South Florida Vascular Associates South Florida Vascular Associates

Friday, December 5, 2014

Did You Know That Eating Your Favorite Spicy Red Italian Sauce Can Reduce Cardio-Vascular Disease?



Puttanesca  a spicy, sharp and quite flavorful Italian sauce is very good for your health. Its ingredients include olive oil, tomato sauce, onions, garlic, hot chile peppers, capers, anchovies and olives. In addition to tasting great, each of these ingredients are beneficial to your health, proving the notion that food can also be a natural medicine.

Olive oil, especially the extra virgin kind, is heart-healthy oil responsible for reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, which is the #1 cause of death. Olive oil is rich in mono-unsaturated fats making it a key part of a heart-healthy diet.

Tomato sauce provides lycopene, a red antioxidant that helps to protect cells and has specific protective benefits for the prostate gland, helping to reduce the risk of prostate cancer.

Onions that are often used in Italian sauces are great for reducing  triglycerides, a type of fat found in your blood that is used for energy. Onions are also a great food for thinning blood and for reducing the risk of atherosclerosis, plaque build-up in the arteries. Onions are high in super-antioxidants aid in slowing down the aging process, and onions are also thought to have anti-cancer properties.

Garlic fights bacteria and is sometimes used as an antibiotic because garlic kills almost every bacterium that can contaminate food. Studies show that garlic can also help to reduce high blood pressure because its composition is similar to that of blood pressure medications.

Hot chile peppers are a "super-food" that do much more than add a kick to the sauce. Chile peppers also act as vasodilators which are herbs that have the ability to lower blood pressure effectively because they have the same effect or end results as calcium channel blockers which cause smooth muscles within the arterial walls to relax enabling the arteries to open wider, allowing more blood to flow through and provide nourishment to all parts of the body. Additionally, hot chiles are thermogenic, which means that they burn calories. In fact, did you know that hot chiles can help you to burn an average of 20 percent more calories after eating. Hot chiles also cause the brain to produce feel-good endorphins which are mood enhancing.

Capers, another ingredient often used in spicy sauce possess anti-cancer properties. Capers help to reduce the risk of ulcers by inhibiting the ulcer-causing H. pylori bacteria and they additionally improve blood sugar by reducing high blood sugar after a meal. Capers are also a traditional remedy for the relief of rheumatic pain due to their anti-inflammatory action.

The anchovies add a bit of fish flavor and protein to Puttanesca sauce and are also rich in heart-healthy Omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 3’s help the body to maintain a healthy cardiovascular system, improve skin and metabolism, enhance mental health and cognitive function, and are anti-inflammatory.

Lastly olives provide many of the same cardio benefits as olive oil.

Many people don’t realize that cooking and eating certain foods can simultaneously provide not only a flavorful eating experience, but can also be very beneficial to your good health. In fact, there are many books published with recipes that teach you about the use of natural ingredients that can make your  bodies work more efficiently. In the case of Puttanesca or any spicy Italian red sauce, we have a pasta sauce that delivers complex, rich flavor, while offering numerous significant benefits to keep you healthier at the very same time. Try to plan your next meal using "super-foods" and feel good. Bon Apetit!

Monday, November 24, 2014

SFVA Physicians Participate In Education Series on Advanced Endovascular Procedures in an Outpatient Setting

South Florida Vascular Associates physicians William Julien, MD and Curtis Anderson, MD in collaboration with the Academy for Continued Healthcare Learning (ACHL) is pleased to announce that we are participating in a new educational series titled Advanced Endovascular Procedures in an Outpatient Setting, supported by an educational grant from Boston Scientific Corporation. The Academy for Continued Healthcare Learning is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

This program has been developed to promote the development of necessary cognitive and technical skills required for interventions that will emphasize imaging, angioplasty, atherectomy, thrombectomy and stenting for peripheral artery disease (PAD) and uterine embolization for uterine fibroids. This continuing education course is offered to vascular surgeons who look to expand their experience in the treatment of peripheral arterial disease so that they can offer their patients the most current treatment options for the most optimal results.

South Florida Vascular Associates is a fully clinical office-based vascular practice that is focused on providing outstanding patient care. Our physicians have extensive training in minimally invasive endovascular techniques which have largely replaced open surgery for most vascular disorders. Our doctors bring their unique expertise to the practice offering the highest level of endovascular technologies within a clinical office-based practice setting. We are nationally recognized as a center of excellence because we are committed to running an outstanding clinical practice, participating in ongoing education and research in vascular disease. Our commitment to excellence is ultimately reflected by our well regarded patient outcomes and patient satisfaction.

We welcome patients suffering from vascular diseases to contact our office for a consultation with one of our board certified endovascular surgeons at 1 one 3 convenient locations in Coconut Creek, Boynton Beach and Plantation, Florida. Call us today at 954-725-4141.

Monday, November 10, 2014

November is Men’s Health Awareness Month: Get Educated, Stay Healthy and Spread the Word



Did you know that according to the National Center for Health Statistics, the average life expectancy for men in the US is almost 5 years less than women?  



The reason for the poor state of men’s health are numerous and include:

  • Lack of awareness and understanding of the health issues men face
  • Men not openly discussing their health and how they’re feeling
  • Reluctance to take action when men don’t feel physically or mentally well
  • Men engaging in risky activities that threaten their health  
  • Stigmas surrounding mental health or other medical issues
  • Men are 24 percent less likely than women to have visited a doctor within the past year

How many of you men avoid going to the doctor? How many of you ignore symptoms and say, “Oh, it’s nothing, I’ll be fine”.  November is a time for men to think about their health, don’t be embarrassed to talk about your bodies and anything that ails you.  Self-education and body awareness are key to early detection and early detection is key to having a proper diagnosis positive outcome.

At South Florida Vascular Associates, it is our goal to increase your understanding of some of the vascular disease health risks that men face;  encourage you to take action to remain healthy, and help to ensure that you take proper medical action if or when you do become sick.

 Below are some vascular conditions that are prevalent in men that you should be educated about. These conditions are successfully treated, especially when diagnosed in the early stages.
 
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
- Peripheral artery disease is a common disorder that mostly affects men over age 50, but women can have it as well. PAD is caused by arteriosclerosis and occurs when fatty material (plaque) builds up on the walls of your arteries and makes them narrower. As a result, the muscles of your legs cannot get enough blood and oxygen when they are working harder (such as during exercise or walking). If PAD becomes severe, there may not be enough blood and oxygen, even when the muscles are resting. The main symptoms of PAD are pain, achiness, fatigue, burning, or discomfort in the muscles of your feet, calves, or thighs. These symptoms usually appear during walking or exercise, and go away after several minutes of rest.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)
-Abdominal aortic aneurysm is an abnormal bulging of the main artery that leads from the heart to the rest of his body. Without repair, the aorta can leak or rupture, potentially causing sudden death. AAA tends to occur in white males over the age of 60. In the United States, these aneurysms occur in up to 3.0% of the population. Aneurysms start to form at about age 50 and peak at age 80. Usually, aortic aneurysms are found in older people and are associated with hypertension or high blood pressure. AAA often does not cause any symptoms, however If they do, they may cause deep dull pain in the lower back or flank. Prominent abdominal pulsations may be also present.

Varicoceles- Varicoceles are a tangled network of blood vessels or swelling of the veins on the testicles similar to varicose veins in the legs but in this condition a vein called the gonadal vein. It has weak defective valves resulting in the blood pooling in varicose veins in the scrotum. It is a relatively common condition (affecting approximately 10 percent of men) that tends to occur in young men, usually in their 20’s or 30’s. Sometimes, varicoceles cause no symptoms and are harmless. But sometimes a varicocele causes pain, testicular atrophy (shrinkage), or fertility problems. 

Venus Insufficiency- Venous insufficiency is a common cause of leg pain and swelling, and is commonly associated with varicose veins. It occurs when the valves of the veins do not function properly, and the circulation of blood in the leg veins is impaired.  It may affect up to 20 percent of adults. By the age of 50, nearly 40 percent of women and 20 percent of men have significant leg vein problems. Symptoms include aching leg pain, leg fatigue and leg heaviness.

 As part of Men’s Health Awareness Month we urge you to be proactive with your health and to encourage other men to do the same. To help increase men’s health awareness, during the month of November many men are growing moustaches or beards to help support the cause, promote awareness of the health issues men may face and to empower men to be more proactive about their medical choices.
 
 If you suffer from any of the vascular conditions listed above call our office today to schedule a consultation with one of our board certified physicians. We are here to help you and make sure that you stay healthy.

Start growing your moustache today and send us a picture for our Facebook page to  info@southfloridavascular.com




Monday, November 3, 2014

Do You Have Varicose Veins? A New Study Shows: When Treating Varicose Veins, Laser Therapy (EVLT) Remains the Best Option


When treating varicose veins, laser therapy remains the best option, a new study says. Laser is preferred over surgery or foam due to higher success rates with the least amount of complications.

Researchers in the study examined 798 participants who had varicose veins and were treated at 11 vascular surgery centers in the United Kingdom, between November 2008 and October 2012. The participants underwent one of three types of treatments: closing off the veins with a laser, injecting a drug "foam" into the vein or surgically removing the vein.

After six months, the researchers compared the outcomes, looking at how well the treatments worked and at their complication rates, as well as how the participants rated the change in their quality of life since their treatments.

The main findings indicated that laser therapy, endovenous laser treatment was the preferred treatment for varicose veins. It was determined that all three treatments reduced symptoms associated with varicose veins, but there were fewer complications after laser treatment.

What causes varicose veins?

Varicose veins are blood vessels that have become swollen, enlarged and twisted. Improperly working valves in the veins cause the disorder. In people who have this condition, blood returns up to the heart from the veins in the legs because of the contraction of the calf muscles. Normally, valves in these veins prevent blood from flowing backwards, down towards the feet.

People with varicose veins have leaky valves, which means that some blood flows backward and pools in the veins, causing them to become enlarged.

The procedure called endovenous laser ablation (EVLT), uses heat generated by laser energy to seal off faulty blood vessels, diverting blood flow to nearby healthy veins.

Foam or saline treatment, sclerotherapy, involves injecting drugs into a blood vessel. The medicines, when mixed with air, cause the vessel wall to thicken and helps to seal off blood flow. The recent study showed that foam was less likely than the other treatments to completely close a vein that had leaky valves, which may increase the likelihood that a patient will need future treatment.

In the study, about 1 percent of patients who underwent treatment with a laser experienced complications such as lumpiness, skin staining and numbness. About 6 percent of those who received the foam treatment, and 7 percent of those who underwent surgery experienced such complications, according to the study.

The researchers of the study also found that successful ablation of the great saphenous vein occurred in 83 percent of those who received the laser treatment and 84.4 percent of the participants who underwent surgery.  These numbers were significantly higher than the 54.6 percent who had such successful ablation after the foam treatment. The great saphenous vein, the longest in the body, runs along the length of the leg.

Can varicose veins be prevented?

Varicose vein treatment is not only done for cosmetic reasons, it is done because people with who have them often suffer from pain and discomfort. Varicose veins can also cause swelling of the ankles, skin changes and sometimes even ulcers. Some people with severe varicose veins have difficulty walking.

Both men and women get varicose veins and the condition is very common in pregnant women, older patients, overweight people and those who stand for long periods of time. It is also more prevalent in people who have a family history of varicose veins.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), people cannot prevent varicose veins from forming, but may be able to delay their formation or prevent existing varicose veins from getting worse. The NIH recommends that people avoid standing or sitting for a long time without taking breaks; avoid crossing their legs when sitting; and keep their legs raised when sitting, resting or sleeping.

Losing weight and doing exercise that works the leg muscles can also help, the NIH said.

South Florida Vascular Associates offers endovenous laser treatments and they are done right in our office. The treatment takes less than 1 hour, provides immediate relief, there is no use of anesthesia, quick recovery period, no scarring and provides a much less rate of complication compared to surgery. If you have unsightly or painful varicose veins call our office today to make an appointment for a consultation at one of our 3 convenient office locations, Coconut Creek, Plantation or Boynton Beach. We can help you to feel better and look better. Call 954-724-4141.

Friday, October 31, 2014

SFVA Physicians Educate JFK Hospital Podiatry Residents on PAD

Dr. Curtis Anderson
Endovascular Surgeons, Dr. William Julien and Dr. Curtis Anderson invited Palm Beach Podiatrists and 6 Resident from JFK Hospital to learn more about peripheral artery disease (PAD) as it appears in Podiatric patients. The talk was held at Morton's Steakhouse in West Palm Beach. Also in attendance at the dinner, the President of The Palm Beach County Podiatric Medical Association (PBCPMA).

PAD is caused by a thickening of the inside walls of the arteries of your legs. This thickening, called atherosclerosis, narrows the space through which blood can flow, decreasing the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the legs and feet. Poor circulation in the feet can lead to open wounds, gangrene and potentially loss of limb. Endovascular surgey has become very instrumental in the treatment of PAD in podiatric patients because it is a minimally invasive procedure performed inside your artery using a thin, long tube called a catheter which enters through a small incision in the groin. The catheter is then guided to the blocked area in the blood vessel where the vessel can be kept opened by either a stent or a balloon angioplasty.

Endovascular approaches are advantageous for many patients because they are minimally invasive; easier on the patient, result in fewer complications and faster recovery times which have replaced open surgery for most vascular disorders.Endovascular approaches are particularly beneficial to podiatric patients because the endovascular procedure re-establishes blood flow to the feet enabling wounds to heal and provides patients with the opportunity to walk again.

We thank all of the doctors and residents who attended our talk last night.

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Could Dark Chocolate Help Ease Poor Leg Circulation?

In a recent article in HealthDay News it was reported that the antioxidants contained in dark chocolate might help people suffering from reduced blood flow to their legs, according to researchers from an Italian report.

In a small study, people with artery problems in their legs walked a little longer and farther right after eating a bar of dark chocolate. Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants called polyphenols. Researchers believe polyphenols improve blood flow to the legs by affecting biochemicals that prompt arteries to widen.

The body secretes chemicals that naturally dilate blood vessels in response to certain stimuli, improving the blood flow to certain areas. Some of the chemicals inside dark chocolate could affect the way these enzymes are metabolized in the body.

The pilot study involved 20 people aged 60 to 78 who suffered from peripheral artery disease, a narrowing of the arteries that carry blood from the heart to the legs, stomach, arms and head. Reduced blood flow can cause pain, cramping or fatigue in the legs or hips while walking.
In the study, patients walked on a treadmill in the morning and again two hours after eating 40 grams of dark or milk chocolate which is the size of an average American chocolate bar -- on separate days. The dark chocolate in the study had a cocoa content of more than 85 percent, making it rich in polyphenols. The milk chocolate, with a cocoa content below 30 percent, had far fewer polyphenols, the study authors noted.

After eating dark chocolate, patients walked an average 11 percent farther and 15 percent longer than they did earlier in the day. That's about 39 feet farther and about 17 seconds longer, according to the study, published July 2 in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

Milk chocolate did not improve time or distance, according to study co-author Dr. Lorenzo Loffredo, assistant professor at the Sapienza University of Rome, and colleagues.

The researchers found that levels of nitric oxide, a gas linked to improved blood flow, were higher after eating dark chocolate. They suggested that the higher nitric oxide levels may be responsible for widening peripheral arteries and improving the patients' ability to walk.

While the study results and the theory are intriguing regarding identifying the way that polyphenols might affect blood flow to the legs, more research needs to be documented to confirm these observations. However, polyphenols also can be found in foods with less added sugar and saturated fats, such as cloves, dried peppermint, celery seed, capers and hazelnuts.

It is also noted that chocolate is also high in fat and sugar, and eating too much can contribute to other health problems such as obesity, diabetes and high cholesterol.

So before you run to the nearest candy store to stock up on dark chocolate, remember, everything in moderation. While the study results indicate that moderate amounts of chocolate might be helpful in improving blood flow to the legs, more research is needed.

If you do try eating dark chocolate in moderation and notice a difference in how far and how long you can walk, we’d love to hear from you.

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

An Open Sore on your Foot that Won’t Heal Can Be a Sign of a Serious Condition



If you have an open sore on your foot that isn’t healing, you should seek medical attention immediately for diagnosis and treatment.  Sometimes people will ignore an open sore and think that it will heal on its own but an open sore, especially if it’s been on your foot for a long period of time, can be an indication that you have diabetes, poor circulation in your arteries possibly due to peripheral artery disease, or infection. In addition, some people who have diabetes suffer from a condition called neuropathy, damage to the nerves in the peripheral nervous system which can cause numbness in your feet.  If you experience numbness in your feet, you probably wouldn’t even feel an open sore. For these patients, it is always a good idea to check your feet on a daily basis to ensure that your feet are in good condition free of any sores.

Open sores that won’t heal can potentially be a very serious condition that could even lead to amputation of a lower limb if it is not caught and treated in time. In advanced cases of peripheral artery disease, the blockages in your leg vessels may become so severe that almost no blood can make it to your feet and the tissue becomes starved of oxygen causing a sore that doesn’t heal.  This condition is known as critical limb ischemia or CLI. CLI is a serious, complex disease that requires a multidisciplinary approach.  At South Florida Vascular Associates, our board certified endovascular surgeons, Dr. William Julien, Dr. Warren Swee, and Dr. Curtis Anderson work closely with your primary care physician, wound care physician, and other specialty physicians to provide the best comprehensive care needed to treat CLI effectively and prevent major amputation.
If you have open sores on your feet that won’t heel, contact our office today at 954-725-4141 to set up a consultation for evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment plan. We have 3 office locations for your convenience, Coconut Creek, Boynton Beach and Plantation, Florida.


Friday, March 28, 2014

New Non-Surgical Procedure for Removal of Uterine Fibroids Offered at South Florida Vascular Associates

Uterine fibroids are tumors or growths made of smooth muscle cells and other tissue that arise within the wall of the uterus or womb. They are the most common non-cancerous tumors in women of childbearing age.

Uterine fibroids can cause painful symptoms and abnormal bleeding from the uterus. Fibroids that are located in certain parts of the uterus, such as the uterine cavity, can also make it difficult for a woman to get pregnant or maintain a pregnancy.

Currently the only cure for fibroids is hysterectomy, removal of the uterus.

Most women with fibroids don’t have symptoms severe enough to warrant treatment. For those who do, there are a variety of therapies which are usually selected based on a woman’s age, medical history and whether she may want to get pregnant at some point; other factors include the size and location of the fibroids.

According to an article in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, doctors are now utilizing a new way to access a woman's fibroids by entering a catheter through a woman’s wrist and treating via an arm instead of a groin artery to non-surgically shrink noncancerous growths in the muscular wall of the uterus. This method, offered at South Florida Vascular Associates is less painful and traumatic for women, allowing them to immediately sit up and move after uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) with no overnight stay.

Researchers at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City studied the access treatment used by cardiologists for coronary interventions and applied it to a minimally invasive treatment for women's uterine fibroids. By flipping access for treatment from the artery in the groin to the artery in the wrist, women experienced less pain and trauma than the traditional groin technique opening the door to potential savings in health care costs. Complications related to bleeding at the puncture site are significantly reduced using this approach and patients are able to walk immediately after treatment, which dramatically improves their experience.

Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is a nonsurgical interventional radiology treatment for women that cuts off blood flow to painful fibroids to kill the noncancerous tumors. Uterine fibroids, which affect up to 40 percent of all women 35 and older, can cause prolonged, heavy menstrual bleeding that can be severe enough to cause anemia or require transfusion; disabling pelvic pain and pressure; urinary frequency; pain during intercourse; and miscarriage. Typically, interventional radiologists have delivered treatment directly to the fibroid by threading a catheter through a woman's femoral artery in her thigh. In this new approach, doctors thread a catheter through one of two arteries in a woman's left wrist. They then made a tiny nick in the skin and inserted a catheter into the artery. Using real-time imaging, the doctor guided the catheter through the artery and then released tiny particles, the size of grains of sand, into the uterine arteries that supply blood to the fibroid tumor. This blocked the blood flow to the fibroid tumor and caused it to shrink and symptoms to subside. UFE is more desired than the traditional hysterectomy procedure that removes the entire uterus.

If you are suffering from painful fibroids, we invite you to contact our office to have a consultation with one of our board certified interventional radiologists, Dr. William Julien, Dr. Warren Swee, and Dr. Curtis Anderson. We have three office locations for your convenience. Coconut Creek, Boynton Beach, and Plantation.


Thursday, March 13, 2014

March is National Deep Vein Thrombosis Awareness Month: What You Need To Know


What is Deep Vein Thrombosis or DVT?  
DVT occurs when a blood clot forms within one of the large veins, usually in the lower leg or thigh.  The clot can then break off and travel through the bloodstream to the lungs and block blood flow.  This is called a pulmonary embolism.  DVT and pulmonary embolism can seriously damage the lungs and other organs and be life threatening, if not treated.
How many people are affected?
According to the American Heart Association, DVT occurs in about 2 million Americans every year.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of DVT include
  • Leg swelling
  • Leg pain
  • Tenderness and leg warmth and redness
Are there any risk factors?
Risk factors of deep vein thrombosis may include 
  • Recent surgery, especially of the leg joint or hip
  • Hospitalization; trauma
  • Traveling for a long distance such as a long car or airplane ride
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above, contact South Florida Vascular Associates at 954-725-4141 and one of our board certified interventional radiologists will evaluate you and advise the best treatment plan for you.

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Vascular Disease is #3 Killer of Women and it is Preventable



February is American Heart Month, here are some important facts about heart and vascular disease in women.


According to the American Heart Association, heart disease and stroke are women’s No. 1 and No. 3 killers and it is important to know what puts you at risk for developing these diseases.


High blood pressure causes our hearts to work harder than normal which can damage the heart and arteries over time, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. Women are at risk of developing high blood pressure if they are 20 or more pounds over a healthy weight for their height and build, have a family history of high blood
pressure, take certain types of oral contraceptives, are pregnant or are age 55
or older. 



Cholesterol, a wax-like substance found in your arteries can create plaque buildup on the walls of your blood vessels which can restrict blood flow to the heart and increase your risk of clots, heart attack and stroke. Eating a healthy diet enriched with fruits,
vegetables, and protein can keep your cholesterol under control. Stay away from
foods high in saturated and trans fats which produce high levels of
cholesterol.




Being overweight and living a sedentary lifestyle can also increase one’s risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Being more active is one of the best things you can do to improve your overall health and quality of life. Exercise helps you to maintain a healthy weight, lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, and can help to prevent or
control diabetes, which puts you at a higher rate of developing heart attack,
stroke and peripheral artery disease.



In addition, exercise is also important for bone health; it reduces stress and depression by increasing your hormone serotonin which is responsible for mood control, and keeps your mind sharp as you get older. 


Smoking is the top preventable cause of early death in women. Women who smoke increase their chances of developing heart disease, heart attack, stroke and peripheral artery disease. Once you quit smoking, your risk of heart disease and stroke starts to gradually drop until it is as low as a nonsmoker’s risk.


Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is the always the best way to stay healthy and prevent heart and cardiovascular disease.




Monday, January 27, 2014

Hysterectomy or Uterine Artery Embolization?

One-third of American women experience some type of pelvic health disorder by the time they're 60. And about 600,000 women every year have a hysterectomy, a surgical procedure to remove the uterus and its troubling symptoms. Overall, an estimated 20 million women have had a hysterectomy.

Do you know if you have painful periods with excessive bleeding, fibroids, endometriosis, or other pelvic health problems, there are alternatives to hysterectomy?

Fibroid tumors, usually benign, are typically found on the smooth muscles of the uterus, and can cause pelvic pain, infertility, and heavy menstrual bleeding. Uterine fibroids are a major reason why women have hysterectomies, accounting for between 177,000 and 366,000 of the annual total.

At South Florida Vascular Associates we offer a procedure, Uterine artery embolization (UAE) which is a minimally invasive procedure done in our in-office operating suites that offer an alternative to traditional surgical removal (hysterectomy) of uterine fibroids. Instead of removing the uterus, the UAE technique shrinks fibroids by blocking off their blood supply. The blood supply is blocked by injecting very small particles through an image- guided catheter into the arteries that supply the fibroids. The particles stick to the vessel wall and cause a clot to develop, blocking off the blood supply. Once the blood supply is gone, the fibroids shrink and symptoms usually decrease or disappear.

 In many cases, a patient can have the UAE technique which is an outpatient procedure as opposed to a hysterectomy. UAE is minimally invasive, the recovery is much easier, less painful and no need for hospitalization. If you have been told that you need a hysterectomy, before undergoing the knife, contact our office for a consultation by one of our board certified interventional radiologists, Dr. William Julien, Dr. Warren Swee, or Dr. Curtis Anderson to evaluate your symptoms and medical history  and determine whether you are a candidate for UAE. We have 3 convenient locations Coconut Creek, Boynton Beach and Plantation.

You may be a candidate for uterine artery embolization if you experience these symptoms:
•    Anemia (low blood count) from the excessive uterine bleeding
•    Abdominal/pelvic fullness or pain
•    An enlarged uterus
•    Abnormally enlarged abdominal size
•    Infertility
•    Bladder pressure leading to a constant urge to urinate
•    Pressure on the bowel, leading to constipation and bloating
•    Pain during sexual intercourse
•    Pain in the back or legs as the fibroids press on nerves that supply the pelvis and legs