If you have concerns related to circulation issues or experience symptoms that could indicate problems with your circulatory system, it is advisable to visit a blood circulation specialist for an initial evaluation. On the following page, we will provide answers to why vein evaluation is important and explain why our clinic in Texas is the best choice for circulation evaluations.
Why Is Important to Evaluate Your Veins?
Let’s be honest, when you think of an artery disease, you think of heart disease. Right? It’s true that a heart attack is the most common artery-related killer of Americans every year, but isn’t this supposed to be a vein disease? Why are we even talking about arterial disease?
The answer is because arteries and veins are both part of circulatory system. Veins are important, but only as they relate to your overall circulation. Your symptoms may be secondary to veins, but they could be secondary to artery disease, lymphedema or even heart failure. If your heart isn’t pumping properly, then the blood backs up in the legs. In this case, treating the veins won’t improve the leg swelling.
Vascular surgery is the medical specialty dedicated to the treatment of arteries, veins and lymphatics. You may notice bulging veins, spider veins, pain with walking, pain at night, leg swelling with or without skin discoloration, or a non-healing wound. What you may not realize when you make an appointment, is that it’s not only your veins that you want evaluated, it’s also the circulation in your legs, arteries and veins, as well as lymphatics. Since arteries, veins and lymphatics are all considered part of the circulation system, any of these systems could factor into the problem. As can the heart.
Therefore, when evaluating circulatory problems, it is important to consider the entire system, including arteries, veins, and lymphatics. A board-certified vascular surgeon can provide a comprehensive evaluation of your circulation issues.
Why Should You Contact a Vascular Surgeon for Your Circulation Evaluation?
Over the past 10 years, many vein centers have opened in Houston. A vascular surgeon operates Texas Vein and Cosmetic Specialists. This is important, because a vascular surgeon will be able to evaluate your symptoms, and determine if your problems are arterial, venous, lymphatic, or a combination, and whether you are a candidate for the procedures performed in the vein clinic. Only a vascular surgeon has the clinical knowledge, experience and clinical judgment to determine your best course of therapy. Dr. Bardwil who is also a blood circulation specialist, will evaluate your veins, as well as your arterial circulation. He also treats venous ulcers, non-healing leg wounds, and lymphedema. Dr. Bardwil has over 25 years experience and operates one of the most established vein clinics in Houston.
Procedures We Use in Our Clinic
Dr. Bardwil uses venous duplex ultrasound, and sometimes photoplethysmography to evaluate your venous circulation. We have talked about venous ultrasound in other sections.
Photoplethysmography is a non-invasive study in which a sensor is placed on the surface of the skin, and the time it takes to refill veins is measured after the foot is moved up and down to move the blood from the calf veins. This is useful in identifying vein problems and can be a complement to the venous duplex ultrasound.
The study Dr. Bardwil uses to assist in evaluating arteries is called a PVR or Doppler segmental pressure study. A PVR study is a non-invasive vascular test in which blood pressure cuffs and a Doppler transducer are used to obtain information about arterial blood flow in the arms and legs. Non-invasive means the procedure does not require the use of needles, dyes or radiation. The blood pressure cuffs are placed on specified area of the leg. The Doppler transducers are used to identify the pulse. Blood pressure measurements are used to determine the presence, severity and general location of peripheral arterial disease.
Book Your Evaluation Today
If you want your veins and circulation evaluated properly by a circulation specialist, call today. If a non-surgeon or physician’s assistant has evaluated you, ask about our second opinion.
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Dr. Bardwil has meticulously written or reviewed all the website content, ensuring that all the medical facts in the text are correct.