EXPERT
Dr. Erica Leith Mitchell, MD
Vascular Surgeon
Dr. Erica Leith Mitchell MD is a top Vascular Surgeon in Portland, . With a passion for the field and an unwavering commitment to their specialty, Dr. Erica Leith Mitchell MD is an expert in changing the lives of their patients for the better. Through their designated cause and expertise in the field, Dr. Erica Leith Mitchell MD is a prime example of a true leader in healthcare. As a leader and expert in their field, Dr. Erica Leith Mitchell MD is passionate about enhancing patient quality of life. They embody the values of communication, safety, and trust when dealing directly with patients. In Portland, OR, Dr. Erica Leith Mitchell MD is a true asset to their field and dedicated to the profession of medicine.
28 years
Experience
Dr. Erica Leith Mitchell, MD
- Portland, OR
- Univ of Co Sch of Med, Denver Co
- Accepting new patients
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What causes sudden varicose veins?
Family history and prolonged standing (surgeons, butchers, bakers, nurses, etc.) can contribute to venous reflux/insufficiency. Compression therapy (knee high stockings) can help READ MORE
Family history and prolonged standing (surgeons, butchers, bakers, nurses, etc.) can contribute to venous reflux/insufficiency. Compression therapy (knee high stockings) can help and are the first line of therapy (assuming no severe peripheral arterial disease). Evaluation is non-invasive.
What is a venogram?
A venogram is an invasive study (i.e., a needle and catheter is placed into the vein so as to inject dye into the vein to evaluate its anatomy). 5-year-olds generally need anesthesia READ MORE
A venogram is an invasive study (i.e., a needle and catheter is placed into the vein so as to inject dye into the vein to evaluate its anatomy). 5-year-olds generally need anesthesia for the study to keep them comfortable and still during the procedure. If the study is a CT venogram (a CAT scan), the same will apply, but it is less invasive as the IV goes into a small arm/leg vein.
What is the treatment for varicose veins?
Treatment starts with compression therapy (compression stockings) and is required by insurance companies prior to approval for any surgical treatment! Surgical treatment also requires READ MORE
Treatment starts with compression therapy (compression stockings) and is required by insurance companies prior to approval for any surgical treatment! Surgical treatment also requires pre-op documentation of extent/severity of the disease by duplex ultrasound (again, an insurance requirement).
Can bypass surgery work for someone with diabetes and BP?
I cannot speak for heart bypasses but bypasses for the legs are performed to treat arterial blockages and thus improve blood flow to the foot/feet. Bypasses will not help the BP READ MORE
I cannot speak for heart bypasses but bypasses for the legs are performed to treat arterial blockages and thus improve blood flow to the foot/feet. Bypasses will not help the BP nor diabetes, only perfusion to the foot (presuming there is a target vessel to sew to).
Do spider veins get worse?
Venous insufficiency is graded clinically on a scale of 1-6:
1. spider veins
2. varicose veins
3. leg swelling
4. lipodermatosclerosis (skin discoloration/thickening around READ MORE
Venous insufficiency is graded clinically on a scale of 1-6:
1. spider veins
2. varicose veins
3. leg swelling
4. lipodermatosclerosis (skin discoloration/thickening around the ankles and above)
5. healed ulcer
6. active ulcer
Usually, to get a 4 and higher, you have incompetent deep veins (not just the superficial veins)
1. spider veins
2. varicose veins
3. leg swelling
4. lipodermatosclerosis (skin discoloration/thickening around the ankles and above)
5. healed ulcer
6. active ulcer
Usually, to get a 4 and higher, you have incompetent deep veins (not just the superficial veins)
I was diagnosed with Peripheral Artery Disease last week.Please advise.
If you smoke, quit smoking for sure. Your MD will also likely start you on a medical mgt regime (aspirin and statin) if indeed you do have PAD.
Varicose veins wounds
Compression therapy (knee high stockings). Have a formal evaluation by a vascular surgeon to delineate the extent of venous insufficiency.
Is an aortic aneurysm fixable?
The best time to fix it is when you are not symptomatic. Depending on the size, you may just need surveillance right now (< 4.5-5cm) vs. elective repair (which nowadays can be READ MORE
The best time to fix it is when you are not symptomatic. Depending on the size, you may just need surveillance right now (< 4.5-5cm) vs. elective repair (which nowadays can be performed minimally invasively, with a very short hospital stay and recovery).
This is not a reversible condition, but certainly a very treatable one, so please get this attended to.
This is not a reversible condition, but certainly a very treatable one, so please get this attended to.
What is claudication?
Claudication = muscle cramping with walking as a result of an arterial narrowing (peripheral arterial disease aka PAD) and subsequent mismatch in supply and demand of oxygen to READ MORE
Claudication = muscle cramping with walking as a result of an arterial narrowing (peripheral arterial disease aka PAD) and subsequent mismatch in supply and demand of oxygen to the muscles when exercising. PAD usually implies CAD thus you need risk factor modification (if you don't already have it) for the CAD.
Do varicose veins come back after treatment?
The treatment does have 4-8% failure rate as the veins can recanalize and thus cause symptoms again.
Compression knee highs
They help. Yes, they are a pain to get on, I know. Compression stockings prevent luminal engorgement of the veins and thus help prevent the symptoms (pain and itching).
