Advanced Diagnosis and Treatment of Vein Disorders

Do you have the impression that vein treatment involves pain and a lengthy recovery? A modern medical technique eliminates both these outcomes. Vascular and Interventional Radiology (VIR) is now the preferred method of diagnosing and treating a range of vein disorders.

This advanced approach uses radiographic imaging to guide procedures, resulting in precise treatment. Unlike open surgery, VIR doesn’t create large wounds. Additionally, it poses a lower health risk, minimal discomfort, and faster healing than conventional surgery.

Amish Tilara, M.D. is a vascular and interventional radiologist, expert in reading medical images, including x-rays, ultrasound, CT, and MRI. With a practiced eye and impeccable skill, he threads small tubes and wires through the body to rectify vein problems.

VIR Advantages

Typically, VIR procedures require only local anesthesia. Consequently, you’re spared the unpleasant side effects of general anesthesia, such as post-op nausea, vomiting, and confusion. Although you’re conscious during VIR, you feel no pain since the target area is thoroughly numbed. Several hours after VIR, local anesthesia continues to eliminate discomfort.

Local anesthetics don’t depress your body systems. Therefore, you rebound much faster following VIR than open surgery. After general anesthesia, you must be closely monitored while your body gradually regains normal function.

VIR begins with a small nick versus the large cuts of open surgery. A small skin opening results in less blood loss and a lower risk of infection. The slit is so tiny that VIR is commonly called “pinhole surgery.”

VIR has a broad range of applications, addressing health problems in nearly every organ and body system. Clear imaging during procedures ensures accurate diagnosis and treatment. Given all these benefits, VIR is much safer than traditional surgery for vein disorders.

Dr. Tilara’s Qualifications

Amish Tilara, M.D. is a double board-certified vascular and interventional radiologist. To become board-certified, a physician must pass rigorous testing and peer evaluation. Additionally, a doctor must continue advancing their knowledge and skills through periodic courses.

Such education is designed to ensure quality care and patient safety. Double board certification signifies that Dr. Tilara has extensive training in both diagnostic radiology and VIR.

Dr. Tilara has shared his expertise in national presentations and research articles featured in the American Journal of Radiology and the Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Disease. Along with several other professional memberships, he belongs to the Society of Interventional Radiology, a privilege granted only to board-certified physicians.

Awards

Through an endowment by the Benjamin H. Josephson Fund, Dr. Tilara has provided medical care to underprivileged patients overseas.

In 2016, Atlanta Vascular & Vein Centers received the “Best of Gwinnett” award for superior treatment of vein problems. This honor is the result of a contest held annually by Gwinnett Magazine. Readers vote for highly regarded local establishments, including healthcare providers. The magazine chose Dr. Tilara for their award based on the accolades of his patients.

Common Conditions Treated

Venous Insufficiency

The root cause of varicose veins, spider veins, and blood clots is venous insufficiency. This condition occurs when the valves in leg veins don’t perform their intended role, directing blood back to the heart. Admittedly, this is a difficult task, since leg veins are working against gravity.

Impaired valves allow blood to pool inside veins, making them bulge and twist. Varicose veins appear blue since the blood they contain is deoxygenated, needing a lung refill. Varicose veins can be accompanied by ankle swelling and leg pain.

One method of treatment is laser ablation, targeting varicose veins with a light beam. When exposed to a laser, bulging veins shrink, close, and seal. Afterward, blood naturally circulates to healthy veins.

Spider veins are much smaller and more superficial than varicose veins, bearing a resemblance to spider legs. They may trigger leg itching, cramping, aching, and heaviness. Spider veins can be eliminated either by laser treatment or injection with a chemical, a procedure called “sclerotherapy.” Targeted veins collapse, shrink, and disappear.

Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are prevalent in women during their childbearing years. While non-cancerous, these lesions can cause heavy menstruation and pain. Once identified, fibroids can be removed through embolization.

During this outpatient procedure, blood vessels feeding a fibroid are destroyed, making the tumor shrink and die. Embolization of fibroids can save a woman from having a hysterectomy to remove them.

Varicoceles

Infertility is sometimes linked to a vein disorder in men called a “varicocele.” This condition is characterized by venous swelling within a man’s scrotum. A varicocele can suppress sperm and testosterone production, leading to low sperm counts, muscle weakness, fatigue, depression, and sexual problems.

Like uterine fibroids, varicoceles can be treated with embolization. Coils or chemicals cause the veins to seal. After embolization, blood bypasses the blocked veins and flows through healthy vessels.

Peripheral Artery Disease

Atherosclerosis is a condition where fatty deposits called “plaque” narrow and harden artery walls. For this reason, the common term for this disease is “hardening of the arteries.” When plaque accumulates in the arteries of lower extremities, it’s medically termed “peripheral artery disease” or PAD.

PAD symptoms include pain while walking, along with leg heaviness, tightness, weakness, and cramping. If not addressed, discomfort can progress to throbbing foot pain and ulcers.

Eventually, sores can pervade surrounding tissue. When dead and infected tissue is beyond the control of antibiotics and tissue removal, amputation becomes necessary. Due to the severe nature of PAD, early diagnosis and treatment are vital. Of note is that people with early-stage PAD may not have symptoms.

Frequently, PAD is treated with medication. Severe cases can be remedied with angioplasty, stents, and atherectomy.

Angioplasty directs a tube called a “catheter” through a blocked artery. A balloon affixed to the catheter is inflated, flattening plaque against the vessel walls, widening the channel. A stent is a metal tube inserted into an artery, keeping it open. Atherectomy removes plaque from vessel linings, using specialized tools attached to a catheter.

Customized Care

In addition to the above conditions, Dr. Tilara specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and resolution of other vein problems.

The doctor’s gentle and compassionate nature instantly puts patients at ease. His examinations are thorough, during which he takes ample time to explain procedures, so patients are fully informed. Dr. Tilara prioritizes patient comfort. He also does his utmost to allay anxiety regarding procedures.

Since symptoms and health conditions vary among people, the doctor customizes a care plan for each individual. Here you can read the comments of grateful patients.

Insurance

We are able to accept most insurance plans, including HMOs and Medicare. If you have HMO coverage, contact your insurance provider for whether you need a referral from your primary care physician to see a specialist such as Dr. Tilara. When calling our office for an appointment, please mention your insurance carrier so we can confirm acceptance of your plan.

For details on how to prepare for a treatment and what to expect, here are answers to common questions.

Office Information

Atlanta Vascular & Vein Centers is located in Lawrenceville, Georgia. Dr. Tilara welcomes patients of all ages in the metro Atlanta and Gwinnett County regions, including Auburn, Buford, Dacula, Duluth, Grayson, Norcross, Snellville, Lilburn, and Suwanee. Our facility is equipped with the latest vascular technology.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Tilara, please call our office at (678) 878-4555. Alternatively, you can send us an email here.

Please Note: The information in this blog is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice. Be sure to raise your questions and concerns about vein problems with a board-certified vascular and interventional radiologist, such as Amish Tilara, M.D.