The Vascular Institute of Virginia has world-class physicians with a state-of-the-art facilities in Woodbridge, Fairfax and Fredericksburg, VA. We serve patients from our local communities as well as patients that travel from the entire country and from overseas. We provide treatments for many conditions including Men’s and Women’s Health, Vascular Disease, Kidney Failure, and Oncology. We provide a relaxed outpatient environment with modern comforts to make your experience comfortable and enjoyable.
Our unique practice has multi-specialty Vascular & Interventional experts. This allows us the advantage to see and treat an array of health issues and provide more comprehensive care within our multi-specialty team. Our team goes beyond health experts and covers the whole process of managing your treatment/health in order to provide excellent care.
F.A.Q
UFE
How long has embolization been performed and is UFE new?
An estimated 13,000-14,000 UFE procedures are performed annually in the U.S. (as of 2004)Embolization of the uterine arteries is not new. It has been used successfully by interventional radiologists for more than 20 years to treat heavy bleeding after childbirth.Embolization has been used to treat tumors since 1966. Embolization to treat uterine fibroids has been performed since 1995 and the embolic particles are approved by the FDA specifically to treat uterine fibroid tumors, based on comparative trials showing similar efficacy with less serious complications compared to hysterectomy and myomectomy (the surgical removal of fibroids).Embolization of fibroids was first used as an adjunct to help decrease blood loss during myomectomy. To the surprise of the initial users of this method, many patients had spontaneous resolution of their symptoms after only the embolization and no longer needed the surgery.
Does UFE work for all of my fibroids?
The procedure is effective for multiple fibroids and large fibroids.
Are the beads used safely to treat fibroids?
Many women wonder about the safety of leaving particles in the body. The embolic particles most commonly used in UFE have been available with FDA approval for use in people for more than 20 years. During that time, they have been used in thousands of patients without long-term complications.
VIV also has access to bioresorbable beads that could be used if the patient desires
Is UFE safe?
UFE is a very safe method and, like other minimally invasive procedures has significant advantages over conventional open surgery. The recovery is much shorter than surgery, including robotic techniques
Is there an effect on fertility after UFE?
There have been numerous reports of pregnancies following uterine fibroid embolization, however, prospective studies are needed to determine the effects of UFE on the ability of a woman to have children. One study comparing the fertility of women who had UFE with those who had myomectomy showed similar numbers of successful pregnancies.
Do I need a doctor's order or referral?
Depends on the insurance. Please call us and we can let you know.
How long is the recovery time?
On average recovery time, 7 days compared with weeks from surgery.
PAD
What is Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)?
Peripheral Arterial Disease is a disorder that affects the arteries outside of the heart and brain. According to the American Heart Association, controllable risk factors for PAD include cigarette smoking, obesity, diabetes mellitus, physical inactivity, high blood cholesterol, and high blood pressure.
What artery do you use to perform the procedure?
At VIV, we generally access the radial artery (in the wrist) so that the procedure and recovery are more comfortable. This approach allows the patient to drive sooner and have less physical restrictions after the procedure than the traditional leg artery (femoral) approach.
Dialysis/ESRD
What can I do to keep my dialysis access healthy?
Examine your access daily to ensure there is a thrill and keep the site clean. Wash skin daily with soap and water. Avoid sleeping on your access arm, carrying heavy objects and checking blood pressure on your access arm.
What if I have a catheter?
Keep the site clean and dry. Dressing changes will be done at the dialysis center. Plan on transitioning to a fistula or a graft as soon as possible.
PAE
What is Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE)?
PAE, which can be performed under light anesthesia, involves a treatment called embolization, which entails temporarily blocking blood flow to the arteries that supply the prostate.
Insurance
What insurance plans do you take?
We take most insurance plans and our finance department will review your insurance for coverage. Coverage can vary based on the indication for your procedure. For those who do not have insurance, come from overseas, or are not covered, we offer a reasonable low-cost payment option.
What billing or insurance information will I receive?
We have experts in-house for billing and pre-authorization. You will be connected with them to help streamline your care. They can provide you with detailed explanations of your health insurance and what you can expect.
Does my insurance cover Varicose Vein Treatments?
Some insurance companies do cover treatment. Our in-office insurance coordinator will verify your insurance coverage, on your behalf, prior to your treatment.
Is UFE covered by insurance?
Most major insurance carriers cover UFE. Our financial coordinator will perform your pre-authorization and help you through the process.
Others
How soon can I be seen?
Same or next day appointments are available.
Will my procedure hurt?
No. We will give you sedation to ensure that you are comfortable throughout your procedure. Please be sure not to eat or drink anything on the day of your procedure so that we can administer sedation.
How long is my recovery time?
Depending on the type of procedure, patients generally recover within 30 minutes-2 hours and are able to be discharged.
Who will help me schedule the procedure?
Our administrative team handles the scheduling of the procedures and any follow-up care that is needed. They will work with your schedule and our physician’s availability to provide a convenient time. They can always be reached at our office, where we do not have any automated system and you will speak with a live person: 703-763-5224
Patient Forms
We are dedicated to providing you the best healthcare experience possible. For added convenience and to save you time at your next appointment, we ask that you please download and complete our patient forms shown below and bring them with you to the appointment or email them to info@teamviv.com.
If you are a Man being seen for prostate disease please fill out the form below.
If you are a Woman being seen for venous, arterial disease for your legs or any other gynecological issues please fill out the form below
If you are being seen for any other reason in our office, please fill out the forms below.
If you need to stay overnight please see information below on nearby hotels and airports.
Referral Forms
Testimonials
I had Pelvic Congestion for 10 years before anyone had even diagnosed it. I was in pain frequently, then I got referred to Dr. Piechowiak. She is awesome! She performed a procedure called Ovarian Vein Embolization and once I had that procedure I was totally pain free. Thanks Dr. P for changing my life.
Very helpful and clean location, excellent courtesy from everybody, excellent service and great help.
Joseph B. I just wanted to thank the entire staff . Everyone treats me and my wife like we’re family . Special thank you to Dr Lee and Dr Gupta and nurse Jeniphre . I hope I spelled her name right . The office staff up front (check in and out ) I don’t remember there names but they remember my name . Very nice and friendly girls . Every one there works well we me and keep my wife very well informed .Dr Lee and Dr Gupta both are Drs that treat me and my wife like family and we both appreciate the way both Drs talked to us and explained things to us . In a way that we knew what was going on . With any of the staff we never felt out of place . I live 3.5 hrs away and will make that drive because I like the way I’m treated and talked to . The lady that done my ultrasound can’t rember her first name but her last name was Boyette . I wanted to that her for explaining everything to me . Dr Lee and Dr Gupta . Pease keep the hole staff together . Thanks to everyone that I have come in contact with . Everyone is good at what they do . Thank You Glenn.
Very professional atmosphere and staff were very reassuring, too. They put me at ease before my procedure.
They are very thorough. They make sure you understand your entire procedure from before, during and after.
Excellent treatment and knowledgeable staff. Patients are treated with care and compassion and the facility is sterile and orderly. Thank you!!
VIV is a great place. It is very clean and the staff is wonderful and kind. I am always satisfied with the procedure that I have done & everyone is so professional.
Rachel is beyond remarkable!! Every visit, and every procedure, is done with impeccable skill, knowledge, and care for the patient. I cannot recommend VIV enough and I am forever grateful for having found and been treated by Rachel and her Team!!!
Very professional, patient friendly provider. Highly recommend.
Dr. Lee, Rachel and Dave are all amazing. They are knowledgeable and make me feel safe and are always concerned with my comfort. They are fixing issues other doctors told me could not be fixed. The front office staff and Molly the nurse are also always helpful. I highly recommend this practice.
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