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State of the Art Vein Care
 As Americans live longer, we increasingly look to technology to keep us healthy. At Albemarle Health, we continue to invest in the latest medical tools which allow physicians to diagnose and treat patients more effectively - such as Albemarle Hospital's new Vascular Intervention (Angiography) Suite.
Located in Albemarle Hospital's Diagnostic Imaging department, the new Vascular Intervention Suite features a Siemens Digital Flat Panel Angiography System (DFA). This state of the art system (below) allows physicians to see images more clearly, and manipulate and store them with ease; images can also be transmitted to remote locations such as a local physician's office, or major medical center for consultation.
"This system is tremendous," said Tarkten A. Pharr, M.D., a vascular surgeon with Carolina Surgical Care. "It's a great new, fully digital system. It's very powerful - a wonderful tool for patient care because of it's imaging capabilities, and there's far less radiation exposure for patients and staff."
Dr. Pharr performs a variety of tests, both in his office and with the new DFA system, including Carotid Duplex examinations (an ultrasound test of the carotid arteries in the neck), arterial and venous evaluations (to screen for peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and chronic venous insufficiency (CVI).
In addition to being a powerful diagnostic tool, the new technology also allows minimally invasive treatment procedures to be performed in the Vascular Intervention Suite. For example, Dr. Pharr can perform remote atherectomy (Foxhollow plaque excision) of blocked arteries; traditional angioplasty (a balloon is used to open narrowed arteries) of arteries in the arms, kidney, abdomen, legs, and neck; and Cryoplasty, a newer technique where nitrous oxide is used to cool a selected section of the artery, and clear any blockage with less damage to the vessel wall.
"Stenting in all of these locations is being done if the medical condition demands it," said Dr. Pharr. "Even clots can be removed through a small sheath (Angiojet thrombectomy device) instead of traditional, more invasive surgery, and the need to go to the operating room."
 Not all vein care involves angioplasty, stenting, or cryoplasty. Advances in technology have also allowed improvement in treatments for other conditions, such as varicose veins. Dr. Pharr and Joe Jenkins, M.D., provide patients with laser ablation of varicose veins in the offices of Carolina Surgical Care.
"The prevalence of varicose veins continues to steadily increase in the United States," said Dr. Pharr. "While many people don't require treatment for their venous condition, symptoms of this disease can be very subtle. Detailed provocative testing for venous problems can be done in our offices at the request of a referring physician, or once you're seen here."
Although some people cannot control their chances of developing a venous problem, everyone can make choices to help eliminate the risk factors associated with peripheral artery diseases or varicose veins. It's important to avoid tobacco use of any kind; control your blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol levels; maintain proper weight and eat a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables; and (after consulting with a physician) exercise regularly.
If you have further questions about venous problems, please talk to your physician.
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