SFVA: Serving South Florida’s Caribbean Community

Revolutionary Care for Medical Issues: South Florida Vascular Associates Serves the Caribbean Community with State-of-the-Art Vascular Treatments

According to the Migration Policy Institute, 41% of all Caribbean immigrants in the United States reside in Florida. As noted by Nova Southeastern University, this population’s disproportionate susceptibility to various medical conditions requires care attuned to its specific needs. With revolutionary vascular approaches to a variety of medical problems typically requiring surgical intervention, South Florida Vascular Associates (SFVA) is committed to providing South Florida’s Caribbean community with the highest quality of care.

Over 20 years of experience in minimally invasive vascular care has led SFVA to establish unique vascular treatment options for a variety of medical diagnoses that would otherwise involve invasive surgical procedures with extended recovery times. With no incisions or scarring, SFVA’s vascular approach is minimally invasive with short recovery times, providing patients with excellent care with fewer complication risks, greater convenience, and better cost savings.

Several of SFVA’s premier vascular treatments address diagnoses such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), uterine fibroids, peripheral artery disease (PAD), and varicose veins, offering patients effective, minimally-invasive solutions that improve both their health outcomes and quality of life.

Prostate Artery Embolization for BPH or Enlarged Prostate

Men suffering from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostate enlargement now have the option of minimally-invasive yet highly-effective treatment with prostate artery embolization (PAE). For the majority of men in their 50s or older who experience BPH symptoms, PAE offers a significantly more attractive option than traditional surgical interventions such as TURP or Aquablation, which requires general anesthesia, is performed through the penis, and involves hospitalization.

At SFVA, Dr. William Julien uses advanced imaging technology to perform PAE with a small catheter inserted through a tiny needle in the groin or wrist artery. Using local anesthesia with oral and sometimes light IV sedation, Dr. Julien threads the catheter through the bloodstream into the small vessels that supply the prostate. Tiny particles are then injected, cutting off the blood flow and causing the prostate to shrink. This relieves the BPH symptoms of frequent urination, weak urine stream, and difficulty emptying the bladder.

Unlike traditional surgical procedures that involve significant incisions and long recovery periods, PAE is minimally invasive and performed on an outpatient basis in our office. Patients are able to return home the same day and resume regular activities within a few days, making it an ideal solution for those looking for a quick and effective way to manage BPH without the risks and downtime associated with conventional surgery.

Uterine Fibroid Embolization for Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are the most common benign tumors in women, affecting an estimated 40-80% of those of reproductive age. While many women with fibroids experience no symptoms, others may suffer from abdominal pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, frequent urination, and discomfort during sex. Traditionally, treatment for uterine fibroids has involved surgical procedures such as myomectomy or hysterectomy, which requires general anesthesia, carries significant risks, has longer recovery times, and often involves removal of the uterus. However, Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) offers a highly effective, minimally invasive alternative that provides relief with fewer complications and a faster recovery, and the uterus is not removed.

At SFVA, UFE is performed by advancing a small catheter—inserted through a small needle puncture in the groin or wrist artery—through the bloodstream into the vessels supplying the uterus. Small particles, about the size of a grain of sand, are injected into the vessel, stopping the blood flow and causing the fibroids to die and shrink. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and IV sedation, ensuring that the patient is comfortable throughout. Unlike traditional surgeries that often require general anesthesia and long recovery periods, UFE ensures women return home the same day and most resume normal activities within a few days. This procedure not only alleviates symptoms but also preserves the uterus, making it an ideal option for women who wish to preserve their fertility.

With a significantly lower rate of complications compared to traditional surgery, UFE offers a safe, highly effective treatment for uterine fibroids, delivering lasting relief while minimizing downtime and hospital stays. At SFVA, UFE is performed in the comfort of our office.

Peripheral Artery Disease Treatment for PAD

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can cause debilitating symptoms such as leg pain, difficulty walking, and slow-healing wounds, but the right treatment can help prevent further complications like gangrene or amputation. SFVA offers advanced, minimally invasive treatments for Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) to help restore blood flow and improve quality of life for our patients.

Our expert team specializes in using state-of-the-art techniques, including angioplasty, atherectomy, and stenting. These procedures are performed in our comfortable, spa-like outpatient suite, ensuring a convenient, low-stress experience for our patients.

• Angioplasty and Stenting: In some cases, a stent may also be used to help keep the artery open long-term. Through a small needle puncture in the wrist, groin or foot, a tiny catheter is advanced through the bloodstream to the obstructed area. The blockage is then opened using various techniques including angioplasty. This procedure offers significant relief for many patients, with studies showing that 60-70% of patients maintain improved blood flow for at least 2 years after the procedure.
• Atherectomy: In some cases, your provider at SFVA may use atherectomy, a procedure that removes plaque from the artery using a sanding or lasering device. This can help open the artery and restore circulation, providing relief from PAD.

These treatments are highly effective in providing long-term symptom relief with minimal downtime. Much less invasive than surgical interventions, most SFVA patients experience less pain, fewer risks, and a quicker recovery.

Varicocele Embolization for Varicoceles

For men suffering from varicoceles—an enlargement of the veins within the scrotum—SFVA offers varicocele embolization, a highly effective, minimally invasive treatment option. This procedure is performed using a small puncture in the skin, typically in the groin or neck area, with no need for the large incisions or general anesthesia required for typical surgical interventions and solutions. Guiding a tiny catheter through real-time X-ray imaging to the varicocele vein, the vein is then closed off with small metal coils and a special medication to redirect blood flow to healthier vessels. The procedure usually takes about 30 minutes and is performed under local anesthesia and mild sedation, allowing patients to return home the same day with minimal discomfort.

Varicocele embolization at SFVA offers numerous advantages over traditional surgery, including a faster recovery, lower risk of complications, and the ability to treat both sides of the scrotum through a single puncture site. Unlike surgery, which often requires a lengthy recovery period and multiple incisions, our procedure is highly effective, with results comparable to surgery in improving pain, semen analysis, and even pregnancy rates. With a lower risk of complications—such as infection—and minimal downtime, patients can resume non-strenuous activities immediately after the procedure.

Varicose Vein Treatments

Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT)

Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT) is a revolutionary procedure that is considered the newest generation of treatment for varicose veins. Unlike traditional vein stripping, which can be painful and involve long recovery periods, EVLT is a minimally invasive treatment that offers a quicker, more comfortable option. During the procedure, a tiny catheter is inserted through a small opening in the skin, and a thin laser fiber is threaded into the affected vein. The fiber emits targeted heat that causes the vein to collapse and close, effectively rerouting blood flow through healthier veins.

South Florida Vascular Associates offers EVLT as an outpatient procedure performed in our comfortable treatment suite. Using only local anesthesia, this procedure typically takes less than an hour to complete, and many patients experience immediate relief from symptoms such as leg pain, swelling, and heaviness. With fewer complications than traditional surgery, EVLT is an effective, low-risk solution for varicose veins and venous insufficiency. Most patients can return to their regular activities the same day, making it a convenient option for those looking for fast relief.

Sclerotherapy

In some cases, EVLT can be combined with sclerotherapy, a complementary treatment that uses a sclerosing agent to close smaller veins. Sclerotherapy can treat veins that are too small for EVLT, and when used together, these two treatments offer a comprehensive solution for managing varicose veins and improving overall leg health.

Following EVLT or sclerotherapy, patients are advised to walk regularly, wear compression stockings, and avoid strenuous activities for a short period. After a follow-up visit, most patients experience excellent long-term results, making these treatments safe, effective, and low-risk options for managing varicose veins.

SFVA: Providing Excellent Care for South Florida’s Caribbean Community

At South Florida Vascular Associates, we understand the unique health challenges facing the Caribbean community in South Florida. With conditions like peripheral artery disease, uterine fibroids, BPH, and varicose veins disproportionately affecting many within this population, it’s essential to provide treatments that are not only effective but also tailored to fit the lifestyle and needs of our diverse patients. Our minimally invasive, state-of-the-art vascular procedures offer a modern solution to these common, yet often complex, medical issues.

For members of the Caribbean community who may face barriers to healthcare or have a cultural preference for less invasive treatments, SFVA’s advanced vascular care ensures quicker recovery times, fewer complications, and a better overall experience. Whether it’s prostate artery embolization for BPH or UFE for uterine fibroids, our mission is to help restore your health without the long recoveries and risks associated with traditional surgery.

We are committed to providing personalized care that speaks to the values and needs of our patients, offering convenience, compassion, and cutting-edge treatment options. If you’re dealing with a medical issue or simply want to learn more about how our innovative treatments can improve your health, we invite you to schedule a consultation with our team today. SFVA is here to support you on your journey to better health and a brighter future. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step by exploring our minimally invasive, world-class care.