Thanks to the leg screenings offered at Medina Vein Center, patients are able to ward off more serious problems

By Laura Briedis

When Shelby, Ohio resident Thresea complained to her primary care physician about the pain she had in her legs, he dismissed her concerns and was convinced it was all in her head. She knew, however, the problem was real, as she used to walk nine miles a day but had to stop because of her pain. It got so bad she could not even climb stairs without taking a break.

That’s when she sought out specialist Dr. Barry Zadeh, of Medina Vein Center. After a thorough exam, he diagnosed her with peripheral artery disease (PAD), in which the arteries narrow and cause cramping, pain and tiredness in the legs or hip muscles.

“I was in my 40s, so I thought I was too young to have artery problems,” comments Thresea.

“Now, after a corrective procedure, I can walk two miles without stopping. I feel like I have my life back. I have no more pain and no longer take pain meds.”

Similarly, Tom, a Strongsville resident, was suffering from leg pain, but thought it was just a part of aging.

“I was aware of the pain in my leg and just thought it came with age,” he says. “But my wife called Dr. Zadeh for a free leg screening and we found out that I had blockage. Now I feel 10 years younger.”

Thanks to the leg screenings offered at Medina Vein Center, patients are able to ward off more serious problems.

“Having healthy legs results in a healthier life,” comments Dr. Zadeh. “You are able to be more active and exercise, which leads to a healthier lifestyle and that makes you feel better.”

“In the general population, between 40 to 60 percent of people over 50 years old experience problems with bad valves in their veins in which the flow of blood is impaired,” says Dr. Zadeh.

“But it is not uncommon for young mothers after pregnancies to have problems, as well as people whose jobs require standing, such as teachers, nurses, cashiers, wait staff and assembly line workers. However, even those with desk jobs can get ‘heavy legs.’”

Having performed thousands of endovascular surgeries over the past 30 years, board certified cardiovascular and general surgeon Dr. Zadeh treats patients in the Medina Vein Center in the Westfield Bank Building, lower level, on Route 18, as well as in four other office locations throughout the region.

“Since opening our Medina office three years ago, we have successfully treated many patients,” says Brian Barberic, practice manager.

“The doctor used to come to this location once a month and now sees patients here every week.”

Lower Extremity Health Concerns
In addition to peripheral artery disease, many people develop leg ulcers. Most often people associate ulcers with that burning and gnawing feeling of a stomach ulcer. However, just as common are ulcers of the legs, feet or toes that come with their own painful symptoms.

“Leg ulcers affect both men and women of all ages and all backgrounds,” says Dr. Zadeh. “And they can be extremely painful.”

Just ask Randy, from Bucyrus, who suffered from leg ulcers.

“I had severe pain in my legs, calves and feet and had to walk with a cane—sometimes two canes,” he says. “I would develop leg ulcers when I bumped my legs on things. I could not even put on normal shoes due to the pain and swelling. When I met Dr. Zadeh, I felt like I was the only patient he had because he took his time and treated me so personally.”

Now Randy feels the warmth and circulation in his feet, and he can walk without pain and without using a cane.

Leg ulcers can often be treated with special garments, wraps and boots that will help offload the pressure, as well as minimally invasive surgery to redirect the veins so they stop leaking.

Minimally Invasive Procedures
If you suffer from leg pain or swelling caused by vein reflux disease, varicose veins, valve insufficiencies and ulcers of the extremities, Medina Vein Center can bring you relief through minimally invasive procedures with virtually no downtime, all done in a convenient office setting.

As one of the most experienced doctors in the country performing laser, endovascular ablation, mechanical chemical ablation and ClariVein, Dr. Zadeh uses tiny catheters to close off a damaged vein. Once the vein is closed, blood is re-routed to other healthy veins. Following the procedure, a simple bandage is placed over the insertion site and patients can resume normal activities within a day.

In addition to medical procedures, Dr. Zadeh does cosmetic procedures to treat spider veins and small varicose veins using laser technology.

Free Health Screenings
Medina Vein Center screens patients for conditions that may not present any symptoms but pose health risks. These preventive screenings include:

• Carotid artery ultrasounds to determine blockages or abnormalities
• Abdominal aortic ultrasounds to assess aneurysm risks
• Lower extremity arterial screening to assess peripheral artery disease

These screenings can detect vascular disease, such as stroke and abdominal aortic aneurysm, which are known as “silent killers” because there are often no warning signs until it’s too late.

“If you are 50 or older and have risk factors, including diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking, high blood cholesterol or a family history of atherosclerotic/circulatory problems, then you should be screened,” says Dr. Zadeh.

Most of these procedures and screenings are covered by insurance, and the office staff can assist you with navigating your insurance plan and coverage options.

Medina Vein Center is located at 4015 Medina Road, Suite 90, in Medina. Call 330-723-VEIN (8346) for an appointment. For more information, visit
LoveYourVeins.com.