Venous Services

We provide comprehensive treatment and management of varicose vein disease and its complications, as well as diagnostic ultrasound services all in the comfort of one centralized location. From initial diagnosis , pre and post treatment ultrasonography to minimally invasive surgical techniques and maintenance therapy,  the team at Allegheny Vein and Vascular will be there every step of the way. Unlike many other practitioners that offer vein treatment, Dr. Tahara is a vascular surgeon who specializes in vein disease as one of the main focuses of our practice.  Dr. Tahara is the regional leader in performing the VNUS Closure procedure and has been selected as faculty for the national VNUS Total Vein Care Course.

Allegheny Vein and Vascular also offers cutting edge techniques for varicose and spider veins such as the VNUS Closure procedure, ambulatory phlebectomy and sclerotherapy.

The Closure Procedure

Closure Procedure

The VNUS® Closure® Procedure, an alternative treatment option to traditional vein stripping surgery, brings state-of-the-art technology to an age-old disease.

The Closure procedure is performed on an outpatient basis. Using ultrasound, your physician will position the Closure catheter into the diseased vein, through a small opening in the skin. The tiny catheter delivers radiofrequency (RF) energy to the vein wall. As the RF energy is delivered and the catheter is withdrawn, the vein wall is heated, causing the collagen in the wall to shrink and the vein to close. Once the diseased vein is closed, blood is re-routed to other healthy veins.

Following the procedure, a simple bandage is placed over the insertion site, and additional compression may be provided to aid healing. Your doctor may encourage you to walk, and to refrain from extended standing and strenuous activities for a period of time.

Patients who undergo the Closure procedure typically resume normal activities within a day.

Highlights of the Closure procedure

Click below to view a short video about the
VNUS Closure procedure




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    • Relief of symptoms
    • Resume normal activity within a day
    • Outpatient procedure
    • Local or general anesthesia
    • Good cosmetic outcome with minimal to no scarring, bruising or  swelling

Ambulatory Phlebectomy

Ambulatory phlebectomy is a method of surgical removal of surface veins. This is usually completed in our office using local anesthesia. Incisions are tiny (stitches are generally not necessary) and typically leave imperceptible puncture mark scars. Post-operative discomfort is minimal. After the vein has been removed by phlebectomy, a bandage and/or compression stocking is worn for a short period.

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is a cosmetic medical procedure used to treat varicose veins and spider veins. A tiny needle is used to inject a solution directly into the vein. The solution irritates the lining of the vessel, causing it to swell and stick together, and the blood to clot. Overtime, the body will absorb the treated vein. Mild discomfort may occur, and a cramping sensation may be felt for 1 to 2 minutes when larger veins are injected. The number of veins injected in one session is variable, depending on the size and location of the veins, and the patient's overall medical condition. Anywhere from one to several sclerotherapy sessions may be needed for any vein region. Medically prescribed support hose and/or bandages may need to be worn for several days to several weeks to assist in resolution of the veins. In general, spider veins respond to treatment in 3 to 6 weeks, and larger veins respond in 3 to 4 months.



Arterial Services

Full Arterial surgery: Endarterectomy, Peripheral arterial bypass, aneurysm repair
Endovascular surgery: Treating arterial blockages and aneurysms.
Noninvasive vascular laboratory and in-office ultrasound studies
Dialysis access including access creation and maintenance

Reasons to see a Vascular Surgeon

    • Blockages in arteries(including legs, kidneys, or carotid arteries)
    • Strokes or mini-strokes(TIA/Transient ischemic attack)
    • Non-healing wounds
    • Dialysis patients

Arterial Conditions we treat

    • Carotid stenosis (narrowing of the neck artery)
    • Leg ischemia (lack of blood and oxygen to the legs)
    • Non-healing wounds
    • Aneurysms(a localized weakening of a blood vessel leading to abnormal dilation)
    • Dialysis access needs

Procedures Performed:

Minimally Invasive/Endovascular Procedures

    • Angioplasty and stenting for arterial blockages
    • Endovascular aneurysm repair
    • Dialysis access maintenance

Open Surgeries

    • Carotid endarterectomy
    • Leg bypass surgery
    • Arteriovenous fistula creation(dialysis access)
    • Aortic aneurysm repair
    • Amputation

For more Information on understanding Vascular Conditions, Tests, and Treatments please click on the website below provided by the Society of Vascular Surgery.

Further LInks of Interest

http://www.vascularweb.org/patients/NorthPoint/Index.html