Frequently Asked Questions

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Why are healthy vein valves important?

The valves inside the veins normally close in cycles when the blood flows through them or when pressure is applied from above. Their role is to prevent backflow (reflux) in the vein. Historically, these valves are of great importance because they were the critical clue (in 1628) that proved the circulation is designed to flow in one direction only. When valves fail to work properly the blood does flow back and forth in two directions and the vein no longer functions properly.

What are varicose veins?

Varicose veins are dilated tortuous (twisting) veins with weakened walls and valves that no longer close when they should. They occur in the lower extremities and are important for the health of the skin and superficial tissues. They appear as bulges under the skin of the erect individual and disappear when the limb is elevated above the heart.

What are the symptoms of a blood clot?

Blood clots (or phlebitis) can present as red tender lines on the legs or they can develop silently and grow extensively in the deep veins of the leg before being discovered. They are suspected by the physician when there is swelling or pain in just one leg that is not explainable by any other cause such as an injury or other event.

Blood clots (or phlebitis) can present as red tender lines on the legs or they can develop silently and grow extensively in the deep veins of the leg before being discovered. They are suspected by the physician when there is swelling or pain in just one leg that is not explainable by any other cause such as an injury or other event.

Who is at risk for blood clots?

Blood clots are more likely to occur in older persons, patients at bed rest, individuals with cancer or with surgical procedures on the hip or knee. They have also been identified in people who travel long air flights or car trips, especially if there is a problem in the leg before the flight begins.

How will treatment for my venous disorder impact my daily activity?

Treatment is individualized in the Vascular Center of Wichita Falls to the simplest yest most effective method appropriate to the diagnosed problem. These treatments can be done with near immediate return to customary activity for most cases.

What is the cause of spider veins?

The cause of spider veins is unknown. They are so common that nearly everyone knows someone in the family who has had them. They are more prevalent in women but occur in men as well. They can appear locally after trauma or after superficial surgery, even after vein surgery. There is not much one can do to prevent them. The advice to avoid crossing the legs or wearing constricting clothing or garters to prevent them has no established basis. The hope that support stockings and dietary supplements are of help is unsubstantiated.

What is a venous ulcer?

An ulcer (non-healing sore) in the skin refers to a place where the normal skin covering has been wiped away and the subcutaneous tissue under the skin shows through. In the leg between the knee and the foot the most common cause of ulcers is leaking venous valves causing high pressure and abnormal circulation in the tiny vessels of the skin. Ulcers represent a late stage of lower extremity vein disease (such as varicose veins or blood clots) when the abnormal circulation from longstanding reflux in the superficial or other veins causes the skin to become thickened and inflamed and it actually breaks down into an open sore.

What are lymphatics and lymph nodes?

Lymphatics collect tissue fluid throughout the body including the extremities and return it to the large veins near the heart. The lymph represents fluid that originates as the circulation passes through the tissues. The lymph passes through filtering sites called lymph nodes along the way back to the heart.

What is Lymphedema?

Lymphedema refers to swelling in an extremity due to the failure to drain away the volume of lymph being formed in the extremity and can affect the legs or the arms.

Meet our Doctors

Our professional medical doctors and surgeons are trained to diagnose and treat these conditions utilizing advanced minimal invasive procedures. Our physicians offer personalized care that addresses each patient’s needs, which includes some of the most advanced treatments available in the world today.

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Vascular Surgeon

Dr. Heshmat Majlessi MD is Board Certified Surgeon and fellow of the American College of Surgeons and International College of Surgeons. He graduated from Tehran University Medical School in 1974, Most of his surgical career has been in varicose vein treatment in the office by compression sclerotherapy and minimally invasive  treatment of varicose veins. He taught the subject in London for 8 years along with British surgeon, Dr George Reed.

Dr. Heshmat Majlessi MD

Vascular Surgeon

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cardiologist

Dr. Ahmed F. Aslam specialized in cardiology, and he has certification in ABIM Certification in Cardiovascular Disease (Nov, 2019), ABIM Certification in Interventioanl Cardiology (Nov 2020), National Board of Echocardiography: 2013, Registered Physician in Vascular Interpretation® (RPVI®) Certification, etc. He previously worked in New York Heart and Vascular Care, PC. in Ozone Park and Ephrata Community Hospital in PA.

Dr. Ahmed F. Aslam, MD

cardiologist

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Vascular Surgeon

Dr. Ilkhani specializes in vascular and vein procedures at Long Island Surgery. He has over 35 years of surgical experience. Following completion of his medical degree , Dr. Ilkhani completed a residency in cardiovascular surgery at the Tehran Heart Hospital and general surgical residency at the New York Methodist Hospital of Brooklyn. He then completed a fellowship in cardiovascular surgery at the Texas Heart Institute.

Dr. Rahman Ilkhanizadeh, MD

Vascular Surgeon

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Pain Management and Anesthesiology

Dr. Serebnitsky specializes in Pain Management and Anesthesiology and is dedicated to helping patients with various pain disorders.

Dr. Serebnitsky

Pain Management and Anesthesiology

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Radiologist

Board certified radiologist with over 20 years of experience Multiple hospital appointments as a Chief Staff radiologist Clinical Instructore responsible for training radiology residents and medical students Specialty: All modalities including cross sectional modalities such CT, MRI , PET and ultrasound

Dr. Daniel Shifteh, M.D, FABR

Radiologist

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Ultrasound Technologist

Sonogram Technician with over 10 years of clinical experience with advanced knowledge of examinations of the abdomen, small parts, pelvic, vascular and the heart.

Zunzhen Chen, RDMS

Ultrasound Technologist

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Ultrasound Technologist

ARDMS Certified Abdominal Ultrasound Technologist. With several years of experience in performing general ultrasound, which includes abdominal, echo, GYN, small parts, breast, pelvic(male), hysterosonograms and vascular(abdominal, venous and carotid duplexes).

Yumei Xian, ARDMS

Ultrasound Technologist

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