South Austin Vein Center: Michael M. Di Iorio, MD, FAVLS

Dr. Di Iorio understands that comprehensive vein treatment can truly improve a patient’s quality of life. As a result, he offers a variety of treatment options that are effective as well as minimally invasive. In minor cases of venous disease, a treatment involving a large amount of patient participation may be suitable, such as exercise or the use of compression stockings. However, many patients with severe cases of varicose or spider veins benefit from the direct treatment of their condition through medical procedures, such as sclerotherapy and endovenous radiofrequency ablation. Diagnosis: Diagnosis begins with a thorough examination of your legs followed by a venous ultrasound. Ultrasound allows us to diagnose and target the source of vein problems, giving a clear picture of how the veins look and are functioning. A quality ultrasound performed by a trained professional and interpreted by a qualified physician is vital to determine if vein disease is present or not. Among his many certifications, Dr. Di Iorio’s training and board certification in diagnostic radiology, along with his multiple advanced ultrasound certifications, ensures that you will receive the most complete examination and accurate diagnosis. Vein treatments: At South Austin Vein Center, Dr. Di Iorio performs today’s most advanced, minimally invasive vein treatments to end your vein pain and suffering at the source. After a comprehensive examination and a diagnostic ultrasound of your veins, Dr. Di Iorio will determine an individualized treatment plan. This plan may include one or a combination of minimally invasive procedures, including radiofrequency ablation, ambulatory phlebectomy, and sclerotherapy. Endovenous Ablation Procedures: Endovenous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive, in-office treatment alternative to surgical stripping. Instead of removing the diseased vein, it is sealed closed in place with heat. The skin over the vein is numbed with local anesthetic and under direct US guidance, a small catheter is inserted through a needle stick into the damaged vein. A dilute local anesthetic is then administered around the vein. The tiny catheter, powered by radiofrequency energy is turned on and slowly pulled back and out of the body sealing the vein closed. Once the vein is sealed, the body automatically reroutes blood flow through healthier vessels to restore normal circulation. Following the procedure, a compression stocking is placed on the treated leg to aid healing. The procedure takes less then 30 minutes and the use of local anesthetic makes the treatment virtually painless. You will be encouraged to walk and resume normal activities immediately following the procedure. VenaSeal: VenaSealTM is a new minimally invasive treatment, invented by an interventional radiologist, that improves blood flow by sealing a diseased vein with a special medical adhesive. Traditional thermal energy procedures use heat to close a vein. The intense heat requires a large volume of numbing medicine, called tumescent, which is injected through several needle sticks. The injections may cause discomfort during the procedure and bruising after the procedure. Since no heat is used during VenaSealTM treatment, tumescent medication is not needed. The VenaSealTM Procedure: After local anesthesia is given at the entry site to numb the area, a small catheter is inserted into the vein to be treated under US guidance. Once the catheter is in place, a small amount of specially formulated medical adhesive is instilled along the course of the vein sealing it closed. After the diseased vein is closed, the body naturally reroutes blood through nearby healthy veins. Compression stockings are usually not needed after the procedure. Clinical studies have demonstrated that the VenaSealTM procedure is safe and effective. The procedure is administered without the use of tumescent anesthesia, avoiding patient discomfort associated with multiple needle sticks and reduces recovery time. Many patients return to normal activity immediately after the procedure. Varithena®: Varithena® is a nonsurgical FDA approved microfoam (a mixture of medication and gas) that is used to treat a wide variety of varicose veins. Treatment involves injecting a small amount of Varithena® through a catheter or small needle into a malfunctioning vein under US guidance. The Varithena® microfoam fills and treats the desired section of the vein. The vein collapses and the microfoam is deactivated. When the malfunctioning vein collapses, blood flow shifts to healthier veins nearby. Over time the closed vein is absorbed by the body.

What is a Vascular and Interventional Radiologist? Vascular and interventional radiologists, often referred to as interventional radiologists or IRs, are board certified fellowship trained doctors who specialize in minimally invasive image-guided procedures to diagnose and treat many medical conditions. For the past 50 years, interventional radiologists have been responsible for much of the innovation behind the minimally invasive treatments that are commonplace today. Interventional radiologists have pioneered the use of many endovascular techniques that are now commonly used by other medical specialties. Angioplasty, the catheter-delivered stent, embolization of blood vessels to stop bleeding and treat tumors and endovenous laser ablation for the treatment of varicose veins and venous disease are just some of the many procedures developed by interventional radiologists. The concept behind interventional radiology is to use advanced imaging technology to diagnose and treat patients using the least invasive techniques in order to minimize risk to the patient and improve health outcomes. No other medical specialty possesses the unique combination of skills required of interventional radiology, a mastery of both imaging technology and minimally invasive procedural skills. Interventional radiologists can treat many conditions, that once required open surgery, less invasively with less pain, less risk and less recovery time.