While our specialty is vein and vascular care, what we really offer patients is opportunity.
• The opportunity for a young mom to once again enjoy beautiful,
healthy legs.
• The opportunity for a retiree to experience legs that no longer
feel tired and heavy.
• The opportunity for all our patients to get back to doing what
they love without limitations.
A lot of people are out there claiming they can best treat your veins. So what makes our practice your ideal choice? This area of medicine is our life’s work. We are not physicians whose primary specialties lie elsewhere. Those physicians do veins on the side. Instead, we provide a higher level of care from board-certified vein and vascular surgeons. We never treat just the symptom, which often leads to only a temporary improvement if any improvement occurs at all. We treat the underlying cause of your symptoms as well as the symptoms themselves.
This critical two-tiered approach greatly increases the chances of a permanent, healthier resolution. As genuine experts, we’re able to provide a much more aggressive treatment plan, if needed. While we look deeper to solve your problems, we don’t necessarily work deeper. Using the latest minimally invasive techniques, our goal is to treat patients with as little effect as possible to the body.
Another advantage to our practice is that we are insurance based. Since we deal with your condition from a medical perspective, there’s a great chance insurance will cover your treatment. And when you’re treated, you can rely on superior technology few other area practices offer. Finally, our biggest advantage is our experienced, passionate and compassionate doctors and staff.
Nothing is more rewarding to us than helping patients like you receive the treatment that truly can change your life. We’d love for you to request an appointment now.
Central Florida Vein and Vascular Center
10000 W Colonial Drive, Suite 495
Ocoee (Orlando), FL 34761-3436
Phone: 407-293-5944
Hours:
Mon - Thurs. 8 am - 4:30 pm
Fri. 8 am – 4 pm
Clermont Office:
1120 Citrus Tower Blvd., Ste 115
Clermont, Florida 34711
Hours:
Fri. 8 am – 4 pm
Request Consultation Form
A graduate of prestigious Brandeis University in Massachusetts, Dr. Horowitz studied medicine at Temple where he graduated in the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. He remained at Temple for residency training in surgery. From there, Dr Horowitz went to the Ohio State University Hospitals for Fellowship training in Peripheral Vascular Surgery.
Dr. Horowitz showed great promise and there was little doubt in the mind of his professors that his career would literally and figuratively have legs. Board Certified in both General and Vascular Surgery, Dr. Horowitz has received academic acclaim through numerous publications and teaching faculty appointments. Dr. Horowitz has been practicing Vascular Surgery in Orlando for over a decade and a half. He has recently made minimally invasive vein therapies and endovascular treatment of arterial disorders a main concentration of the practice.
Dr. Horowitz is nationally regarded as a leading expert in Endovenous Radiofrequency Ablation of the superficial venous system. He is frequently relied upon for guidance from other physicians and our practice is often used as a training site for physicians seeking to learn the latest minimally invasive techniques. Dr. Horowitz is active in many societies including the Southern Vascular Society, the Florida Vascular Society, and the American College of Phlebology. When not in the office, Dr. Horowitz enjoys spending time with his wife and children, listening to Bruce Springsteen and following the New York Giants. Of course the following Dr. Horowitz has accumulated among his many happy patients will always be his greatest joy.
Dr. Varnagy was born in Venezuela and graduated from the Universidad Central de Venezuela Medical School with honors. He completed his training in General Surgery at Mount Sinai Medical Center of Greater Miami and received his fellowship training at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) Medical School.
It was at UMDNJ that Dr. Varnagy simultaneously trained in Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapeutics and Vascular Ultrasound. Through his dedicated studies of Vascular Ultrasound, Dr. Varnagy earned the prestigious Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT) Certification by The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). Today, he concentrates his practice to minimally invasive arterial and venous therapy, including Thoracic and Abdominal aneurysm repair, lower extremity revascularization, dialysis access and carotid revascularization.
Dr. Varnagy is a Diplomate of the American Board of Surgery, a published author and guest presenter at national and international conferences. He is active in many national and international societies, including the Society for Vascular Surgery, American Venous Forum, American College Surgeons, American College of Phlebology, American Medical Association and the Peripheral Vascular Surgery Society. When not working, he enjoys spending time with his wife and children in beautiful, sunny Orlando.
As a Center of Excellence, Central Florida Vein and Vascular Center offers a full spectrum of services so that we can develop a treatment plan that is customized around your individual needs. Of course, it’s not just the services we offer that set us apart, it’s how we offer them. From the moment you enter our office, we take the time to listen to your concerns, make sure you’re informed every step of the way and we remain attentive to your every need through the duration of your treatment.
Minimally Invasive Vein Therapies:
Endovenous Laser Treatment
Radiofrequency Closure Procedure
Ultrasound Guided Foam Sclerotherapy
Vein Lite Sclerotherapy
Spider Vein Sclerotheraphy
Aesthetic Laser Services
Endovascular Therapy for Arterial Vascular disease:
Angiography
Balloon Angioplasty and Stenting
Silverhawk Atherectomy
Endovascular Aneurysm Repair
Aesthetic Laser Therapy
Laser Hair Removal
Laser Skin Rejuvenation
Laser Removal of Sun Damage
Surgery for Diseases of the Arteries and Veins
Wound Care
Diagnostic Vascular Ultrasound
Doppler Testing
Modern vein care allows the elimination of these dysfunctional, ‘broken’ veins with minimal intervention. Surgical stripping is now obsolete, replaced by minimally invasive, needle and catheter-based techniques. EndoVenous Laser ablation (EVLT) and ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy are combined to provide treatment for varicose veins of any size and for leg swelling. These procedures require no incisions to heal, require minimal downtime and are highly successful in the right hands. Not all vein centers are committed to these contemporary, advanced, minimally invasive therapies that provide excellent cosmetic results and allow you to get back to your daily activities quickly. Don’t accept less than the best care. Choose your vein specialist wisely and don’t settle for less than what the most current approach and technology can offer.
Tips for Vein Health
1. Wear compression garments when standing for long periods.
2. Develop your calf muscles by walking or other exercise. Avoid
high heels.
3. Walk in the shallow end of the swimming pool to facilitate
venous drainage.
4. Elevate as needed.
5. Consult with a vein specialist to see if you would benefit from
minimally invasive vein therapy.
Central Florida Vein & Vascular Center
WHAT ARE VARICOSE VEINS?
Although veins and arteries are both part of the circulatory system, they work in very different ways from each other.
Blood is pushed throughout the arteries of the body by pressure created from the pumping of the heart. Veins, unlike arteries, carry blood against the force of gravity. They rely on leg muscle contraction and one-way valves inside the veins to carry blood back toward the heart. If the valves in veins fail, gravity keeps blood from flowing back the heart efficiently. This produces a back up, or congestion of blood. As a result, pressure builds up and the diseased veins become enlarged, eventually bulging to the skin’s surface. The same disease process can affect veins of any size; however when larger veins fail, they are typically called varicose veins. When smaller veins are affected they are typically called spider veins.
Pain in the legs is frequently related to abnormal leg veins. Severe varicose veins can compromise the nutrition of the skin and lead to dermatitis or a rash, discoloration, or even ulceration of the lower leg. Since most veins lie deep to the skin’s surface, vein disorders are not always visible to the naked eye. As a result, diagnostic ultrasound is often used to determine the cause and severity of the problem.
WHAT CAUSES VARICOSE VEINS?
Some predisposing factors include aging, standing occupations, and leg injury or trauma. However, heredity is the number one contributing factor that causes varicose and spider veins. Women are more likely than men to suffer from abnormal leg veins. Up to 55% of American women may be affected in their lifetime. Hormonal factors seen during puberty, pregnancy, menopause, and the use of birth control affect the disease. It is common for varicose veins to become more prominent during pregnancy and worsen with successive pregnancies.
HOW CAN PHLEBOLOGY HELP?
Varicose veins are known to cause symptoms that may include leg aching, pain, heaviness, fatigue, ankle swelling, muscle cramping, restlessness, itching and burning symptoms often worsen with prolonged standing. Skin changes may occur. These include brownish discoloration over the veins or near the ankle. A purple discoloration related to congestion of small veins around the foot and ankle may also develop. Varicose veins may also lead to complications such as blood clots, bleeding, rashes, and ulceration. Vein treatment causes abnormal veins to disappear and symptoms to improve. It prevents more extensive vein disease from developing and also helps to keep serious complications from occurring.
WHEN AND HOW ARE VEINS TREATED?
The most commonly asked questions are: “Do veins require treatment?” and “What treatment is best?”
Veins that cause leg pain, swelling, recurrent superficial blood clots, bleeding or ulceration are prime candidates for treatment. Veins that cause other symptoms, such as aching, heaviness, and fatigue, or that are cosmetically unappealing, may also benefit from treatment. There are two general treatment options: conservative measures, such as compression stockings and herbal preparations; and corrective measures, such as endovenous thermal ablation, chemical ablation, surgery, sclerotherapy, and light source/laser treatment. In many cases, a combination of treatment methods works best.
Patient Education
CFVV-TV (Online Videos)
VEINS 101
HEALTHY LEG TIPS
An estimated 80 million adults in the U.S. alone suffer from leg vein disease. Below is some basic information worth knowing…
Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are veins that have become large and twisted. Though they may be found elsewhere, most varicose veins are found throughout the leg in the superficial veins, which are subject to high pressure when standing. Varicose veins are often painful, especially when standing or walking. They are also considered unappealing cosmetically. Varicose veins often itch and, if untreated, scratching may ulcers to develop..
Spider Veins
Spider veins are similar to varicose veins, but they are smaller. They are often red or blue and are closer to the surface of the skin. They look like spider webs with their short jagged lines. Spider veins can be found on the legs and face. They can cover either a very small or very large area of skin. Spider veins can be caused by the backup of blood, hormone changes, inherited factors, and exposure to the sun.
Causes
Most patients receiving treatment for leg vein problems are women. However, varicose veins occur in men, as well. So what causes these problems to occur? Several factors. Hormones and heredity can both be part of the equation. Jobs requiring long periods of standing or sitting contribute to vein disease.
Those with type A blood and the elderly have a higher risk factor. Varicose veins are also twice as common in overweight and tall individuals. Pregnancy is a frequent cause of varicose veins and finally, trauma can cause unsightly, painful veins to surface.
The popular myth that crossing your legs causes vein problems is just that, a myth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can be done to correct Venous Insufficiency and Varicose Veins without surgery?
Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT): Recent technology has enabled the treatment of saphenous and branch vein reflux to be treated without surgery. Using only needle access to the vein, a laser fiber is advanced the entire length of the vein to seal the vein using laser energy. When the vein is sealed, the pressure problem is resolved and symptoms improve. Since the root of the problem is eliminated, most varicose veins will subsequently become smaller or resolve. This procedure is well tolerated using local anesthesia and can be performed in the office or I an ambulatory center. There are no incisions to heal and no scarring as a result. Patients return to daily activities within 24-48 hours and notice symptom improvements within 1 week following the treatment. Remaining veins are then more effectively treated with ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy (see Patient Education.)
How is the EVLT procedure different from vein stripping?
With vein stripping, the doctor makes an incision in your groin and ties off the vein, then a stripper tool is threaded though the saphenous vein, pulling the vein out of your leg through a second incision above your calf. During EVLT, there is no surgery, instead the vein remains in place and is closed using laser energy. This virtually eliminates the bruising, pain and trauma associated with vein stripping (i.e. this may result from the tearing of side branch veins when the saphenous vein is pulled out). Vein stripping is usually performed in the operating room under general anesthesia, while the EVLT procedure is performed on an outpatient basis with only local anesthesia and mild sedation. Cosmetically, the EVLT procedure is far more superior because there are no incisions, no swelling and much less pain.
Is the procedure painful?
Patients report feeling little or no pain. There is only a slight needle prick and some pressure. Your doctor will give you a local anesthetic to numb the injection site and some mild sedation to make you comfortable.
How quickly can I return to normal activities?
Most patients can resume normal activities within 1 to 2 days. For a few weels after your treatment, your doctor may recommend a regular walking regimen and suggest that you refrain from strenuous activities (heavy lifting) or prolonged periods of standing.
Is this covered by insurance?
Insurance coverage is determined on a per case basis and medical necessity. Your doctor can discuss your coverage at your consultation.
How effective is the treatment?
Recently published data reports that 2 years following treatment, 90% of the treated saphenous veins remain closed and free from reflux, the underlying cause of varicose veins.