Vascular Surgery Associates Guides Patients To Improved Health

At Vascular Surgery Associates, board-certified vascular surgeons and vascular trained providers treat conditions ranging from leg discoloration and swelling to spider veins.

“Individuals hear the word ‘surgery’ and become scared. We are much more than that,” physician assistant Robert Dougherty mentioned. “If, in fact, the patient needs a procedure, the majority of our procedures are performed through a small puncture.”

But even though they have a vascular specialty — focusing on blood vessels — they also care for each patient’s overall wellbeing.

“We do a complete assessment,” said Dr. Andre Biuckians. “(Patients) might also have nerve issues or connective tissue disorder, for example. We incorporate a treatment plan to take these issues into account.”

To prevent and treat the full scope of venous and arterial conditions, Vascular Surgery Associates operates in-house vascular labs, performing vascular ultrasound, to help identify where issues are as well as provide surveillance.

As the name suggests, ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to image soft tissue and vessels beneath the skin surface. It is a highly effective way to view anatomy, direction and speed of flow, as well as any plaque or build-up that may cause blockages within the vessels. Registered vascular technologist Melissa Zlatos has been working in this capacity for over 10 years.

“I love what I do,” she said. “Ultrasound is a great diagnostic tool. It’s quick, easy and painless. And the best part is, no radiation, so it’s completely safe!”

Zlatos said, “I like to have a quick discussion with patients before imaging. It’s important for me to know what brings them in and if there is a specific area of concern. Every patient is unique and not everyone will be textbook; therefore, they should be treated as such.”

Those test results help the providers make a treatment plan. They offer many outpatient procedures like sclerotherapy, varicose vein treatments, angioplasty and stenting, which are done in the office or in their own ambulatory surgery centers. However, surgery is rarely the preferred option if it can be avoided. Of the patients seen at Vascular Surgery Associates, “roughly 30% need some type of procedure and 70% get a nonsurgical, alternative treatment,” Biuckians said.

The team is careful not to overtreat patients or use a “cookie cutter” approach.

“Each portion of the plan is individualized,” Dougherty said. “Our job here is to educate you and give you all the options in order for us to make an educated decision together.”

Biuckians and Dougherty both agreed that they want a patient to come in for one treatment if possible and minimize the necessary procedures to reach the end result.

“People don’t all have the same comorbidities or family histories,” said Tom Arwady, director of provider relations for Vascular Surgery Associates. “These guys do their best to offer a multitude of options in the safest way.”

Biuckians and Dougherty are a resource, advocating on the behalf of patients. Some have called them from as far as Florida when they need urgent medical guidance.

“The best part (of our job) is getting to know the patients,” Biuckians said. “We don’t just see them and leave them. When they step into our office, they’re not just veins and arteries. I tailor what I tell them based on their social world. It’s rewarding to be able to do that for people and not just say, ‘You need this (treatment).’

“A collaborative approach with each patient tends to create the best results,” he added.

For the team, it’s gratifying to provide patients with the relief of knowing their health is in good hands.

“Hopefully we’re easing patients’ minds, having someone acutely answer the question, ‘What is this?’ and saying, ‘You’re going to be OK,’” Arwady said.

Biuckians said, “Someone might be worried about their leg and tell us, ‘My grandma had these sores and died.’ But we’re catching the problem early. It’s exciting to help a patient and be able to plan.”

While the providers do not pressure patients, a few exceptions arise for serious conditions: aneurysms, strokes or particular wounds that need more aggressive care.

“We want our patients to feel welcome when they enter our office and comfortable with the decisions that are being made,” Dougherty said. “They should not feel pushed one way or another. If there is a question, we are happy to take the time to answer it.”

Referrals are made with careful consideration.

“We don’t refer them to just anyone; we’re picky about who we send our patients to,” Dougherty said. “We want to be able to establish a relationship with the patient as well as their care team and ensure they are getting optimal treatment when they leave our office as well.”

The team feels at home in Anne Arundel County and is excited for the opportunity to support the community. Dougherty lives in Severna Park with his wife and two children along with their two canine rescues. A Severna Park native, Zlatos still lives in the area with her husband and enjoys fostering animals within a nonprofit animal rescue.

Dougherty, Biuckians and Zlatos all strive to be attentive and available every step of the way for patients.

“That’s establishing the relationship,” Biuckians said. “We are there from the office to the hospital.”

Vascular Surgery Associates has a Severna Park office, located in the Severna Park Professional Center at 22 Truck House Road, Suite 2. Business hours are 8:00am-4:30pm Monday through Friday. For more information, questions or to book an appointment, call 410-946-6402 or visit www.vascularsurgeryassociates.net.