Treatments
Varicose Veins and Chronic Leg Swelling
Varicose veins and chronic leg swelling are both caused by chronic venous insufficiency, more commonly known as venous reflux. Venous reflux occurs when the valves in the veins stop working correctly, allowing blood to pool within the veins towards the bottom of the feet. This is usually an inherited problem, and can be exacerbated by long periods of standing. This condition is diagnosed with a physical examination and an ultrasound performed in our office. Dr. Kronson treats this problem with endovenous laser and chemical foam techniques in our office. This incision-free procedure involves using laser catheters or simple injections, without the need for general anesthesia. Recovery time is 1 week after completion of procedures. Dr. Kronson has been employing this technique for over 20 years and has successfully performed over 7,000 of these procedures.
Carotid Disease and Stroke
Narrowing or blockage of the carotid arteries, found in the neck, is the origin of more than 85% of all strokes. This problem is diagnosed with an ultrasound performed in our office. The treatment is a simple, 2-hour clean-out procedure performed in the operating room. Patients usually spend one night in the hospital before going home the next day. Recovery time for this procedure is 1-2 weeks. This method has been shown to be the most effective treatment for carotid artery blockage, with the least amount of complications. Dr. Kronson has been employing this technique for over 20 years and has successfully performed over 1,000 of these procedures.
Aortic Aneurysms
The aorta is the main blood vessel from the heart to the entire body. Its enlargement, called an aneurysm, can cause it to burst, which can be life-threatening. Patients with this problem often, but not always, feel their heartbeat pounding in their abdomen. It is diagnosed with a physical exam and CT scan of the abdomen. Dr. Kronson repairs aneurysms with an endovascular technique in the operating room. This incision-free procedure involves using catheters, wires, and stent-grafts to divert the blood away from the diseased aortic aneurysm. Patients usually spend one night in the hospital before going home the next day. Recovery time for this procedure is 1-2weeks. Dr. Kronson has been employing this technique for over 20 years and has successfully performed over 500 of these procedures.
Claudication
Intermittent claudication refers to pain or tiring of the calf when walking a certain distance. This pain is usually relieved by a few minutes of rest, at which time the patient can begin walking again. Claudication is caused by blockage of arteries in the leg, usually somewhere above the knee. This problem is diagnosed with an ultrasound performed in our office. Dr. Kronson most often employs endovascular, incision-free techniques to repair this problem in the cath lab, requiring no overnight hospital stay. Recovery time for this procedure is 24 hours. Occasionally a more extensive surgical procedure is needed in the operating room, requiring a 1-2 night stay in the hospital. Treatment of this problem can be life-changing for many patients. Dr. Kronson has been employing this technique for over 20 years and has successfully performed thousands of these procedures.
Dialysis Access
When a patient's kidneys fail, they require hemodialysis to replace their kidney function. Dr. Kronson performs a procedure in the arm to create an "access" for dialysis centers to attach hemodialysis machines. The operation is done in 45 minutes in the operating room and patients go home the same day. Recovery time for this procedure is 1-2weeks. A preoperative evaluation includes an ultrasound of the arm performed in our office to allow Dr. Kronson to plan your particular operation.