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Posted 11.16.08

OSS Receives Vascular Laboratory Accreditation

ICAVL accreditation is recognized as certification that the Vascular Laboratory meets established standards of quality in vascular testing. The accreditation process considers what kind of equipment a laboratory uses, how it is maintained, testing protocols, reporting procedures, training and qualifications of the staff, and the quality-assurance processes that are in place. Meeting or exceeding the nationally-recognized standards of quality, vascular testing at Oregon Surgical Specialists is done by trained and credentialed vascular technologists, using state-of-the-art ultrasound imaging and noninvasive vascular testing systems.

Surgical Specialists Vascular Laboratory has been serving the region since 1999 and is one of the few Vascular Labs in Oregon which is not hospital based and therefore dedicated specifically to noninvasive vascular diagnosis.

For more information please visit our Vascular Laboratory web page.

Posted 10.20.08

OSS Joins National Vascular Public Awareness Campaign

Medford, OR, September, 2008 – With over 48 million people in the US affected by peripheral vascular health issues, the vascular surgeons at Oregon Surgical Specialists (OSS) are taking part in Vascular Disease Awareness Month, a national public awareness campaign targeted to educate the public on the importance of education and early intervention of vascular health issues.

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) affects an estimated 8 to 10 million people in the US with the incidence growing annually. Individuals with PAD are at greater risk for heart attack, stroke, and loss of limbs, yet awareness among the general public regarding diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of this disease is extremely low.

Varicose veins are also a common health issue affecting up to 50 percent of the adult population over 50 years of age. While women have a greater propensity to have varicose veins, an estimated 15 percent of men are also affected. Many patients with vein disease experience cramping, aching, burning, itching, soreness or “tired” or “restless” legs. Depending on the type and stage of vein disease, there are a variety of treatment options. Recently, the use of endovenous laser therapy has provided a less invasive, non-surgical alternative. Endovenous laser therapy can be performed in a physician’s office in less than an hour, and the patient is encouraged to walk immediately following the procedure. If left untreated, varicose veins generally worsen from causing slight pain and restlessness, to increased pain and cramping, and limitations in walking.

Recognizing the high rate of incidence of these vascular health issues, OSS is participating in the national awareness program and will be offering free consultations with OSS surgeons and staff for those who may be at risk of PAD or have varicose vein health issues. “The program's mission is to improve the vascular health of people in our community and to increase public awareness of the importance of early intervention” states vascular surgeon, David K. Traul, MD. The free consultation can be scheduled by calling 541-282-6680. Literature is also available on PAD and varicose vein health issues and can be ordered by calling the same number.

Oregon Surgical Specialists’ provides the most comprehensive range of vascular screening services, wellness programs, and general and vascular surgical services in southern Oregon. OSS surgeons are board certified and fellowship trained in vascular surgery.