Blog

Beyond the Brand: Why Experience — Not Ivy League Hype — Heals Varicose Veins

In the world of vein care, brand names can't replace surgical experience. Here's why board-certified vascular surgeon Dr. Polly Kokinos is the Bay Areas most experienced and trusted varicose vein doctor.

Varicose Veins and Pregnancy: What You Need to Know—and Why You’re Not Alone

Varicose veins and pregnancy: What can I do, who can help me, and who truly understands what I’m going through? Discover answers from Dr. Polly Kokinos, the most trusted female vascular surgeon in California.

When One Leg Swells: Why Dr. Polly Kokinos is Santa Clara County’s Go-To Expert for May-Thurner Syndrome

Unilateral leg swelling is never normal. Discover how Dr. Polly Kokinos, a board-certified vascular surgeon trained at Columbia, UCSF, and Washington University, leads the fight against May-Thurner Syndrome in the South Bay.

Poolside Confidence Starts with Beautiful Legs: Dr. Polly Kokinos Helps You Get There

Whether you're walking into a fundraiser or a pool party, your legs deserve to shine. Dr. Polly Kokinos blends unmatched surgical skill with aesthetic finesse to help you reclaim your confidence.

Skin Discoloration or Texture Changes on Your Lower Legs? It Might Be a Warning Sign of Serious Vein Disease

Discoloration and skin texture changes on your legs may be more serious than they seem. Dr. Polly Kokinos is the trusted expert diagnosing and treating early vein disease before it becomes dangerous.

Leg Pain While Standing or Sitting at Work? It Might Be Vein Disease — Not Just Fatigue

Chronic leg pain while working could mean serious vein disease. Don’t let your job take your health. See why Dr. Polly Kokinos leads the South Bay in occupational vein care.

Leg Wounds That Won’t Heal? It Could Be Vein Disease — Not Just Old Age

Venous ulcers are a warning sign of poor circulation — and if ignored, they can lead to infection or even amputation. Here’s how Dr. Polly Kokinos helps prevent that.

Leg Swelling and Vein Disease in Diabetics: What Your Legs Might Be Trying to Tell You

Leg Swelling and Vein Disease in Diabetics: What Your Legs Might Be Trying to Tell You

Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI): The Silent Circulatory Disorder Affecting Professionals in Santa Clara County

Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI): The Silent Circulatory Disorder Affecting Professionals in Santa Clara County

Varicose Veins: They’re More Than Just Cosmetic — Here’s What You Need to Know

Varicose Veins: They’re More Than Just Cosmetic — Here’s What You Need to Know

The Truth About Vein Treatment—And Why Women Choose Dr. Polly Kokinos

The Truth About Vein Treatment—And Why Professional Women Choose Dr. Polly Kokinos

Credentials, Care, and Confidence—Why Your Vein Doctor’s Background Matters More Than You Think

Varicose Veins Care: Why Your Vein Doctor’s Background Matters More Than You Think

CONFIDENT LEGS, CONFIDENT LIFE (SM): THE PROFESSIONAL WOMANS GUIDE TO VARICOSE VEIN TREATMENT

Confident Legs, Confident Life: The Professional Woman’s Guide to Varicose Vein Treatment in Morgan Hill, CA

THROBBING LEG PAIN AT NIGHT: WHAT CARETAKERS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PAD IN LOVED ONES

THROBBING LEG PAIN AT NIGHT: WHAT CARETAKERS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PAD IN LOVED ONES. 

PAD IN THE AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY; BREAKING BARRIERS TO EARLY DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

PAD IN THE AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY

PERIPHERAL ARTERIAL DISEASE AND THE AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY: A SILENT THREAT YOU CAN NOT IGNORE

PAD: A SILENT THREAT YOU CAN NOT IGNORE

THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO PERIPHERAL ARTERIAL DISEASE: SYMPTOMS, RISKS AND TREATMENTS

THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO PERIPHERAL ARTERIAL DISEASE

THROBBING LEG PAIN AT NIGHT: THE SILENT ALARM FOR PAD AND CRITICAL LIMB ISCHEMIA (PART III)

Throbbing Leg Pain At Night

THROBBING LEG PAIN AT NIGHT: THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR TREATING NIGHTTIME LEG PAIN CAUSED BY PERIPHERAL ARTERIAL DISEASE (PAD) PART II

Leg Pain At Night

THROBBING LEG PAIN AT NIGHT: IT MAY BE A WARNING SIGN OF PERIPHERAL ARTERIAL DISEASE (PAD) AND CRITICAL LIMB ISCHEMIA. PART 1

Throbbing Leg Pain at Night

WHY YOU SHOULD SEE A VASCULAR SURGEON, NOT JUST ANY DOCTOR, IF YOU HAVE PERIPHERAL ARTERIAL DISEASE (PAD)

PAD Is Not a Symptom: It's a Systemic, Life-Altering Disease

WHY MARY TRUSTED DR KOKINOS AT SOUTH BAY VASCULAR TO SAVE HER LEGS-AND WHY YOU SHOULD TOO.

The Day Mary’s Cold Feet Turned Into a Big Deal

4 SIGNS OF PAD THAT YOU CAN'T IGNORE---AND WHY A VASCULAR SURGEON IS THE ANSWER

Peripheral Arterial Disease(PAD): Hidden Clues in Plain Sight

WHY PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIANS MISS THE PAD DIAGNOSIS...AND WHY A VASCULAR SURGEON DOESN'T

Peripheral Arterial Disease: A Near Miss

LEG PAIN AT NIGHT? WHY SANTA CLARA'S TOP VASCULAR SURGEON IS YOUR LIFELINE

Peripheral Arterial Disease: A Nighttime Nightmare

WHY A VASCULAR SURGEON IS YOUR BEST BET FOR TREATING PERIPHERAL ARTERIAL DISEASE (PAD)

PAD: A wake up call you can't ignore.

BLOOD THINNING MEDICATION'S PART 3: STATINS: WHAT ARE THEY AND HOW ARE THEY USED?

Over the past two weeks, I have described the blood thinning medications that vascular surgeons use to treat patients: Anticoagulants and antiplatelet medications.  This week, I want to spend time talking about another important medication that primary care physicians and vascular surgeons both agree helps to improve patient outcomes: Statins

BLOOD THINNING MEDICATIONS PART 2: ANTIPLATELETS: PLAVIX AND ASPIRIN. WHAT ARE THEY AND HOW ARE THEY USED?

Last week South Bay Vascular Center and Vein Institute's Dr Ignatius Lau began a description of the medications that vascular surgeons use with a blog post on drugs used for anticoagulation.  This week, Dr Lau will walk us through a group of medications that also thins  the blood, albeit through a different mechanism.

BLOOD THINNING MEDICATIONS PART 1: ANTICOAGULANTS: WHAT ARE THEY AND HOW ARE THEY USED?

Over the next few weeks, I want to discuss the medications that vascular surgeons may prescribe.  These medications include anticoagulants, antiplatelets, statins, and other miscellaneous agents.  This week I will discuss anticoagulants!

PART 4: WHY DO MY TOES, ANKLES AND FEET HURT AT NIGHT? DIABETIC FOOT DISEASE

Over the past month, I have discussed why venous and arterial disease as well as Raynaud’s Syndrome may cause pain in the feet and toes at night. Today, I want to discuss another one of the most common causes I see in my clinic for pain in the feet at night: Diabetic foot disease.

PART 3: WHY DO MY TOES, ANKLES AND FEET HURT AT NIGHT? PERIPHERAL ARTERIAL DISEASE

Part three of our four-part series on "Why my toes, ankles and feet hurt at night?" examines the most common reason for this pain: Peripheral arterial disease, otherwise known as PAD.

PART 2: WHY DO MY TOES, ANKLES, AND FEET HURT AT NIGHT? RAYNAUD'S SYNDROME

Last week I wrote the first part of a four-part series about foot pain at night.  Specifically, I talked about venous disease as a cause of foot pain.  Today, I want to talk about another very common cause of foot pain at night: Raynaud’s Syndrome.

PART 1: WHY DO MY TOES, ANKLE, AND FEET HURT AT NIGHT? VENOUS DISEASE

Why do my feet hurt at night?  Though this question may seem simple, every person is different. Before I can provide you with "real" solutions to what's causing this pain and what can be done to stop it, I need to evaluate multiple factors to understand "Why" this pain exists.  Over the next few weeks, I am going to explore the most common reasons for foot pain at night and why people can have pain in their feet at night caused by venous disease.

FIXING BLOCKED ARTERIES

In today's blog Dr Lau discusses blocked arteries and his approach and techniques for "fixing" or re-opening these blockages.

ANEURYSMS: WHAT ARE THEY AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO KNOW IF YOU HAVE ONE?

When the wall of an artery (a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to an organ or a limb) weakens, it can develop into a balloon-like dilation called an aneurysm. This most commonly occurs in the main blood vessel in your abdomen, which is called the abdominal aorta.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is diagnosed in about 200,000 people per year. But it may be even more common, as it is usually asymptomatic. Because this condition can be life-threatening, it is very important to be screened for it if you have risk factors (see below)

WHAT IS "ENDOVASCULAR" SURGERY?

Most people think surgery means a doctor "opens" you up to fix something broken or diseased. Advances in medical imaging and device technology have enabled modern day surgeons to "operate" on their patients without the need to "open them up" by using endovascular surgical techniques. Dr Lau explains the difference in today's blog so that patients can understand the difference between these two very different types of surgery.

WHY DIABETES IS BAD FOR YOUR FEET

Diabetes and your feet. Join Dr Lau as he helps patients develop a complete understanding of what happens to the feet of people with diabetes

BLOOD CLOTS

Blood Clots: A Silent Killer. Today Dr Lau explains a few things about blood clots and why it is important to seek immediate medical care if you suspect you have one.

FOOT PAIN AT NIGHT?

Does leg pain keep you up at night? Do you find yourself hanging your feet or legs off the side of the bed or chair to lessen the pain? In this week's blog Dr Lau goes over some of the leading causes of foot pain at night and how it may be more serious than you think. More importantly Dr Lau shares how a vascular surgeon might help a person get their life back if they suffer from leg pain at night.

ARTERIES AND VEINS....WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?...AND HOW DO THEY WORK?

In his ongoing series on vascular health, Dr Ignatius Lau reviews the fundamentals of Vascular health: Arteries and Veins...what's the difference between the two and how do each of them work.

YOU HAVE A BLOOD CLOT. NOW WHAT?

In his latest blog on vascular health Dr Ignatius Lau discusses Deep Venous Thrombosis (known more commonly as a Blood Clot or DVT.) In this article Dr Lau explores the most common causes for why blood clots form and the best options for treatment if you are diagnosed with one.

TRANSCAROTID ARTERY REVASCULARIZATION: THE FUTURE OF CAROTID SURGERY

For over 25 years South Bay Vascular Center and Vein Institute has been Santa Clara County's premiere independent center for the care and treatment of vascular related illnesses.  Exceptional patient care, using state of the art surgical procedures is at the center of everything we do.  This approach, coupled with unmatched surgical outcomes, is why more independent physicians refer their vascular patients to South Bay Vascular than to any other vascular surgeon in the valley...and it is why South Bay Vascular Center and Vein Institute has earned the reputation as the regions most trusted vascular surgical practice.

From the most delicate to the most complex our surgeons offer hope when other say there is none. We find the "why", so patients have real solutions to living a healthy life and it is the reason why every year over 350 independent community doctors refer their patients to our clinic for vascular care.

Continuing this tradition of excellence and innovation, our newest Vascular Surgeon, Dr Ignatius H Lau brings state of the art training to South Bay Vascular Center to help treat patients suffering from carotid artery disease.  Dr Lau's skill and experience using the latest surgical technique for treating carotid artery disease, TCAR raises the bar in the care and treatment of patients suffering from carotid artery disease.  His expertise in this area, combined with his advanced vascular fellow ship training at one of our nations top universities continues to position South Bay Vascular Center as the leading center for the care and treatment of vascular disease in Silicon Valley and all of Northern California.

WHAT CAUSES VARICOSE VEINS; WHY DO MY LEGS SWELL WHEN I HAVE THEM AND WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT IF IT HAPPENS??

What causes varicose veins and associated swelling in the legs and what can I do about them?" Read our latest blog to understand why Vascular Surgeons are uniquely qualified to treat Varicose Vein problems

SOUTH BAY VASCULAR CENTER WELCOMES DR IGNATIUS H LAU

Dr Kokinos and the entire team at South Bay Vascular Center and Vein Institute welcome Dr Ignatius H Lau, Board Eligible Vascular Surgeon to our Campbell Office

WHY DON'T THE WOUNDS ON MY LEGS AND FEET HEAL ANYMORE?

Dr Ignatius Lau shares his insight on one of the most common issues that we see in vascular surgery: non-healing wounds of the feet and toes. My hope is that after reading this blog you will have a better understanding of what causes leg wounds and ulcers; why sometimes they won’t heal on their own, and what we in vascular surgery can do to help them heal.

ONE PATIENT, ONE DOCTOR, ONE NURSE; SOUTH BAY VASCULAR CENTER'S COMMITMENT TO PERSONALIZED CARE

Putting patients at the center of everything that a physician does is a philosophy that sounds obvious...but is that always the case? At South Bay Vascular Center we are honored by the chance to earn your trust and to serve as your physicians; BUT, we also know that we must EARN the trust of every patient that we see.  That's why our CREDENTIALS are NOT Enough...That's why our REPUTATION is NOT enough. That's why unmatched patient care is at the center of everything that we do.

FOOT PAIN AT NIGHT: IT MIGHT BE MORE SERIOUS THAN YOU THINK

Foot pain at night may be an early warning sign of critical limb ischemia—another term for lack of blood flow;  if you experience rest pain at night and it goes away after hanging your foot over the side of the bed or chair you are sleeping in, call your doctor to set up an appointment for them to evaluate your symptoms. Although it may come on slowly, the arteries in your feet may be so blocked that they cannot even deliver the minimal amount of oxygen the tissues in the foot and toes need to keep them nourished. Left untreated, this blockage can lead to a more serious problem, amputation or even death.

COMMITTED TO YOUR HEALTH: SOUTH BAY VASCULAR CENTER CELEBRATES ITS 25TH YEAR IN PRIVATE PRACTICE

Serving South Bay Patients as an independent physician for 25 years, Dr Kokinos and her staff at South Bay Vascular Center and Vein Institute are honored to have earned the trust of her patients,  their families and her referring physicians.  Dr Kokinos and her staff are humbled by the opportunity to treat patients suffering from circulatory diseases and remain committed to delivering state of the art care to patients struggling with peripherial arterial disease, chronic leg swelling, non-healing leg wounds, dialysis access, varicose veins and blood clots (deep venous thrombosis otherwise known as a DVT).  As Silicon Valley's most respected vascular surgeon, Dr Kokinos continues to "Offer Hope When Others Say There Is None"

SANTA CLARA COUNTY'S LEADING VASCULAR SURGERY PRACTICE

Our Passion for Innovation and World-Class Performance speaks for itself. South Bay Vascular Center and Vein Institute's ground breaking work in private practice vascular surgical care sets a high bar for others to follow.

SOUTH BAY VASCULAR SHINES SPOTLIGHT ON CRITICAL LIFE AND LIMB SAVING SOLUTIONS DURING PAD AWARENESS MONTH

September is Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Awareness Month and Dr. Polly Kokinos at South Bay Vascular Center & Vein Institute is sharing critical limb- and life-saving information about this chronic vascular disease.

THE VEIN WHISPERER: SOUTH BAY VASCULAR CENTER FEATURED IN GOOD HOUSEKEEPING AND WOMAN'S DAY SOUTH BAY HEALTHCARE PROFILES

We are honored to have been selected by Good Housekeeping Magazine and Woman's Day Magazine as the most trusted vascular surgeon in the South Bay Area region. Read this upcoming feature that showcases Dr. Polly Kokinos and the South Bay Vascular team—and why more doctors refer their patients to Dr. Kokinos than to any other vascular surgeon in Silicon Valley.

SOUTH BAY VASCULAR SPECIALIZES IN TREATING PERIPHERAL ARTERIAL DISEASE (PAD)

Recognized for her expertise in treating patients suffering from Peripheral Arterial Disease, Dr Kokinos has been chosen by Cardio Vascular Systems Inc. (CSI) as one of Silicon Valley's leading experts in the diagnosis and treatment of PAD. In recognition of this expertise Dr Kokinos and South Bay Vascular Center have been honored on CSI's website in their Physician Locator Section as one of  Silicon Valley's leading Peripheral Arterial Disease experts. https://csi360.com/covid_pad_locator/

WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT QUALITIES YOU LOOK FOR IN A DOCTOR?

WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT QUALITIES YOU LOOK FOR IN A DOCTOR?

Intelligence ? Experience? Compassion?

Dr Polly Kokinos checks all those boxes (and more!).

SILICON VALLEY'S MOST TRUSTED VASCULAR SURGEON

Today, South Bay Vascular Center and Vein Institute is pleased to announce another chapter in its legacy as Silicon Valley's most trusted independent vascular surgery practice. Genesis Medicus and the American University of Antigua Medical School are honored to announce that Dr Kokinos has been appointed to their clinical faculty in Vascular Surgery. Having been recognized as Silicon Valley's leading independent vascular surgeon, Dr Kokinos and South Bay Vascular Center will now serve as a clinical campus for American University Medical school of Antigua school students. In this new role 4th year medical students will train at South Bay Vascular as part of their clinical rotations in Vascular Surgery.

THE “RIGHT” EXPERIENCE COUNTS WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR HEALTH

The “RIGHT” Experience Counts When It Comes to Your Health! South Bay Vascular Center and Vein Institute is the Bay Area's Most Trusted Varicose Vein Clinic and Treatment Center.

VARICOSE VEIN DOCTORS

If a vein doctor's website shows up in your Google Search and you see that the listing starts with the word "AD" ...be careful. It means that the owner of this practice is paying Google a special Advertising fee to get their name to the top of the search results. This is an attempt by this physician to "BUY LEGITIMACY”.  Businesses PAYING google to display their ads above the practitioners who have EARNED this privilege is a great way for Google to make money. Unfortunately, it can be deceiving to people who think that because a doctor's website pops up at the top of the search results that they must be the best.

FACTS ABOUT PERIPHERAL ARTERIAL DISEASE (PAD) FOR AFRICAN AMERICANS

One in every 20 Americans over the age of 50 has P.A.D., a condition that raises the risk for heart attack and stroke. Peripheral arterial disease, or P.A.D., develops when your arteries become clogged with plaque—fatty deposits that limit blood flow to your limbs, especially your legs. Just like clogged arteries in the heart, clogged arteries in the legs mean you are at risk for having a heart attack or stroke.

NOT JUST VASCULAR CARE, EXCEPTIONAL VASCULAR CARE

Your health care is complicated enough... finding the right Vascular Surgeon shouldn’t be!

ARE YOU AT RISK FOR PERIPHERAL ARTERIAL DISEASE (PAD)?

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a common and often underdiagnosed circulatory disease where blood flow to the legs and feet is restricted by the narrowing of blood vessels due to plaque buildup.

LEG SWELLING: SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS

May Thurner's Syndrome, also known as iliac Vein Compression, is a condition where the main artery supplying blood to the leg pushes down or compresses the main vein taking blood back to your heart. In the illustration below you can see in the far right graphic a "representation" of this compression. One way to help think of what happens when a patient suffers from iliac vein compressions is to consider what happens when a car tire partially runs over a garden hose in your driveway.

A SWOLLEN LEG IS NOT NORMAL

Leg Swelling: Iliac Vein Compression
Chronic pain and swelling in one leg, (especially the left side) may be caused by iliac Vein Compression. This is a little-known but fairly common condition that can greatly impact your quaity of life - and may lead to more serious complications. Leg swelling is NOT a normal part of aging or weight gain. And it's NOT something you have to "just live with."

DOES YOUR PATIENT HAVE PAD? A REFERENCE GUIDE FOR PHYSICIANS

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 18 million people in the United States suffer from Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD), a common circulatory problem in which narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs. Although estimates suggest that anywhere from 12 to 20 percent of individuals over the age of 60 are living with PAD, most Americans remain unaware of PAD symptoms.

COULD THAT LEG PAIN BE PERIPHERAL ARTERY DISEASE

Dr. Polyxene (Polly) a vascular surgeon located in San Jose, CA specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of peripheral artery disease. In private practice for 24 years, Dr. Kokinos has served the South Bay Community as an independent physician for her entire career and has built her practice by delivering exceptional outcomes and by providing hope for patients suffering from complex vascular disease.

PERIPHERAL ARTERIAL DISEASE (PAD); EARLY RECOGNITION AND REFERRAL TO A VASCULAR SURGEON

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 18 million people in the United States suffer from Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), a common circulatory problem in which narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs. Estimates suggest that anywhere from 12 to 20 percent of individuals over the age of 60 are living with PAD. Approximately 160,000 to 180,000 of the estimated 18 million Americans with PAD will undergo a limb amputation as result of PAD-related condition this year, resulting in lower quality of life, high medical costs, and shorter life expectancy.

DR. POLYXENE KOKINOS...AN INDEPENDENT COMMUNITY VASCULAR SURGEON SERVING SOUTH BAY RESIDENTS FOR 24 YEARS

For 24 years, Dr. Polyxene (Polly) Kokinos has worked in the greater San Francisco Bay Area community as an independent vascular surgeon, dedicating her time to serving patients suffering from vascular disease.

PERIPHERAL VASCULAR DISEASE (PVD)

Peripheral vascular disease, sometimes referred to as PVD, in the legs or lower extremities is the narrowing or blockage of the vessels that carry blood from the heart to the legs.

LEG SWELLING FOLLOWING COSMETIC VEIN OR BACK SURGERY

Every year thousands of patients in the US undergo cosmetic vein procedures in the hope of getting rid of their swollen legs and unsightly varicose veins. In like manner, many patients having back surgery also suffer from swollen legs following their surgery. Unfortunately, in a large percentage of these patients, a well known but often unrecognized and undiagnosed condition know as Iliac Vein Compression is the cause of this unexpected complication. Further complicating this issue is that even when the procedure is successful, patients complain of on-going leg swelling, heaviness, and pain in their legs.

DO YOU SUFFER FROM SWOLLEN LEGS? WE CAN HELP!

May Thurner's Syndrome, also known as iliac Vein Compression, is a condition where the main artery supplying blood to the leg pushes down or compresses the main vein taking blood back to your heart. Previously undiagnosed, major advances in medical imaging technology have given vascular surgeons the tools needed to demonstrate that May Thurner's syndrome is directly responsible for the slowing of blood going back to ones heart resulting in the swelling and or edema of the leg.

LOS GATOS VARICOSE VEIN DOCTOR

South Bay Vascular Center and Vein Institute is proud to celebrate our 25th year serving the Greater San Jose Bay Area. Our commitment to serving our patients as an independent medical clinic means that our patients are never "just" another number in a Big Box Medical system.

WOUND CARE EXPERTS IN SAN JOSE; NON-HEALING LEG OR ANKLE WOUNDS

Leg and foot wounds have become a huge problem in the United States. Fortunately, there are thousands of Wound Care Centers to help with the day to day care of these painful and potentially dangerous wounds. Wound care centers are usually affiliated with hospitals and function as one of many resources that a patients with wounds has at their disposal in an effort to keep their wounds from progressing to where amputation may be the only choice left to salvage the limb. Unfortunately, in many of these wound care centers an underlying cause for why many of these non-healing wounds don't heal in a timely manner is often overlooked: circulation to the leg or foot.

SOUTH BAY VASCULAR CENTER LAUNCHES THEIR 2020 EDUCATIONAL CAMPAIGN ON LEG SWELLING; NON-HEALING LEG WOUNDS; AND LEG PAIN

Leg Swelling in not a normal part of aging...and can be a sign of a more serious medical issue.

DR. POLYXENE KOKINOS; 25 YEARS AND COUNTING AS SAN JOSE'S PREMIERE VARICOSE VEIN EXPERT; VEIN CARE DOCTOR; VEIN SPECIALIST AND VASCULAR SURGEON

Dr. Polyxene (Polly) Kokinos is a ABMS Board Certified General And Vascular Surgeon with extensive training in the diagnosis and the treatment of vascular disease. Celebrating 25 years of service in San Jose as an independent community Doctor, Dr. Kokinos has spent her entire career DEDICATED to serving the South Bay Community as a Board Certified General and Vascular surgeon.

Dr. Polyxene G Kokinos, founder of San Jose’s South Bay Vascular Center and Vein Institute is a board certified general and vascular surgeon who specializes in treating patients who suffer from this condition. For 24 years, Dr. Kokinos has dedicated her practice to helping South Bay patients regain their circulatory health by bringing advanced surgical solutions to complex vascular problems. Having treated over 20,000 Varicose Vein patients, Dr. Kokinos understands both the aesthetic as well as the complex side of he

LOS GATOS VARICOSE VEIN DOCTOR

Type "Varicose Vein" into Google search and in seconds, multiple links pop up; each one pointing to a different website; each website claiming that their “Vein Doctor” is the "best"; and each practitioner promising to rid you of your ugly, painful veins, leg swelling and non-healing ulcers. Lost in this hype, finding the right physician might seem impossible. When everyone in cyberspace claims to be the best and backs up their claims by citing an endless list of credentials, professional affiliations and most importantly, showing off their work: their before and after galleries... it gets confusing.

LEG SWELLING IS NOT A NORMAL PART OF AGING

Chronic leg swelling on one side (usually the left leg) may be caused by Iliac Vein Compression, which is a little-known but fairly common condition that occurs when the left iliac vein gets “squeezed” between the spine and the right iliac artery. Although this condition is not life-threatening, leg swelling can greatly impact one’s quality of life, and can lead to wound healing problems or deep blood clots.

WHY LEG SWELLING MAY BE MORE SERIOUS THAN YOU THOUGHT

Leg Swelling may be the sign of a more serious health issue than one might expect. A recent article published by the Cleveland Clinic, one of the nations top medical facilities, is titled, "When is Leg Swelling A Sign of Something Serious"

WHAT DOES GETTING A BLOOD CLOT FEEL LIKE

Most people know someone who has had a leg blood clot in their deep veins. It is something that is more and more common with the type of lifestyle that has become the norm in the 21^st century.

People are becoming more sedentary, becoming more obese, having more surgeries, and traveling long distances in cars and planes. All of these things increase your risk for having a blood clot. How do you know if you have one and that you just didn’t sleep wrong on your leg or pull a muscle?

DOES FOOT PAIN WAKE YOU UP AT NIGHT

Many patients as they get older, get up at night to go to the bathroom or because of difficulty sleeping. One serious problem that can wake people up at night is pain in their foot or toes. This most often occurs in patients over the age of 65 who have a history of smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, and/or high cholesterol. Some believe this is arthritis or gout, but it is often related to having poor circulation in the foot. The name for this in medical terms is “rest pain”. This is not “pain at rest” but rather pain that happens because the circulation cannot support the tissues even when they are at rest.

MILLIONS WITH LEG PAIN HAVE PERIPHERAL ARTERIAL DISEASE

A NY Times Health Care blog published in April of 2016 screamed out with the title "Millions With Leg Pain Have Peripheral Arterial Disease"."More than eight million older Americans have a condition that can cause leg pain when they walk even short distances. Yet half of those who have the condition don’t know it and consequently don’t get treated for it, putting themselves at risk for a heart attack, stroke or worse.The condition, called peripheral artery disease, or P.A.D., is marked by diseased or blocked arteries in the legs.

WHEN HIP PAIN MAY BE MORE THAN JUST ARTHRITIS

Do your legs hurt when you walk? Can you only walk a block or two before you start experiencing cramping in your hip or buttock? Often times, patients are told this is just a normal part of getting older and probably due to arthritis. But sometimes it isn’t. If your pain only happens when you walk a certain distance and stops when you stop walking, it may be a circulation issue known as claudication.

BLOOD CLOTS AND SURGERY

Most hospital surgeries require patients be put under general or epidural anaesthesia. Anaesthesia allows the patient to "sleep" through their procedures helping patients avoid both the physical and emotional stress of the operation. Anesthesia is also very important because it keeps the patient from moving during surgery. This "stillness" allows the surgeon to undertake their procedure without jeopardizing patient safety due to unwanted movement.

BLOOD CLOTS AND AIRLINE TRAVEL

People are more mobile today....everyday travelling to more and more places by plane, train, and automobile. Now, more than ever, vast numbers of business people and pleasure seekers cross the globe on a daily basis for work, opportunity and adventure.

As difficult (and as exciting as travel can be) extended periods of immobility during these long trips carries a hidden risk...a sometime fatal risk...especially if one is squished into the middle seat in the back of the plane for hours on end making it difficult to get up and move: the risk of developing a DVT (more commonly known as a blood clot) in the deep veins of their legs.

SOUTH BAY VASCULAR ANNOUNCES THE LAUNCH OF "VIRTUAL APPOINTMENTS"

Beginning November 1, 2019 patients wishing to schedule an appointment can request a "virtual" appointment to speak with one of our vascular surgeons from the privacy of their home or office. Additionally, virtual appointments can be scheduled to include care givers and or other family members in remote locations whom the patient may wish to include in their medical appointment. Now, family members from anywhere in the world can be included in patient physician appointments without the expense of travel or the risk of mis-interpreting the diagnosis and care plan for loved ones.

DIABETIC WOUND CARE IN SAN JOSE-TREATMENT FOR DIABETIC WOUNDS

Silicon Valley's South Bay Vascular Center and Vein Institute physicians are recognized as the leading wound care doctors in the greater San Francisco Bay Area. Dr. Kokinos is the current medical director at both the Verity/O'Connor Wound Care Center in San Jose and at St Louise Hospital Wound Care Center in Morgan Hill, CA. She is recognized as one of the regional experts in Northern California and provides cutting edge treatment for the care and treatment of Non Healing Diabetic wounds.

WHY DIABETIC FOOT WOUNDS DON'T HEAL

One of the main complications of diabetes is the development of diabetic foot ulcers. Diabetic foot ulcers occur in 15% of all patients with diabetes. There are four primary contributing factors to the developments of these ulcers.

GILROY CA. NON-HEALING LEG WOUNDS AND VASCULAR SURGERY

Chronic wounds (wounds that do not heal after four weeks) are a silent epidemic in the United States and affect almost 7 million people. If not healed in a timely fashion, they can lead to loss of limb and in some instances can lead to amputation or death.

AWARD WINNING WOUND CARE IN SAN JOSE

The O'Connor Wound Care Center, which celebrates it's 25th Anniversary this year, was the site of a ceremony on Thursday, June 18th 2019 honoring it with a Commendation from the City of San Jose. The honorable Sam Liccardo as well as all the City Council Members were involved in recognizing the O'Connor Wound Care Center for distinguished service to the citizens of San Jose. The plaque was presented by Council Member Dev Davis to Dr. Polly Kokinos of South Bay Vascular Center, who is the Medical Director of the O'Connor Wound Care Center, as well as to the entire staff of the Wound Care Center.

GILROY, CA. VASCULAR SURGERY CARE

South Bay Vascular Center and Vein Institute is a full service vascular surgery clinic and accredited vascular ultrasound testing lab located at 8420 Church in Gilroy, CA. Dr. Polly Kokinos offers cutting edge care to patients suffering from vascular and arterial conditions and continue their 20 year commitment of caring for patients in the South Bay.

TREATING DIABETIC FOOT ULCERS

Millions of patients every year are seen in wound care centers for the treatment of their foot and leg ulcers. This is absolutely the correct place for anyone who has had a wound that is “non-healing” or “chronic”. That is, a wound that is still there after four weeks. Unfortunately, sometimes the physicians in these wound care centers are quick to put on expensive savs or other advanced treatment options. After all, isn’t that why the patients go to the wound care center instead of just their physician’s office? Partially. Good wound care centers treat by guidelines.

USE IT OR LOSE IT!

Now may be the best time to " Love Your Legs Again". Many corporate flexible health spending accounts create an ideal opportunity to give yourself that special gift of being able show off your legs again. Call today. Time is limited. If you've met your 2017 deductible getting back your beautiful might be a whole lot easier that you thought.

A MULTI-CULTURAL APPROACH TO VASCULAR CARE

South Bay Vascular Center and Vein Institute, with offices in Campbell and Gilroy CA., is recognized as one of the leading vascular surgery practices in Northern California. In addition to their cutting edge work in amputation prevention, South Bay Vascular Center is widely recognized as the leading center for the diagnosis and treatment of iliac-vein compression, medically know as May-Thurners disease, in the whole of the Western United States.

DR. KOKINOS RECOGNIZED AS A THOUGHT LEADER AT ANNUAL DIALYSIS ACCESS CONFERENCE

Dr Kokinos speaks on complex dialysis access issues at the annual CIDA conference (Controversies in Dialysis Access) in San Diego, California. CiDA's accredited scientific program provides the highest quality of comprehensive, interactive education for all clinicians involved in the care and treatment of dialysis patients. Recognized as a thought leader in Dialysis Access, Dr. Kokinos is proud to be on the forefront of advances in dialysis access.

WOUND CARE AND HYPERBARIC OXYGEN

Over the last few decades the treatment of chronic wounds (wounds that haven’t healed in 4 weeks) has become increasingly complicated and expensive. Thousands of specialized “Wound Care Centers” have cropped up across the country. The idea behind these is founded on the fact that getting these types of wounds to heal often requires physicians and nurses of different backgrounds and with special training. These centers are often made up of physicians such as podiatrists, general surgeons, orthopedic surgeons, vascular surgeons, plastic surgeons, infectious disease doctors, diabetic specialists, etc.

WOUND CARE

Millions of Americans suffer from wounds that don’t heal. It’s a problem most don’t even think about until they or a loved one develops this type of wound. After all, every one of us has fallen or hurt ourselves with a resulting wound. It generally hurts for a little, we put a little Neosporin or a band-aid on it, and forget about it. Pretty soon, it is gone, and there is a little or big scar in its place. However, as we get older, and develop medical issues, this healing may not happen. A wound that has been “open” for more than four weeks, is called a chronic wound, and often needs the special attention of a wound care center. In these centers, team of specially trained nurses and doctors use a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic tools to help promote healing.

VENOUS DISEASE AND WOUND HEALING

One of the most common contributors to the development of leg wounds is venous disease. This can occur either because of venous insufficiency—leaky valves in the leg veins or because of issues stemming from a DVT (deep venous thrombosis). Both of these problems contribute by causing high pressure at the ankles that impair the healing of the wounds.

WOUND CARE EXPERTS IN SAN JOSE

Polyxene Kokinos MD, a Board Certified Vascular and General Surgeon of South Bay Vascular Center and Vein Institute was recently appointed as the new medical director of the O'Connor and St. Louise Hospital's wound care clinics. Dr. Kokinos brings over 25 years of vascular surgery experience to her new position as medical director and is recognized as a national expert in the treatment of peripheral vascular and arterial disease. Dr. Kokinos has a special interest in the treatment of lower extremity and deep venous disease and is recognized as one of the country's leading experts in this area.

KPIX-TV CHANNEL 5 TO FEATURE SOUTH BAY VASCULAR CENTER ON SATURDAY OCTOBER 21, 2017 AT 7:00 PM

KPIX- TV CBS Channel 5 will feature South Bay Vascular Center and Vein Institute as a Vascular Surgery Center of Excellence on Saturday October 21, 2017 at 7:00 PM.

PERIPHERAL ARTERIAL DISEASE (PAD) INTERVENTION AND TREATMENT

Over the past 15 years the interventional treatment for peripheral arterial disease (PAD) has changed significantly with endovascular revascularization replacing surgically invasive procedures as the dominant intervention. Early detection and treatment are important to control the disease and to allow patients a full selection of treatment options.

PERIPHERAL ARTERIAL DISEASE (PAD)

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 18 million people in the United States suffer from Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), a common circulatory problem in which narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs. Estimates suggest that anywhere from 12 to 20 percent of individuals over the age of 60 are living with PAD. Approximately 160,000 to 180,000 of the estimated 18 million Americans with PAD will undergo a limb amputation as result of PAD-related condition this year, resulting in lower quality of life, high medical costs, and shorter life expectancy.

GOLFERS, LEG CRAMPS AND PERIPHERAL ARTERIAL DISEASE (PAD)

SOUTH BAY VASCULAR CENTER AND VEIN INSTITUTE LAUNCHES FALL 2017 PERIPHERAL ARTERIAL DISEASE (PAD) OUTREACH AND EDUCATIONAL CAMPAIGN

SEPTEMBER IS PAD AWARENESS MONTH

What is Peripheral Arterial Disease?
Peripheral artery disease (PAD), also known as claudication, poor circulation, vascular disease, or hardening of arteries, is a chronic, life-threatening circulatory condition. PAD causes narrowing or blockage of the vessels that carry blood from the heart to the legs. The primary cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, or the buildup of plaque in the arteries.

HOW CAN A SWOLLEN LEG BE RELATED TO CANCER?

How Can A Swollen Leg Be Related To Cancer? Many people know that leg swelling is a normal part of pregnancy. Or that if your heart or kidneys are not working properly, then fluid can “back up “ into your legs and cause swelling. Unfortunately, one problem that most people do not associate with leg swelling is cancer. This is unfortunate, because many people have leg swelling, most specifically an unprovoked deep venous thrombosis causing that swelling, as the first sign of their cancer. What does that mean?

DON'T SUFFER FROM SWOLLEN LEGS OR NON-HEALING LEG ULCERS ANY LONGER. WE CAN HELP!!

The sequence of photos below shows the before and after pictures of an 87 year old man who had seen multiple doctors over a 3-4 months period of time for his severe right leg swelling. This was not only causing him discomfort, but caused him to fall because of the imbalance it led to. He was found on a regular venous ultrasound in our accredited vascular lab to have abnormal flow in his right iliac vein.

SAN JOSE'S BEST VARICOSE VEIN DOCTOR

San Jose's most advanced vein treatment center, South Bay Vascular Center and Vein Institute invites you to

Love Your Legs Again

VEINS, VEINS, VEINS...VARICOSE VEIN TREATMENT IN SAN JOSE

South Bay Vascular Center and Vein Institute is Northern California's #1 varicose vein treatment center and vein repair clinic. Our ABMS board certified vascular surgeons have performed more successful varicose vein procedures than any other physicians in the region and are the best trained vein specialists in the area. Every vascular surgeon at South Bay Vascular Center and Vein Institute has completed a board eligible fellowship training program in both general as well as vascular surgery and has been trained to both identify and to treat any level of venous disease.

LEG SWELLING: BEFORE AND AFTER PHOTOS FOLLOWING THE PLACEMENT OF AN ILIAC VEIN STENT

If you have had painful or annoying one-sided leg swelling we may be able to help. Call us today for a consultation at 408-376-3626. South Bay Vascular Center and Vein Institute is the regional leader in treating leg swelling due to iliac vein compression.

SOUTH BAY VASCULAR LAUNCHES SPRING VARICOSE VEIN CAMPAIGN...TELL A FRIEND!

South Bay Vascular Center & Vein Institute is the most advanced treatment center for varicose veins in Norther California. Our board-certified vascular surgeons have performed more successful varicose vein procedures than any other physicians in the region.

DR. KOKINOS CHOSEN TO PRESENT AT 2017 OEIS MEETING

Dr. Kokinos was selected as a speaker at this years OEIS (Outpatient Endovascular and Interventional Society)meeting that will be held March 31- April 2 in San Diego California. Dr Kokinos will be presenting her expertise in the establishment and operation of cutting edge outpatient treatment facilities.

DR. KOKINOS SELECTED TO SPEAK AT 2017 UCSF VASCULAR SYMPOSIUM

Dr. Kokinos is honored to be a featured speaker at this years world renown UCSF Vascular Symposium. Dr. Kokinos will present her on-going research on the treatment of venous ulcers. This years session will be presented on April 6, 2017 in San Francisco, CA. Congratulation's Dr. Kokinos on your selection as a speaker.

DR. KOKINOS HONORED AS A SPEAKER AT THE 2017 AMERICAN VENOUS FORUM

Dr. Kokinos was recently honored at the American Venous Forum in New Orleans as a expert on the treatment of deep venous disease. Her groundbreaking research on the Correlation of Transabdominal Ultrasound with IVUS in Diagnosing Iliac Vein Stenosis adds to the growing body of medical literature in the evolving field of deep venous pathology and treatment. Congratulations Dr Kokinos on your recent honor.

IMPROVING THE LIVES OF OUR PATIENTS

Improving the lives of our patients is the foundation of everything that we do. In pursuit of this goal we strive to provide the most advanced vascular treatments available and to care for our patients in a compassionate and respectful manner.

SAN JOSE DIALYSIS ACCESS CENTER

South Bay Vascular Center and Vein Institute is the only independent Dialysis Access Center in Santa Clara County to offer full time vascular surgery coverage by board certified vascular surgeons. Don't let your loved ones needing dialysis access care suffer needlessly by waiting in a hospital emergency room. If you or anyone you know finds themselves waiting for dialysis access care, call us at 1-855 WE-D-CLOT. We can help.

SOUTH BAY VASCULAR AMPUTATION PREVENTION EFFORTS SHOWCASED IN FRONT PAGE ARTICLE OF GILROY DISPATCH

On Friday, February 3, 2017 Dr. Kokinos and Dr. Pineda of South Bay Vascular Center and Vein Institute were featured in a full length cover story discussing their Northern California Regional Amputation Prevention efforts. The physicians and staff of South Bay Vascular wish to thank the Gilroy Dispatch for their work writing this story and for recognizing the importance of educating the South Bay Community on alternatives to amputation.

SOUTH BAY VASCULAR CENTER: SIMPLY THE BEST VARICOSE VEIN TREATMENT CENTER IN SAN JOSE

Millions of Americans suffer from varicose veins. In adult western populations it is estimated that visible varicose veins are present in 20 to 25 % of women and 10 to 15 % of men.

Both invasive and non-invasive (i.e surgical and non-surgical) 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.

WE GIVE YOU HOPE FOR PREVENTING DIABETIC AMPUTATIONS

Are you at risk for Peripheral Arterial Disease? Are you 50 years old or older? Do you smoke or did you smoke? Have you been diagnosed with any the following: Diabetes? Chronic Kidney Disease? High Blood Pressure? High Cholesterol?

COMMON FORMS OF VASCULAR DISEASE

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) is an enlargement of “bulge” that develops in a weakened area within the largest artery in the abdomen.

LEG SWELLING CAN BE MORE THAN JUST VARICOSE VEINS

Time and again, patients come to our office following a vein procedure by local Vein “Experts”, Vein “Specialists” and Phelebologists complaining that their legs continue to hurt and to swell even after their varicose vein procedures. Disappointed and scared, many of these patients have spent thousands of dollars, have undergone multiple procedures and have endured months of pain, only to find that they have been treated for the wrong condition and have been told that there is nothing else that their doctor can do to help them. Not knowing where else to turn, patients walk into our office knowing that something is just not right and hoping that we we can help.

PREVENTING DIABETIC AMPUTATIONS IN SAN JOSE

Every year over 160,000 amputations are performed in America. 60%-80% of Medicare patients who undergo amputation never walk again. Worse yet, there is a 30-50%, 2-year mortality rate following an amputation...meaning that between 30% and 50% of all patients undergoing an amputation die within 2 years of their procedure.

ACHING TIRED OR HEAVY LEGS?

The Facts about Peripheral Arterial Disease. Each year there are more than 160,000 amputations performed. As a result of Peripheral Arterial Disease (commonly called PAD).

AMPUTATION PREVENTION CENTER- SAN JOSE

South Bay Vascular Center and Vein Institute is pleased to announce the launching of our new Amputation Prevention and Limb Salvage campaign. Keep an eye out for one of our new ads throughout San Jose and the South Bay.

DR. KOKINOS SELECTED TO PRESENT AT THE AMERICAN VENOUS FORUM

Dr. Kokinos will be presenting an abstract on her clinical research regarding iliac vein compression at the national American Venous Forum in New Orleans early next year. This meeting is the largest venous meeting of the year, and is sponsored by the Society for Vascular Surgery.

SOUTH BAY VASCULAR CENTER IS "TAKING A STAND AGAINST AMPUTATION"

South Bay Vascular Center and Vein Institute is Taking A Stand Against Amputation. Dr. Pineda and Dr. Kokinos recently attended the “Advanced Orbital Atherectomy Course in the Treatment of Complex PAD Below the Knee” at Metro Health Hospital, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This course was led by Dr. Jihad Mustapha, a thought leader in the field of critical limb ischemia. The techniques included using alternate access sites (using the arteries at the ankle and foot for access), instead of using the traditional groin site. The course also included treatment of arteries in the foot, with the main goal being on limb preservation and amputation prevention.

DR. KOKINOS APPOINTED AS NEW WOUND CARE DIRECTOR AT O'CONNOR AND ST. LOUISE HOSPITALS

Polyxene Kokinos MD, a Board Certified Vascular and General Surgeon of South Bay Vascular Center and Vein Institute was named today as the new medical director of the O'Connor and St. Louise Hospital's wound care clinics. Dr. Kokinos brings over 25 years of vascular surgery experience to her new position as medical director and is recognized as a national expert in the treatment of peripheral vascular and arterial disease.

SOUTH BAY VASCULAR LAUNCHES THEIR NEW FACEBOOK PAGE

South Bay Vascular Center is pleased to announce the launching of it's new Facebook page.

DIALYSIS ACCESS CENTER...IMMEDIATE ACCESS TO CARE

The Vascular Surgeons of South Bay Vascular Center in affiliation with interventional radiologists Dr. Anup Singh and Dr. Raj Tandon are pleased to announce the opening of San Jose's and the entire Santa Clara Valleys first and only state of the art Dialysis Access Center staffed with full time vascular surgery coverage. By calling 1-855-WE-D-CLOT dialysis patients can now receive immediate access to care instead of the traditional trip to the hospital emergency room where extended treatment times may lead to more difficult complications.

WHY VASCULAR SURGEONS ARE IMPORTANT IN A DIALYSIS ACCESS CENTER

Vascular surgeons are uniquely qualified to manage all issues related to a patient with dialysis access. They spend on average 7 to 9 years of rigorous training in general and vascular surgery after finishing medical school. During this period they are trained in managing all aspects of dialysis access care, including its creation, maintenance, and management of complications.

SAN JOSE DIALYSIS ACCESS CENTER STAFFED BY FULL TIME VASCULAR SURGEONS

South Bay Vascular Center and Vein Institute is proud to announce the opening of the only dialysis access center in Santa Clara County and the South Bay region with full time vascular surgery coverage. The new center provides experienced care in a state of the art facility conveniently located in Campbell, CA.

1-855-WE-D-CLOT

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.

SOUTH BAY VASCULAR ANNOUNCES THE OPENING OF THE SOUTH BAYS ONLY DIALYSIS ACCESS CENTER WITH FULL TIME VASCULAR SURGERY COVERAGE

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.

SOUTH BAY VASCULAR PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THE OPENING OF A NEW DIALYSIS ACCESS CENTER IN THE SOUTH BAY

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.

VARICOSE VEIN EXPERTS IN LOS GATOS, CAMPBELL AND SAN JOSE, CA

Check out our site: www.southbayvascular.com

VARICOSE VEINS: BEFORE AND AFTER TREATMENT

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

TEN MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT VARICOSE VEINS

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.

BLOOD CLOTS (DEEP VENOUS THROMBOSIS‐DVT) A SILENT KILLER

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.

TREATMENT OF VARICOSE VEINS IN LOS GATOS

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.

TREATING SWOLLEN, ACHING LEGS

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.

WHAT ARE VARICOSE VEINS?

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 IS ENDOVENOUS LASER THERAPY?

Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLT), a treatment for varicose veins, is an advanced, highly effective treatment for varicose veins. EVLT works by using targeted laser energy to close off problem veins, thus relieving the symptoms and appearance of varicose veins and restoring healthy, attractive legs. This treatment is ideal for large varicose veins, including the greater saphenous veins.

WHAT IS RADIOFREQUENCY ABLATION OF VARICOSE VEINS?

Radiofrequency ablation – the Closure Procedure – is similar to endovenous laser therapy. A radiofrequency probe is placed in the vein under ultrasound guidance. Then the vein is anesthetized using local anesthesia. Next, the vein is heated along its entire length by slowly withdrawing the probe from the vein. This causes the vein to clot and close, stopping the reflux (Leaking valves). Radiofrequency ablation is an outpatient procedure, can be performed under local anesthesia, and takes about 45 minutes. Possible complications are continued leg swelling, numbness, tingling, and blood clots in the legs. Patients may have bruising and mild pain for up to 4 weeks.

WHAT IS VASCULAR ULTRASOUND*

The medical specialty of vascular technology utilizes diagnostic ultrasound to generate images of blood flow within the veins and arteries. Ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves, similar to the sonar that a ship uses to detect structures beneath the surface of the water. Vascular ultrasound can also be known as a Doppler or duplex study. For example, if your physician wants to make sure that you do not have a blood clot in your leg, he or she might order a venous duplex or venous Doppler examination.

VASCULAR ULTRASOUND LAB ACCREDITATION: WHY IT'S IMPORTANT

The purpose of the IAC Vascular Testing accreditation program is “to ensure high quality patient care and to promote health care by providing a mechanism to encourage and recognize the provision of quality vascular diagnostic evaluations by a process of accreditation.” Through the accreditation process, facilities assess every aspect of daily operation and its impact on the quality of health care provided to patients. While completing the accreditation application, facilities often identify and correct potential problems, revise protocols and validate quality improvement programs. Because accreditation is renewed every three years, a long-term commitment to quality and self-assessment is developed and maintained. Facilities may use IAC accreditation as the foundation to create and achieve realistic quality care goals.

HOW ARE VARICOSE VEINS TREATED?

Both invasive and non-invasive (i.e surgical and non-surgical) 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.

IS VEIN DISEASE COVERED BY INSURANCE

One of the questions I am most often asked when doing screenings for vein disease is “Is treatment covered by insurance?” As usual, most medical questions are not easily answered and so the answer is yes, and no. All insurance companies consider varicose vein disease treatments medically necessary, and will therefore cover it, if there are complications such as bleeding or ulceration. Most consider treatment medically necessary if there are symptoms and reflux can be demonstrated on a Doppler exam.

FREE ILIAC VEIN SCREENING

During the months of May and June, in order to help our patients who have been suffering with left leg swelling for a long period of time, we are offering a free iliac vein ultrasound screening. This ultrasound will be offered on a limited basis to our current patients or someone who has a history of a DVT (deep venous thrombosis).

SWOLLEN LEG?

It is amazing to me how many patients we see who have suffered with leg swelling or wounds for months or years. They believe that it will just go away, or that the wound will just heal. Sometimes, they have even gone to their doctor, who usually does not even look at their leg. Although mild ankle swelling can sometimes occur just because the weather has been hot, or you have been sitting for a long time, or you had a lot of salt in your diet, the vast majority of the time, there is actually an underlying reason for the leg swelling.

SOUTH BAY VASCULAR CENTER LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE

South Bay Vascular Center and Vein Institute is pleased to announce the launch of their new website. The new site is designed to offer patients an easy to read, customer friendly option for interacting with our practice.

CHOOSING THE "RIGHT" VEIN DOCTOR

Type "Varicose Vein" into Google search and in seconds, countless thousands of links pop up; each one pointing to a different website; each website claiming that their “Vein Doctor” is the "best"; and each practitioner promising to rid you of your ugly, painful veins, leg swelling and non-healing ulcers. Lost in this hype, finding the right physician might seem impossible. When everyone in cyberspace claims to be the best and backs up their claims by citing an endless list of credentials, professional affiliations and most importantly, showing off their work: their before and after galleries... it gets confusing.

VASCULAR SURGEON VS PHLEBOLOGIST VS VEIN SPECIALIST

Most people find three broad groupings of physicians who call themselves "Vein Doctors": Vascular Surgeons, Phlebologists and Vein Specialists...(the third group is typically made up of Cardiologists, Interventional Radiologists and Dermatologist)

DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS..."BLOOD CLOTHS"

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a vein condition in which a blood clot forms inside a deep vein, usually in the large veins of the lower legs or thighs. If left untreated, deep vein thrombosis can develop into a serious, or even fatal, condition. Patients at risk for DVT should therefore seek prompt medical attention. Patients who live in the San Jose, California region can take advantage of the expert care provided at South Bay Vascular Center & Vein Institute. This center is uniquely qualified to diagnose DVT with an accredited on-site vascular ultrasound laboratory.

INSTITUTE FOR VASCULAR TESTING AWARDED NATIONAL ACCREDITATION BY THE INTERSOCIETAL ACCREDITATION COMMISSION

One of the most important tools used in the diagnosis of vascular disease is a comprehensive ultrasound examination. Our full-service, ICAVL accredited vascular ultrasound lab makes us the only "free-standing"* private practice in the South Bay to offer this service on site. Why is this important? The answer to this question is simple. The Institute for Vascular Testing allows us to provide high quality vascular ultrasound studies quickly, accurately and without putting our patients through the hassle of visiting a hospital. Our state of the art imaging equipment in a stand alone facility allows our registered ultrasonography technologists to generate the most advanced studies available.

DR. KOKINOS CHOSEN TO CHAIR CARDIOVASCULAR SURGERY DIVISION AT GOOD SAMARITAN HOSPITAL IN SAN JOSE, CA

In recognition of her exceptional surgical skills and long term dedication to the Silicon Valley community, Columbia's Good Samaritan hospital in San Jose, CA. recently appointed Dr. Kokinos to Chair their Division of Cardiovascular Surgery.

SWOLLEN LEGS? YOU MAY HAVE ILIAC VEIN COMPRESSION

May Thurner's Syndrome, also known as iliac Vein Compression, is a condition where the main artery supplying blood to the leg pushes down or compresses the main vein taking blood back to your heart. Previously undiagnosed, major advances in medical imaging technology have given vascular surgeons the tools needed to demonstrate that May Thurner's syndrome is directly responsible for the slowing of blood going back to ones heart resulting in the swelling and or edema of the leg. These same studies have shown that in a full 30% of all people, the left iliac vein can be significantly compressed by the right iliac artery resulting in some kind of leg symptom….aching, heaviness, and most commonly, swelling or non-healing of wounds in the leg veins.

INTRAVASCULAR ULTRASOUND (IVUS) AND LEG SWELLING

Blockage of the deep venous circulation in the abdominal/pelvic area in now recognized as a major cause of Chronic Venous Disease. Chronic Vein Insufficiency (CVI) occurs when the veins cannot pump enough blood back to the heart. In many cases CVI MAY be caused when either the iliac vein in your pelvis becomes compressed by the overlying artery or from a blockage following deep venous thrombosis (DVT). Many patients experience the result of this iliac vein compression as leg swelling, particularly left leg swelling. See below.

ARE YOUR LEGS SWOLLEN FOLLOWING A COSMETIC VEIN PROCEDURE?

Every year thousands of patients in the US undergo cosmetic vein procedures in the hope of getting rid of their swollen legs and unsightly varicose veins. Unfortunately, in a large percentage of these patients, a simple cosmetic procedure fails to address a more serious underlying vascular issue and, even when the procedure is successful, patients complain of continued leg swelling, heaviness, and pain in their legs. Internet searches for, "Why do my legs continue to swell following my varicose vein surgery?" are everywhere on the internet and lead many patients to simplified, incomplete answers leaving them in a difficult position where they continue to suffer and have no answers for where to go next.