Being aware of the symptoms of DVT and the complications that come with it could be the difference between life and death. Read on to learn more about DVT and how to take fast action.
By Dr. Samuel P. Martin
This is a very important question and will affect your leg health for years. The treatment of venous insufficiency is a medical problem, not a cosmetic one. If you need surgery, you want an experienced surgeon with proper training from a reputable institution. You want a surgeon with the judgment to recommend the best care for your condition. Vein therapy is no different.
Look for someone who received years of training in diagnosing and treating the most difficult vein problems and has been in practice treating veins for at least 3 years. There is no replacement for experience. Vascular and general surgeons receive this training over the course of years, not weeks. Over the past 10 years, with the advent of laser and radiofrequency procedures, other specialists have started treating veins. Many have taken just a week or two-week course or apprenticeship. These specialists include family practitioners, dermatologists, cardiologists and interventional radiologists who have had no training in diagnosing and treating venous disease.
Look for a vein center dedicated to venous therapy. The staff doing the diagnostic studies should have board certification as an RVT (registered vascular technician) or RVS (registered vascular specialist). The medical director should be certified as a RPVI (Registered physician in vascular interpretation), RVT or RVS. In addition, training and experience obtaining the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine is a further indication of expertise and commitment. It is an added bonus if the center has been IAC (Intersocietal Accreditation Commission) certified to carry out venous and arterial ultrasound. This means they have shown continued excellence in performing vein and arterial studies that meet the highest standards.
Don’t hesitate to ask your primary care doctor—he or she will frequently know or be aware of who does quality venous care. Don’t be sucked in by magazine ads, billboards or websites promising beautiful legs with pictures of models who have never had vein problems! This is fantasy, not reality. Trust your legs to someone with the proper credentials and experience to accurately diagnose your problems and deliver effective treatment.
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For over 19 years, we continue to serve our wonderful patients who trust us to help regain and maintain their leg health, and our colleagues in health care who trust us to continue to take care of their patients in a safe environment.
Vascular Vein Centers is considered an essential medical practice and as such will remain open to service our patients. We want to make sure you maintain your leg health at home.
Please encourage COVID 19-SAFE family and friend gatherings! HELP US HELP OTHERS: For every $10 donated we can provide 40 meals for our neighbors in need. Second Harvest Virtual Food Drive (link below)