Frequently Asked Questions
General Vascular Care
What is vascular disease?
Vascular disease refers to conditions that affect the blood vessels (arteries and veins) throughout the body. These conditions can reduce blood flow, leading to pain, wounds that won’t heal, or more serious complications if left untreated.
What is the difference between arteries and veins?
Arteries carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart to the body, while veins return blood back to the heart.
Problems in arteries (like blockages) can lead to serious conditions such as Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD), while vein issues often cause swelling, varicose veins, or discomfort.
What are common symptoms of vascular disease?
Symptoms may include:
- Leg pain when walking (claudication)
- Non-healing wounds
- Cold or numb extremities
- Swelling in the legs
- Skin discoloration
If you’re experiencing any of these, it’s important to get evaluated early.
Minimally Invasive & Embolization Treatments
What is embolization?
Embolization is a minimally invasive procedure that blocks abnormal blood flow to treat pain or disease. A small catheter is inserted through a tiny incision, and targeted particles are used to reduce inflammation or abnormal vessels.
What conditions can be treated with embolization?
At Zenith Vascular, embolization may be used to treat:
- Joint pain (including shoulder and knee)
- Enlarged prostate (PAE)
- Uterine fibroids (UFE)
- Plantar fasciitis (heel pain)
Is embolization safe?
Embolization is considered a safe, image-guided procedure performed by our experienced specialists. It avoids large incisions and typically has a lower risk of complications compared to traditional surgery.
What is recovery like after embolization?
Most patients experience:
- Minimal scarring (often just a small puncture site)
- Mild bruising or soreness
- Short recovery time (most return to normal activities within days)
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)
What is Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)?
PAD occurs when arteries in the legs become narrowed or blocked, reducing blood flow. This can cause leg pain, slow-healing wounds, and increase the risk of serious complications.
How is PAD treated?
Treatment options include:
- Minimally invasive procedures to restore blood flow
- Lifestyle changes
- Medications
Early treatment is key to preventing progression.
What happens if PAD is left untreated?
Untreated PAD can lead to worsening pain, infections, and in severe cases, tissue damage that may require amputation. Early diagnosis greatly improves outcomes.
Limb Salvage & Wound Care
What is a limb salvage program?
A limb salvage program focuses on preventing amputation by restoring blood flow and promoting healing in patients with severe vascular disease.
At Zenith Vascular, this program is led by Dr. Jacqueline Majors and includes advanced minimally invasive treatments.
How does vascular care help heal wounds?
Proper blood flow is essential for healing. Vascular treatments can restore circulation, allowing oxygen and nutrients to reach the wound and support recovery.
When should I seek help for a non-healing wound?
If a wound has not improved within 2–4 weeks, or shows signs of infection, you should seek vascular evaluation as soon as possible.
Specialized Treatments
Can heel pain (plantar fasciitis) be treated without surgery?
Yes. Plantar Fascia Embolization is a minimally invasive option that targets abnormal blood vessels contributing to chronic heel pain, offering relief without traditional surgery.
What makes minimally invasive procedures different from surgery?
Minimally invasive treatments:
- Use tiny incisions instead of large cuts
- Are often performed outpatient
- Have faster recovery times
- Reduce risk of complications
When should I seek help for a non-healing wound?
If a wound has not improved within 2–4 weeks, or shows signs of infection, you should seek vascular evaluation as soon as possible.
Insurance & Appointments
Does insurance cover vascular procedures?
Coverage varies depending on your insurance plan and the procedure. Many treatments are covered when medically necessary.
How can I verify my insurance coverage?
Our team can help. We recommend contacting our office to speak with our insurance specialists, who will verify your benefits and explain your options before treatment.
Do I need a referral to schedule an appointment?
In many cases, a referral is not required. Contact our office and our team will guide you through the next steps. Walk-ins accepted!
Patient Experience
What should I expect during my first visit?
Your first visit may include:
- A consultation with a vascular specialist
- Review of your symptoms and medical history
- Imaging or diagnostic testing if needed
How soon can I return to normal activities?
Many patients resume light activity within a few days, depending on the procedure. Your doctor will provide personalized recovery guidelines.