Services

Anesthetics are necessary for some of the vascular procedures we perform. Each is selected carefully based on the extent of the treatment. Your comfort is important to us. We'll discuss anesthesia during your consultation and are happy to answer any questions you may have. Generally, many office procedures, such as vein treatments, can be performed with no anesthetic or a topical numbing cream. An injectable anesthetic may be administered for some procedures, and, for others, general anesthesia is used.

Yes. Some vascular conditions can be treated with minimally-invasive nonsurgical techniques. Others are performed using minimally-invasive surgery. Dr. Zakhary uses minimally invasive techniques whenever possible. He also has exemplary training and considerable experience performing more comprehensive surgeries. Every situation calls for its own unique approach to care. Our goal is to achieve the best treatment outcomes and to also ensure we do so as conservatively and safely as possible.

This is a question we explore during your consultation. Dr. Zakhary leans toward minimally-invasive procedures whenever possible. He has received formal training in Vascular and Endovascular Surgery Fellowship at Baylor University. Endovascular surgery describes the use of minimally-invasive surgical techniques. We understand that there are benefits to minimally-invasive surgery. At the same time, there are situations for which open surgery is necessary, such as aortic aneurysm repair. Dr. Zakhary will sit with you to explore the most appropriate treatment options to address your medical concerns. If open surgery is needed, he will explain everything you want to know about your procedure, including risks, safety protocols, and what to expect.

Treatment for carotid artery disease is recommended based on the severity of the condition. In carotid artery disease, the arteries that deliver blood to the brain are clogged by fatty deposits (plaques). This blockage increases your risk of having a stroke, so much be addressed in the most efficient manner. If there is only mild plaque accumulation, your doctor may advise you to make lifestyle changes such as increasing physical activity and quitting smoking. You may be prescribed medication to thin the blood. If plaque accumulation is more significant, the doctor may want to perform a medical procedure to reduce the blockage. The most common technique is carotid endarterectomy, minor surgery in which the doctor manually removes the plaques in the artery through an incision in the neck. Alternatively, angioplasty and stenting may be performed. This technique opens up the carotid artery using a balloon that compresses the walls of the vessel.

Your recovery from angioplasty should be relatively simple. You'll be advised to take it easy for five to seven days. During that time, you can walk and even climb stairs, provided that doing so does not require a lot of exertion. After about one week, you may gradually begin to increase your physical activity as approved by your doctor. You must avoid strenuous activities and lifting heavy objects for up to four weeks after your procedure. If an activity causes shortness of breath or chest pain, stop.

You may be able to drive home after receiving care at our Glendale office. This will depend on the procedure you've had done. Generally, it is safe to drive provided that you have not received any form of sedation. During your consultation for treatment, we'll discuss what you can expect and what precautions you will need to take. We want you to be fully prepared well in advance of your procedure and are happy to answer questions if they arise after your visit.