Dr. Craig Yokley Physician

Uterine Fibroid Embolization, or UFE, is becoming a routine alternative to hysterectomy for treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids. UFE is performed by an interventional radiologist, who uses x-ray imaging to guide a thin tube through your groin area into the uterine artery. Thousands of tiny particles are injected into the blood vessels that lead to the fibroids. The particles block blood flow, which causes the fibroids to shrink. It is clinically proven to reduce the major symptoms of fibroids. Some of the common signs and symptoms of fibroids are heavy menstrual cycles, pelvic pressure/pain, and frequent urination. If you need treatment for fibroid symptoms and want to avoid major surgery, UFE may be right for you. We believe it is very important to talk to your gynecologist about this alternative to hysterectomy. Your gynecologist can provide a referral to our office. Drs. Johnson and Yokley have extensive experience performing this procedure treating hundreds of women with symptomatic uterine fibroids.

VITA physicians perform minimally invasive biopsies of different organs in the body, including the lung, liver, kidney, thyroid, pancreas, lymph nodes, bone, and other regions. The physician performing the biopsy advances the needle to the area by using x-ray, ultrasound, or CT guidance to ensure the needle is going to the correct spot and also to avoid surrounding vital organs. The biopsy is used to extract cells, fluid, or tissue from these areas in the body. This is completed without making large incisions, sometimes, no incision at all. After completion of the biopsy, the findings are examined under a microscope or tested in the laboratory to determine the cause of the abnormality.
Biopsies are usually performed to diagnose cancer, but they can also help identify other conditions such as infections, inflammatory, and autoimmune disorders.

Vein disease affects nearly 25% of the adult population. The symptoms can be anywhere from mild, moderate, or severe. Varicose veins, leg swelling, leg pain, and even ulcers of the lower extremities can be a result of vein disease. Fortunately, there are treatments for these conditions, all of which are offered at VITA.

The underlying problem with most vein disease is incompetence of the greater saphenous vein. Venous reflux develops when the valves stop working properly and don’t allow blood to flow back up to your heart. If the venous reflux is left untreated, it may worsen over time and develop into a more serious form of venous disease.

Treatments:

• Compression stockings

• Lifestyle changes, such as eating foods with less fat, exercising more and giving up tobacco products.

• Procedures

Procedures –

Radiofrequency ablation, or RFA, is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat the diseased vein. A small catheter is inserted with ultrasound guidance, into the incompetent vein. Heat energy is applied, and this seals off the diseased vein, redirecting blood flow to healthier veins in the legs.

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in the lower extremities is the narrowing or blockage of vessels that carry blood from the heart to the legs. It is primarily caused by the buildup of fatty plaque in the arteries, which is called atherosclerosis.

Angiography is used to diagnose blockages and other blood vessel problems. One specific type called a peripheral angiogram is used to help our physicians find narrowed or blocked areas in one or more arteries that supply blood to your legs. In some cases, angioplasty or stent placement may be necessary to treat peripheral artery disease that causes claudication or rest pain.

Symptoms:

• Claudication

• Cool extremities

• Ulcerations

Risk Factors:

• Tobacco usage

• Diabetes

• High blood pressure

• Family history of PAD

• High cholesterol