At Surgical Specialists of Ocala, we don’t schedule procedures, we schedule patients. While we are the leading general and vascular surgery specialists in Ocala, our skill is best reflected in the relationships we establish with our patients and their referring physicians.
It’s all about communication. The first step to effective communication is listening. We are eager to answer your questions and alleviate your concerns.
If your question isn’t answered in those most frequently asked listed below, submit it to us, or feel free to call for a consultation appointment. We are listening to you, just ask!
Yes. We are continuing to make our practice as safe as possible for our patients during the Coronavirus pandemic. Our office is thoroughly wiped down and cleaned periodically throughout the day to minimize virus transmission.
Upon arrival, patients are pre-screened at the door with a few general questions and a temperature check before each appointment. Patients are asked to wear masks within the building and to use hand sanitizer.
Yes. A simple, secure video chat allows our practice to offer communications with our patients during this COVID-19 crisis. If you are interested in a virtual visit, please call us at 352-237-1212. We are here for your support during this difficult time.
When we need to see exactly what is going on within your veins, we take what is called a venogram. This minor procedure involves injecting a harmless dye into your veins and taking an x-ray. This allows us to see your veins more clearly and identify any blockages or damage. If we find a blocked or damaged vein, we will likely discuss angioplasty and stenting.
Angioplasty is basically a surgical correction or unblocking of an artery or vein. We can repair the vein using what is called a stent, which is basically a tube we insert to restore normal blood flow to the area. Angioplasty and stenting are often performed when the traditional treatment of compression results in leg swelling or after ablation therapy.
It is a procedure where your surgeon inserts a slender, metal-mesh tube, called a stent, which expands inside your carotid artery to increase blood flow in areas blocked my plaque. Although carotid stenting opens your artery and keeps blood flowing, it does not stop plaque from building up. To prevent hardening of the arteries you should consider the following changes: Eat more foods low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and calories. Exercise regularly. Maintain your ideal body weight. Follow your physicians recommendations for medications to control cholesterol and to thin the blood.
Under an X-ray guidance a catheter with a small balloon at one end is advanced through your artery to the area that is blocked. When the balloon reaches the blockage it is inflated. This compresses the plaque against the arterial wall and widens the passageway for blood flow.
A thorough medical history and physical exam will determine if further tests are needed. An ultrasound of your legs or other testing may be indicated.
Eat a diet low in fat and salt and start a daily exercise program that includes walking (as recommended by your physician) keep diabetes under control.
Bypass surgery is a way to create a new pathway through which blood can flow. A vein or synthetic graft is surgically attached to the artery above and below the area of obstruction. This creates a route around the blockage and improves circulation to your legs and feet.
For some, changes in diet and exercise habits may be enough to slow down the progression of Atherosclerosis and reduce symptoms. Others may have blockages severe enough to warrant intervention such as Balloon Angioplasty or Bypass surgery.
The most common cause is Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) a gradual build up of fatty deposits (plaque) on the insides of the arteries.
Claudication is the term used to describe pain in the leg muscles when you walk. This may be caused by a decrease in blood flow to the legs, most often the result of Arterial Blockage.
The Vein Center of Ocala uses the latest technology and least invasive procedures possible to repair and optimize the function of your veins. It’s not about vanity, it’s about vitality. What you see on the outside means correction is needed on the inside. The Vein Center of Ocala can help.
