Varicose Veins
We provide staged treatment that begins with an initial consultation visit in our Vein Clinic. During your first visit there is a full evaluation of the veins in your legs. This evaluation includes venous Doppler ultrasound examination of both legs. We will locate and map all varicose veins and design an individualized comprehensive therapy to address all your needs. The initial consultation with vein mapping takes about 45-60 minutes.
Spider Veins
Spider veins, also known as telangiectasia, reticular veins, and truncal varicosities, are the spectrum of varicose veins, that commonly develop on the upper thighs, calves and ankles. Most people seek treatment of their varicosities for symptomatic reasons, including; HASTI Symptoms (Heaviness, Achiness, Swelling, Throbbing, Itching). These superficial veins may also be part of significant varicose vein disease, associated with large varices, that may require laser ablation and ambulatory mini-phelbectomy.
Pelvic Congestion Syndrome
Pelvic congestion syndrome is the second leading cause of chronic pelvic pain, after endometriosis, in women. Like varicose veins in the legs, pelvic congestion syndrome is related to malfunctioning valves within the pelvic veins.
Valves in these pelvic veins normally allow blood to flow towards your heart. When the veins become weakened or the valves do not close properly, the blood can flow backwards toward the pelvis. Blood in the weakened pelvic vein pools, causing the veins to bulge and push against nearby structures. This can result in pain and pressure in the uterus, ovaries, vulva, and back.
Chronic pelvic pain associated with pelvic congestion is usually felt in the lower abdomen and lower back. You may experience:
- Pelvic pain during/after intercourse
- Deep pelvic pain when sitting or standing
- Pelvic pain that worsens throughout the day
- Bulging veins on the vulva, buttocks, or thighs
- Painful/irregular menstrual cycles
- Irritable bladder
- Lower abdominal and back pain
Many women with pelvic congestion syndrome spend many years trying to get an answer to why they have this chronic pelvic pain. Living with chronic pelvic pain is difficult and affects not only the woman but her interaction with family, friends, and her general outlook on life.
Meet Dr. Vlasic
Dr. Niksa (Nick) Vlasic, M.D. is board certified in Diagnostic Radiology and Vascular and Interventional Radiology. He received his training at New York Medical College, New York Presbyterian Hospital and the Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Dr. Vlasic is part of Upper Peninsula Imaging and is on the staff at: Bell Hospital, Marquette General Hospital, Newberry Hospital, Munising Hospital, Baraga County Memorial Hospital, and Schoolcraft Hospital. Dr. Vlasic has been treating chronic leg pain and varicose vein disease for over 20 years, and has extensive experience using minimally invasive techniques to provide complete vein evaluations and comprehensive therapy. His procedures are performed in the state-of-the-art Vascular and Interventional Suite at Bell Hospital using the most advanced techniques and equipment. Dr. Vlasic also provides full Vascular and Interventional Radiology clinic services and consultations with a Pain Management Clinic and a comprehensive Peripheral Vascular Disease Clinic. The Pain Management Clinic includes Epidural Steroid Injections, Intra-articular Steroid Injections, Facet Injections, and Vertebroplasty. The Vascular Disease Clinic includes the Vein Clinic, and also provides arterial angiography with atherectomy percutaneous balloon angioplasty and stent placement. The Vein Clinic also provides women's imaging and therapies, including uterine fibroid and pelvic congestion treatment. Dr. Vlasic also offers a wide spectrum of minimally invasive image guided procedures including image guided biopsies, tube placements, and percutaneous catheter placements and drainage procedures.