Vascular care in Denver

Vascular disease affects the arteries and the veins, which carry oxygen and nutrients from the heart to all parts of the body. Blockages caused by a buildup of plaque and cholesterol in arteries affect not only the blood vessels in the heart but also those that go to the brain and legs.

The vascular surgeons and vein specialists within the HealthONE Physician Group network know how to care for vascular disease, treating conditions such as varicose veins and lymphedema. We will give you a detailed diagnosis and treatment plan to combat any condition you may have.

To learn more about the diseases we treat or to talk with a vascular specialist, you can schedule an appointment.

Vascular disorders and conditions we treat

Vascular disease affects the arteries and the veins, which carry oxygen and nutrients from the heart to all parts of the body. Blockages caused by a buildup of plaque and cholesterol affect not only the arteries in the heart but also blood vessels to the brain or blood vessels to the legs.

As part of our overall cardiac care program, we treat a wide variety of vascular conditions, including:

Varicose veins

Varicose veins, or venous insufficiency, are conditions where the veins are inefficient in sending blood from the legs back to the heart. They are twisted, enlarged veins near the surface of the skin and are most common in the legs and ankles.

Valves in your deeper leg veins typically function to keep blood flowing back toward the heart so it doesn't collect in one place. But the valves in varicose veins are either damaged or missing. As a result, the veins stay filled with blood, even when you are standing.

Symptoms of varicose veins include:

  • Veins that are dark purple or blue
  • Veins that look twisted or bulging
  • An achy or heavy feeling in your legs
  • Burning, throbbing or swelling in your lower legs
  • Discolored skin
  • Itching around veins
  • Pain after sitting or standing for a long time

Varicose vein diagnosis and treatment

Doctors can visually inspect and diagnose varicose veins. They are large, ropey veins that are often twisted in shape and stick out above the surface of your legs.

Varicose veins are treated by a type of vascular surgery called ambulatory micro-phlebectomy, which removes the veins from the legs through tiny incisions.

Venous insufficiency

Chronic venous insufficiency is a long-term condition that occurs because a vein is partly blocked, or blood is leaking around the valves of the veins.

Symptoms include:

  • Brown-colored skin, often near the ankles
  • Itchy, painful legs
  • Leg ulcers that may be hard to treat
  • Pain when walking
  • Swelling in your legs or ankles
  • Tight feeling in your calves
  • Varicose veins

Venous insufficiency diagnosis and treatment

Our registered vascular technologists perform an in-office ultrasound to diagnose venous insufficiency. An ultrasound uses sound waves to generate pictures of the vein's location and size and measure how the blood is flowing in the veins.

Our doctors treat venous insufficiency with a minimally invasive procedure that uses heat to cause the vein to close in on itself.

Lymphedema

Lymphedema is the abnormal accumulation of protein-rich fluid in the tissues. It is a chronic medical condition that causes inflammation and fibrosis in the arms and legs. It happens when lymph, a fluid that contains white blood cells, builds up in your body’s soft tissues. It can build up when the lymph system is damaged or blocked.

Lymphedema diagnosis and treatment

Lymphedema is diagnosed through medical history or physical exams of the leg or arm, as well as additional testing, which may include a computed tomography (CT) scan.

Doctors treat lymphedema with complete decongestive therapy (CDT). This includes:

  • Compression systems
  • Instruction in self-care
  • Manual lymph drainage
  • Movement and exercise
  • Skin and nail care