EXPERT
Dr. Vivienne J. Halpern
Vascular Surgeon
Dr. Vivienne Halpern is a vascular surgeon practicing in Phoenix, Arizona. Dr. Halpern specializes in disorders relating to the arterial, venous and lymphatic systems. As a vascular surgeon, Dr. Halpern diagnoses and treats vascular diseases and performs vasular surgeries. Common conditions that a vascular surgeon treats are aneurysms, atherosclerosis and varicose veins. Vascular specialists might also treat trauma, venous ulcers, poor leg circulation, peripheral arterial disease and other vascular-related issues.
37 years
Experience
Dr. Vivienne J. Halpern
- Phoenix, Arizona
- New York Univ Sch of Med, New York Ny
- Accepting new patients
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What type of anesthesia is used for varicose veins?
It can be only local anesthetic depending on what needs to be done
What is the treatment for heart murmur?
It depends on cause -many murmurs are not clinically significant and need no treatment-only difference may needing antibiotics for certain types of procedures
Is there a possibility of a patient suffering a heart attack during a vascular surgery?
Yes absolutely there is But how high a risk can be assessed by his primary care doctor
What could have triggered varicose veins during my pregnancy?
The pregnancy itself can make varicose veins appear both from the hormonal changes and the weight of the pregnant uterus on the main veins in the pelvis and the abdomen - unfortunately READ MORE
The pregnancy itself can make varicose veins appear both from the hormonal changes and the weight of the pregnant uterus on the main veins in the pelvis and the abdomen - unfortunately they may not go away once they appear although do have a possibility of improving
Can I get rid of spider veins without surgery?
Schlerotherapy is a possibility but still involves injections
Do varicose veins come back after treatment?
Yes they can come back depending on underlying cause. And depending on how the vein is treated (laser, radio frequency, sclerosing agents) they can reopen even when treated
What is the recovery period after a vascular surgery?
It depends on how it is fixed. If fixed endovascularly (less invasive and through small incisions in the groins) it is possible he could go back in 2-3 weeks to softball - his READ MORE
It depends on how it is fixed. If fixed endovascularly (less invasive and through small incisions in the groins) it is possible he could go back in 2-3 weeks to softball - his surgeon would have to determine this
How are blood clots in the veins diagnosed?
An ultrasound can diagnose this
Do medicines help in treating varicose veins?
There are no really good medicines however wearing compression socks and elevating when not walking can help. THere is limited data on utility of various herbal preparations but READ MORE
There are no really good medicines however wearing compression socks and elevating when not walking can help. THere is limited data on utility of various herbal preparations but none of these remove varicosities but control progression and symptoms - there is not an absolute necessity to have surgery - i myself have had varicose veins for years and just use compression hose
What can happen if varicose veins are left untreated?
Many people live for years without issues. I have had varicose veins myself for more than 20 years and had no surgery or other therapies - i wear compression hose fairly religiously READ MORE
Many people live for years without issues. I have had varicose veins myself for more than 20 years and had no surgery or other therapies - i wear compression hose fairly religiously though. If you travel where you will not be able to walk for long time periods, definitely wear compression and do movements with your legs to activate calf muscles and consider taking a baby aspirin on day of travel. People with varicose veins have higher than normal risk of forming clots in the legs
Are there natural ways to treat varicose veins?
There is limited information on herbal medications in varicose veins - horse chestnut seed extract may reduce symptoms related. The best treatment is compression hose if he has READ MORE
There is limited information on herbal medications in varicose veins - horse chestnut seed extract may reduce symptoms related. The best treatment is compression hose if he has no evidence of artery problems in his legs - i have varicose veins for more than 20 years and have just worn compression hose - no surgery done
Should I consider vein stripping for spider veins?
Depending on the size, sclerotherapy can be an option
Will compression socks help spider veins?
Compression socks are main stay of treatment of varicose veins and spider veins- they will not make the veins go away but can prevent the veins from getting worse and control the READ MORE
Compression socks are main stay of treatment of varicose veins and spider veins- they will not make the veins go away but can prevent the veins from getting worse and control the symptoms of achy feelings and swelling -this should be reviewed with your doctor as are various options
What can you do for varicose veins while pregnant?
Wear compression hose during your pregnancy to minimize formation of varicose veins. Wait until finished for treatment both so no complications affect pregnancy and also at least READ MORE
Wear compression hose during your pregnancy to minimize formation of varicose veins. Wait until finished for treatment both so no complications affect pregnancy and also at least half of varicose veins formed during pregnancy will go a way 6 months to a year after the birth as long as you don't get pregnant again
Will varicose veins go away if I lose weight?
Losing weight will help prevent any worsening of your varicose veins. It may or may not help them go away depending on how much what is called venous insufficiency has become permanent READ MORE
Losing weight will help prevent any worsening of your varicose veins. It may or may not help them go away depending on how much what is called venous insufficiency has become permanent condition - but is helpful to loose weight as well if considering treatment for better success of any procedures that are done
What happens if varicose veins go untreated?
Nothing may happen if you take care of your legs. THis means wearing compression. I have had my varicose veins for more than 20 years but fairly religiously wear compression socks READ MORE
Nothing may happen if you take care of your legs. THis means wearing compression. I have had my varicose veins for more than 20 years but fairly religiously wear compression socks even in the summer. You do have a higher risk of forming clots than someone who never had varicose veins but depending on whether the varicose veins are a reflection of deep vein problems, removal may not make this risk less . Additionally, many of the procedures done have a small risk of causing clots. If you travel for long trips, definitely wear compression and consider taking a baby aspirin if you have no medical condition that aspirin can affect to help prevent clots on the day of travel
