What’s in a Name? Vascular Surgeons, the Circulation Experts

NEWS

Peripheral Vascular Associates has been available 24/7/365 for the past 45 years to San Antonio and the surrounding areas. At the center of PVA are 20 board certified peripheral vascular surgeons.


Since the group was started by Dr. David Mozersky in 1976, we have grown in size as the needs of our community have grown.  We now serve all of South Texas with more than 15 locations that include our two main locations; one is located in the heart of the city in downtown San Antonio and the other in the South Texas Medical Center.

Dr. Demetrios Macris
Dr. Demetrios Macris, Vascular Surgeon with Peripheral Vascular Associates since 1992

Outside of healthcare professionals, most people who hear the term peripheral vascular surgeon want to know “What is it that vascular surgeons do?” It’s easy to generalize some specialists. For example a cardiologist takes care of the heart, an orthopedic surgeon takes care of bones, and an ophthalmologist takes care of the eye. The truth is, although there are few peripheral vascular surgeons (only about 100 complete their training each year) it is difficult to generalize what we do. We are trained to treat a broad variety of specific conditions such as aneurysms, carotid disease, vascular insufficiency, dialysis access and venous problems, but regional geographical and population differences largely dictate the emphasis of each vascular surgeon’s paradigm.

In some cities such as Houston or Dallas, there is a much greater incidence of aneurysms. Naturally, those vascular surgeons deal more with aneurysm issues. In smaller cities, the vascular surgeons also practice general surgery due to the small number of cases and limited resources of the hospitals. In San Antonio and South Texas, the high incidence of diabetes has made PVA a leader in lower extremity revascularization for critical limb ischemia.

State-of-the-art evaluation and treatment of patients with critical limb ischemia requires a dedicated team that is well-trained and compassionate and has a long term commitment to a patients’ care. The whole patient needs to be considered, with an emphasis on the arteries of the leg. Peripheral Artery Disease (P.A.D.), the main cause of critical limb ischemia, is never cured. It is a systemic disease with focal manifestations. The focal manifestations are what make it surgically treatable. The vast majority of our patients with P.A.D. require lifelong follow up care to avoid further complications including amputation.

September is recognized at Peripheral Artery Disease Awareness Month.   It is our commitment to educate the community on the importance of P.A.D. and these screenings are an important way to shine a light on this disease that affects so many in our city but few know about its potential devastating effects.

The technical abilities of the physician are important, but the willingness to invest time into the patients other medical conditions such as cardiac status, renal function, diabetes, cholesterol, and their overall functional status, is critical. At PVA we consider this our obligation in order to do the right thing for the patient, every time.

To learn more about Peripheral Vascular Associates or to schedule an appointment, visit our Request Appointment page or call (210) 237-4247.

Source: Dr. Demetrios Macris, Vascular Surgeon | Peripheral Vascular Associates
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