aching in the legs with walking, or in severe cases resting pain in the foot. Non-healing wounds involving the toes, feet or legs can also be the result of poor blood supply and can lead to limb loss without prompt and expert management.

If you are experiencing symptoms you should see a vascular surgeon. They are
the only physicians who can perform all treatment options available, including medical management, endovascular management, or surgery, as needed.

CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS

  • Advanced age
  • Hypertension
  • Diabetes
  • Smoking
  • High Cholesterol
  • Obesity
  • Family history of vascular problems

DIAGNOSIS

A combination of a thorough history and physical exam with a non-invasive ultrasound evaluation of the affected extremity can establish the diagnosis.

TREATMENT

Treatment options may include lifestyle modification, medication, minimally invasive endovascular therapy or open surgical intervention.