Welcome to the Vascular Surgery and Vein Center

Welcome to the Vascular Surgery and Vein Center, a comprehensive vascular practice providing state-of-the-art care to patients throughout the tri-state area. Under the direction of board-certified surgeon Dr. Norman Chideckel, we utilize our advanced skills and many years of experience to help patients achieve clear, beautiful and healthy legs.

With our convenient Manhattan location, Dr. Chideckel offers patients a wide range of services to treat varicose and spider veins, deep vein thrombosis, and other vascular conditions, including:

Dedicated to helping patients achieve their desired results through the most effective and minimally invasive treatments available, Dr. Chideckel and his staff take the time to talk with each individual patient and address any concerns or questions they may have before undergoing treatment. Your comfort and satisfaction are among our top priorities.

To learn more about the services provided by Dr. Chideckel, please contact us to schedule an appointment. We always welcome new patients and look forward to meeting you.

Vascular Surgery & Vein Center
108 East 96th Street
Front 1
New York, NY 10128

Call us today at 212-993-6133 to schedule an appointment.

We now offer Telemedicine sessions. Please call us for more information or to schedule a Telemedicine appointment.

See Our Main Website At www.VeinsDoc.com
Blog Posts Are Below:

Category Archives: top vein surgeon nyc

Do You Need A Varicose Vein Surgeon?

Do You Need A Varicose Vein Surgeon? If you have a job that requires you to stand for extended periods, you may develop varicosities or varicose veins. Many people are not aware of what varicose veins are, what causes it, and how you can identify if you have this condition. Well, note that vascular surgeons can treat this condition using surgical and non-surgical procedures.

Top NYC Varicose Vein Surgeon
(Source)

What Are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are a set of misshaped veins that become dilated due to excessive pressure, usually in the leg area. These veins are larger than usual veins and mostly appear as bluish-purple. Varicose veins are faulty veins that affect the blood flowing in the affected area. Thus, the veins become enlarge and get twisted into each other.

What Causes Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins may develop due to several reasons. Our body has a complex network of veins. The arteries circulate blood from your heart to the tissues. Next, the veins in the body pump the blood back to the heart for recirculation. Your vein legs play an essential role in the process and act against gravity.

However, when the leg veins don’t perform their task properly, you develop varicose veins. Damaged vein valves affect the blood circulation, and it begins to accumulate in the veins, making them enlarged. The most common reason is the excessive pressure on the lower body veins. Pregnant women and obese people are more prone to develop varicose veins.

What Are The Symptoms?

If you want to identify whether you have this condition, be aware of any signs of pain, irritation, the feeling of fullness, discoloration of the skin, and stiffness in one particular area. Besides, you may experience muscle cramps and swelling in legs and ankles.

These are a few of the symptoms of varicose veins that can also lead to spider veins. It is best to contact your doctor for examination and treatment if you observe any of these symptoms.

How Does A Varicose Vein Surgeon Treat This Condition?

There are many ways of treating varicose veins; however, the treatment would depend on the patient’s skin characteristics and whether they have any other health conditions. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is one way of preventing varicose veins.

In worse cases, the surgeon may recommend undergoing surgical intervention. The four best ways to treat varicose veins in patients are:

Endovenous Laser Ablation

During this procedure, a specially trained surgeon will first numb the area and penetrate the vein using a catheter. The surgeon uses ultrasound for mapping the vein; he moves the catheter around the vein to the walls of the vein and seals it with thermal energy. Hence, the vein shuts, resulting in instant relief in some cases.

Once the EVLT is complete, the doctor will provide the patient with a compression stocking to place over the leg. It will allow circulation to improve. The benefit of this treatment is that it does not involve incisions. Hence, no stitches needed, and you can go about your day as normal.

Sclerotherapy

This procedure involves injecting a liquid into the vein. This results in irritating the wall of the vein; hence, causing the veins to collapse. The first step of the procedure involves cleaning the area where the injection will enter. Once the vein receives the injection, the patient might feel a burning sensation, or in some cases, nothing.

Surgeons don’t always use anesthesia during sclerotherapy and might even advise patients not to apply any lotion before the procedure.

Once the procedure is complete, the surgeon will gently massage that area to ensure the blood does not enter into that particular vein again. The doctor will also provide compression stocking to assist in proper blood flow.

This treatment does require a follow up to ensure there aren’t any more varicose or spider veins. A patient needs to avoid after this treatment is sunlight because that can cause dark spots on the treated area.

Phlebectomy

This procedure involves a small scalpel or needle, which will help make an incision in the skin where the vein is. The first step during this procedure is to numb the area with local anesthesia. The scalpel or needle will help penetrate the skin, making a tiny hole. After this, the surgeon will use a Phlebectomy hook to pull the vein out gently.

Once the procedure is complete, the surgeon will close the incision scar with a bandage. Therefore, the stitches won’t be needed.

Venous Ultrasound

This is another procedure surgeons opt for to understand the condition of the veins better. The ultrasound uses sound waves to detect how far the vein is and produce pictures of the veins. This ultrasound assists in searching for blood clots that might reside in the legs veins.

This procedure can help to understand the condition of the varicose veins and treat them with efficiency and safety.

Contact the Top Varicose Vein Surgeon in NYC Today

Remember, it is important that you discuss the best treatment for you with your doctor. If you’re looking for the best vascular surgeons to treat varicose veins, contact Dr. Norman Chideckel at the Vascular Surgery and Vein Center. We provide our patients with the highest level of care. Book an appointment to discuss your options and concerns about the treatments mentioned above.

Vascular Surgery & Vein Center
108 East 96th Street
Front 1
New York, NY 10128
212-993-6133

What Is a Vascular Surgeon and What Do They Do?

What Is a Vascular Surgeon? Medical health professionals are involved in a wide variety of specialties. For those who need help with vein issues and medical conditions, consulting with a vascular surgeon is often the route to take. This type of medical professional is highly trained in many different areas and will help you with all of your vein-related questions and medical conditions. But, it’s important to delve into this concept further.

What Is a Vascular Surgeon?

If you’re wondering what a vascular surgeon is, the answer is pretty easy to explain. A vascular surgeon is a highly-trained specialist who treats diseases related to the vascular system. Blood vessels in the form of arteries and veins are the main part of your circulatory system. Vascular surgeons handle medical issues which revolve around arteries and veins, ensuring efficient circulation.

What Does a Vascular Surgeon Do?

A vascular surgeon has many job roles. Some of the duties of a vascular surgeon include treating individuals with vascular health issues, informing their patients of their vascular health treatment options, and perform vascular health surgery when necessary to do so.

The vascular surgeon doesn’t always have to perform surgery as many vascular issues have non-invasive or minimally-invasive treatment methods. With that said, should surgery be necessary, the vascular surgeon is highly qualified and able to complete a wide array of surgical procedures related to the vascular system.

Do You Need a Vascular Surgeon?

If you are experiencing vascular health issues, you may need to visit a vascular surgeon, at least for a general consult. The vascular surgeon will carefully identify your health issues, diagnose the medical condition, and then discuss possible treatment methods with you. Some of the issues you might have which will lead you to seeking the help of a vascular surgeon include the following:

Aneurysms
Peripheral artery disease
Deep vein thrombosis
Carotid artery disease
Pulmonary embolism
And more

These are some of the more serious conditions which might warrant a visit to and treatment from a vascular surgeon and they are only a few of the many medical conditions which vascular surgeons treat. With that said, a vascular surgeon can also treat vein-related issues, such as venous skin ulcers, varicose veins, reticular veins, spider veins, and other vein-centric problems. If the medical condition is tied into the vascular system, a vascular surgeon is your go-to medical professional for an evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment plan. Your condition will be thoroughly evaluated to ensure that a vascular specialist can treat your needs.

Dr. Norman Chideckel Can Treat Your Vein-Related Medical Issues

If you’re searching for an NYC vein doctor and vascular surgeon, Dr. Norman Chideckel can help. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Chideckel at his Manhattan office and have your vascular issues evaluated in an efficient and effective manner.

Dr. Chideckel will meet with you and discuss your health issues, provide a diagnosis, and then present a treatment plan to tend to your medical condition. You will have your medical issues properly addressed and potential treatment methods offered to help you with your medical condition.

Contact us today and set up an appointment to meet with him and his welcoming staff at the New York City office.

Vascular Surgery & Vein Center
108 East 96th Street
Front 1
New York, NY 10128
212-993-6133

Treatment of Varicose Veins

Fortunately, treatment of varicose veins doesn’t include a hospital stay or a long, painful recovery. There are many routines you can add to your day that will help reduce the appearance of varicose veins and prevent new veins from surfacing. For those veins that are beyond your control or may be causing pain or restless legs, there are safe ways to eliminate these veins safely. There are several minimally invasive procedures for varicose veins that can be treated on a routine doctor’s visit.

A Few Things You Can Do On Your Own

Practice healthier behavior by adding exercise to your week. Movement will help your muscles do their job in contracting to assist your veins in blood flow. Exercise helps improve circulation and breaks the cycle of standing or sitting for long periods of time. If you are a smoker, you may want to consider quitting. Smoking has negative effects of your blood circulation. This could help to prevent future veins popping up.

Avoid tight fitted clothing that hinders your movement. If your jeans are too tight, they may actually be adding to harmful pressure on your veins, causing varicose veins. While some tight clothing can make veins worse, compression stockings are options to improve the look of your legs. Wearing compression stockings all day is usually the first treatment method to try before moving on to other options. They progressively squeeze your legs just enough to help the veins transport your blood more efficiently.

Medical Treatments

If your body is not responding to the self-care methods, or your condition is more severe, you have several options of varicose vein treatment that can be done in the doctor’s office. These are all common and safe procedures to choose from when wanting to get rid of your visible unattractive veins.

Sclerotherapy is a procedure in less than an hour in your doctor’s office. It is a common and safe procedure that does not require anesthesia. The vein doctor injects a solution into the smaller varicose veins, just under the surface of the skin. That injected solution scars the vein and it closes. The vein will not be functional for blood flow since it is sealed shut, though your blood will be rerouted to healthier veins. You will see results from Sclerotherapy within weeks as the vein fades from visibility.

Doctors use laser treatments to close off smaller varicose veins and spider veins. Endovenous laser treatment is an outpatient procedure that uses light energy to zap your vein closed. Your doctor inserts a thin fiber with a laser into the vein and the heat from the laser then destroys the vein. Results will be seen within a few weeks as the vein is absorbed by surrounding tissue.

Ambulatory phlebectomy is when your doctor removes the smaller varicose veins through a sequence of tiny skin punctures. The parts of your leg that will be receiving these tiny punctures will be numbed in this outpatient procedure. Scarring is usually minimal.

If you would like to learn more about your treatment options, contact us today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Norman Chideckel for the treatment of varicose veins.

Are Varicose Veins Dangerous?

Many people want to treat varicose veins due to cosmetic reasons, but there are many more reasons apart from their unsightly appearance to treat these blemishes on your skin. Varicose veins that are left untreated can cause mild to severe symptoms, depending on the person, and can even become life-threatening.

Lipodermatosclerosis

If the tissues within the skin are swollen or inflamed for a long period of time, it may cause Lipodermatosclerosis, which is an inflammation of the subcutaneous fat. This usually occurs due to venous insufficiency, which is what varicose veins cause due to insufficient blood flow through the veins. The legs may feel sore and swollen and the tissue will feel hard around the leg. This can cause many other conditions such as edema.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

This is the most severe condition caused by varicose veins, hence why they should be treated. Many patients complaining of a “pulling sensation” in their leg and this is caused by a blood clot due to the build-up of blood in the vein. If this blood clot travels up further in the body, especially to the heart, lungs or brain, it can cause life-threatening injuries, as insufficient oxygen is delivered.

Hyperpigmentation

When varicose veins are left untreated for a long period of time, it can cause excess blood to leak into the tissues of the affected area. This will cause painful inflammation and swelling of the tissue and the skin can become discolored and dark. Once hyperpigmentation occurs on the skin, it can be hard to get rid of. Although usually medically harmless to the body, it can cause body confidence issues for many people.

Superficial Thrombophlebitis

Superficial Thrombophlebitis is another inflammatory condition caused by a blood clot in the veins beneath the skin. This affects the vein more than the surface of the skin, although the skin may become red around the affected area. The vein may feel very sensitive to touch, which can cause ongoing discomfort. Left untreated, this can cause other complications such as cellulitis, which is a skin infection caused by bacteria.

Leaving varicose veins untreated can cause many other problems within the veins and surrounding tissues. Many problems that occur are very similar and it can be hard to know which one you are suffering from.

Getting treated for varicose veins is always the safest option, so schedule an appointment with the best varicose vein doctor in NYC today.

Call us today at 212-993-6133 to schedule an appointment with the best Varicose vein treatment doctor in New York City.

Raynaud’s (Cold Intolerance)

During this cold winter that we have been experiencing, I would like to take this opportunity to highlight the issue of cold intolerance, also known as Raynaud’s.

Vasospasm

Raynaud’s (vasospasm) is the body’s response to stress or a traumatic event. It may be a freestanding problem, also known as Raynaud’s disease, or may be a secondary reaction to an underlying medical problem, known as Raynaud’s phenomenon.

Is more common in women, and families, and those people living in colder acclimates. It will feel as if you have lost the circulation in your hands or feet, but in fact the reason for this feeling is due to vasospasm, and not lack of circulation. Vasospasm is the regulation of blood flow, and as a result of the stress the body’s protective mechanism will dilate those blood vessels that supply essential portions of the body (heart, liver, brain, kidneys, etc.), and constrict the blood vessels that feed into the periphery (tips of the fingers, tips of the toes, lips, nose, and ears). When the stress has passed there will be a re-dilatation to the blood vessels in the periphery. Hence, the associated color changes; white, then blue, and upon rewarming red. There may also be associated symptoms of numbness, throbbing, tingling, and or swelling.

Raynaud’s disease

The most common type is Raynaud’s disease, without an identifiable underlying medical condition.

Raynaud’s phenomenon or secondary Raynaud’s, will occur as the result of an underlying medical condition, and may occur later in life. Several of these medical issues include: Thyroid disease, lupus, scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, and carpal tunnel syndrome. Other factors that contribute include; smoking, repetitive stress injuries, and/or vibration (such as use of power tools and jackhammer’s). Certain medications have also been linked to these symptoms, and these include the beta blockers, used to treat hypertension, medications used to treat migraines, and medications that are used to treat attention deficit disorder, and hyperactivity.

Diagnosis

When first diagnosed is important to have a thorough medical workup, to determine if there is an underlying issue which can be treated. Once this treatment begins, very often the symptoms will resolve.

Treatment Of Raynaud’s Disease

In general local measures are recommended as the mainstay of treatment. Keeping the area warm, by using mittens instead of gloves on the hands, and heavy woolen socks on the feet to protect the toes. Try to get indoors as quickly as possible into a warmer environment. Massaging your hands and feet will be of benefit, wiggling the fingers and toes may also be beneficial. Using hot water on the area affected would be more detrimental; however, using warm water from the tap will help in the rewarming process.

Other measures to help reduce the symptoms would include cessation of smoking, exercise, and controlling stress.

The goals of treatment are to reduce the severity of attacks, prevent tissue damage, and if applicable to treat the underlying medical condition. No one medication as a treatment has had any great success. However, certain medications have been used including nifedipine, Norvasc, Minipress, Cardura, Cozaar, and even Viagra. Use of local nitroglycerin cream to the toes or the fingers may help dilate the local blood vessels in the area. However, the use of any of these medications must be discussed with your medical doctor. As they all have potential side effects.

There are those medications that may worsen the symptoms, including beta blockers which are being used to treat high blood pressure, including Lopressor, Toprol, Corgard, and Inderal. Over the counter cold remedies which include pseudoephedrine should also be avoided. Excessive alcohol consumption should also be avoided, as it initially may cause a vasodilatation, but then cause a rebound in the vasospasm, making the symptoms feel even worse.

Other options for treatment may include use of fish oils, biofeedback, acupuncture, and where applicable local nerve blocks to maintain the vessels at maximum dilatation.

What causes a swollen leg?

Causes of Swollen Leg

The potential causes of the swollen leg are many. Is the swelling occurring in both legs or is only one leg affected. Swelling of both legs is more likely due to a “central” cause. This may include, medications, as some medications may cause fluid retention in the area of theankles, most notably the antihypertensive medication- Norvasc. Underlying medical issues of the heart, liver, or kidneys, or thyroid may also cause fluid retention. Inflammatory reactions as result of lower back issues, such as spinal stenosis or arthritis, may cause swelling which again will occur most frequently at the area of the ankles, as it is the most dependent area of the body.

Only One Leg

When only one leg is affected, then local causes must be evaluated. Venous thrombosis (blood clot) causes swelling of the lower extremity as the clot blocks the return of blood flow back towards the heart. Venous insufficiency, varicose veins can also cause swelling of a leg as a result of the blood flow refluxing back down the leg. These issues are usually associated with heaviness, throbbing, and a tired and achy leg.

“Baker’s” cyst

A “Baker’s” cyst commonly known as a pop liteal cyst which causes compression in the area behind the knee may present as a swollen leg. This issue is more common in people with underlying knee issues, such as arthritis or cartilage damage. When the cyst ruptures there may be acute swelling that affects the back portion of the calf. When the cyst enlarges it may cause pressure on the vein known as the popliteal vein in the back of the knee. This has also been known as “pseudo-“ thrombophlebitis. Arthritis of the hip or knee to again to this inflammatory reaction may also present with swelling.

Lymphedema

Lymphedema, where the lymph channels of the lower extremity are not working effectively in returning lymph fluid back towards the heart, may also cause swelling. This could be primary lymphedema, without any underlying medical condition, or secondary lymphedema, occurring as a result of a compressive force on the lower extremity. This topic will be discussed in the future blog. The most informative test to start the evaluation process is a venous duplex ultrasound, also known as sonogram with Doppler, which will define if there is an underlying vein problem or thrombosis as the source of the swelling, and often times will diagnose the presence of this Baker’s cyst. These are just a few possible causes of swelling of the lower extremities. Empirically use of a support or compression stocking would be beneficial just to deal with the issue of the swelling. A thorough investigation by your medical doctor is crucial in sorting through this issue.

If you have any questions about a swollen leg due to Lymphedema or a Baker’s cyst, please call NYC’s top varicose vein doctor Dr. Norman Chideckel at 212-993-6133 today.

NYC top vein surgeon talks about Vein Damage with Exercise

Potential Vein Damage With Exercise

In a past blog, I addressed the question as to the use of support stockings during exercise. As mentioned there has not been any proven scientific benefit to the use of support stockings during exercise, however, there has been evidence that using support stockings after exercise, during recovery, is beneficial. These seem to help with muscle recovery after aerobic activities.

I observe people working out at the gym, and as a vascular surgeon I have had the opportunity to evaluate patients at my office, who have sustained exercise related vein damage.

Firstly, with regards to upper extremity exercises, hyperabduction -or pulling the shoulders too far back, with weight lifting can cause a “scissoring” of the vein under the clavicle (collarbone). With repetitive motion, this may lead to an obstruction, or blockage, of this vein, causing swelling of the arm, and potential fatigue of the arm during daily activities. This issue has been mentioned in the previous blog with regards to varicose veins of the upper extremities.

Secondly, with regards to lower extremity exercises, using excessive weights-pushing to and past the limit-can lead to venous blood clots. Veins are a low flow blood vessel, and excessive pressure, stopping the blood flow for a small amount of time can lead to clotting. I have evaluated patients who have bench pressed upwards of 1000 pounds with their lower extremities who have developed as a result a venous blood clot.

Excessive straining during exercise may lead to a vein rupture, and or a bleeding episode, usually under the surface of the skin. It may also lead to the appearance of varicose veins, either of the upper or lower extremity, as the increasing muscle mass, push veins closer to the surface.

Words of caution:

Stay hydrated during exercise, with water, in order to maximize muscle performance. Energy drinks do have added electrolytes as well, and that may be of an added benefit.
Try using support stockings after exercise to aid in muscle recovery.
Eat a protein load within 30 minutes to an hour after the exercise to prevent muscle breakdown.

Remember that participating in exercise and aerobic activity is to help us stay fit. Pushing the limits may have more risk than reward.

If you have any questions or desire treatment for vein damage or injury, call Dr. Norman Chideckel, NYC’s top vein surgeon at (212)-993-613 today!

See Our Main Website At www.VeinsDoc.com Blog Posts Are Below: