The Vein Institute of La Jolla is a specialized, state-of-the-art medical clinic dedicated exclusively to the diagnosis and treatment of varicose veins, spider veins, and venous leg ulcers. The Institute is committed to improving the quality of life of individuals with vein problems by providing expert consultation, exact diagnosis, and efficient treatment in a personalized, comfortable atmosphere.

The Vein Institute of La Jolla was founded by the distinguished surgeon, Dr. John Bergan, a pioneer in vascular surgery and a foremost authority on vein problems and their treatment. He has published more than 700 academic papers and authored or edited thirty-three textbooks, ten of which are on venous disorders.

The physicians of the Institute use the latest-generation ultrasound for diagnosis. They utilize radio frequency catheters, varicose vein extractors and video endoscopes to treat disabling vein problems without vein stripping or deep general anesthesia. Many procedures done with surgery in the past are now accomplished in the office without anesthetic.

Dr. Bergan and his associates have designed a comprehensive approach to vein care that combines years of experience with the newest technologies. The physicians of Vein Institute of La Jolla provide each patient with a specific treatment plan to produce optimal results with the least pain and downtime. Treatment is fast, minimally invasive and affordable.

The Vein Institute of La Jolla is located in the Scripps XIMED (XIMED=Excellence in Medicine) medical building on the Scripps MemorialHospital - La Jolla medical complex at 9850 Genesee Avenue, adjacent to Interstate I-5.

John J. Bergan, M.D., FACS, FACPh, Hon. FRCS (Eng.)

Dr. John Bergan is one of the world’s leading authorities on the diagnosis and treatment of vascular problems. He is a vascular surgeon, practicing primarily at the Scripps Memorial Hospital - La Jolla, and a Professor of Surgery at the University of California, San Diego. He limits his current practice to the diagnosis and treatment of vein problems.

Dr. Bergan founded and was the first Chief of the Division of Vascular Surgery at Northwestern University Medical School in Chicago. His focus at Northwestern was on peripheral vascular surgery and emphasized the diagnosis and treatment of arterial problems. While there, the Northwestern Vascular Service developed an integrated vascular laboratory, a respected teaching service, a fellowship training program which has contributed many leaders to the field of vascular surgery, and an annual symposium which has produced a number of textbooks on a variety of vascular subjects.

Dr. Bergan was the principal founder and first president of the American Venous Forum, the pre-eminent scientific organization in the field. He has been president of the Society for Vascular Surgery and is currently President of the American College of Phlebology. He has published over 700 academic papers and authored or edited 33 books, 10 of which deal with vein problems. He has been given 30 honorary memberships in surgical societies around the world including Great Britain, Germany, Australia, Japan, and Brazil.

Dr. Bergan founded and edits The International Venous Digest By Fax, a weekly publication that is translated into seven languages. He also publishes the Venous Digest, a monthly publication that is distributed worldwide, serves on the editorial boards of numerous periodicals, including Surgery, The Journal of Vascular Surgery, The British Journal of Surgery, Annals of Vascular Surgery, Phlebology, and Dermatologic Surgery.

Benito Villanueva, M.D. APC, F.A.C.O.G.

Dr. Villanueva is an experienced gynecologist and reproductive endocrinologist with more than thirty years' exposure to the field of hormone supplementation and replacement for men and women.  He has a sizeable menopause clinic and treats men in midlife as well for their hormonal necessities.  He is an accomplished surgeon with many decades experience of advanced and complex gynecologic surgery, including minimally invasive laparoscopic approach and delicate microsurgery techniques used for fertility restoration.  He has joined the La Jolla Vein Institute under the leadership of Dr. John Bergan, recognized pioneer in the field, and has participated in the treatment of vein disease for several years.

Dr. Villanueva graduated from medical school at the University of Buenos Aires in Argentina and subsequently moved to the United States in 1967.  He has had an illustrious academic career prior to his successful private practice.  His obstetrics and gynecology training was at the Georgetown University Medical Center in Washington, D.C., and his reproductive endocrinology and infertility subspecialty training fellowship at the University of Washington in Seattle.  He was in the full-time faculty of the University of California-San Diego Medical School in La Jolla for five years prior to creating the very successful medical group that he founded before joining the Vein Institute.

Nisha Bunke, M.D.

Dr. Bunke is the first Phlebology Fellow in the United States.  Her training is supported by the American College of Phlebology. Her year’s training will prepare her for the practice of phlebology.  This is a specialty newly recognised by the American Medical Association.  It is dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of all venous disorders ranging from single spider veins and varicose veins on to fatal blood clots and blood clotting disorders.

Dr. Bunke earned her undergraduate degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara and received her medical degree from the American University of the Caribbean. 

During her studies, she was presented with a unique opportunity to study abroad in both Japan and England.  In doing that, she discovered the growing field of Phlebology.

After medical school, Dr. Bunke completed an internship and residency training in Family Medicine at Deaconess Hospital in Evansville, Indiana.  During her career in family medicine, she gained extensive experience in treating the whole spectrum of venous diseases.  Recognizing that venous disease is a common condition that often requires specialized care, she sought specialized training with the most distinguished vascular surgeon in the treatment of venous disease, Dr. John Bergan. 

Presently, Dr. Bunke specializes in the most advanced, minimally invasive treatments in venous disease.  She contributes to the expanding knowledge about venous disease by leading clinical research studies, gives academic lectures on venous disease, and is a Clinical Instructor of Surgery at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine. 

Vein Institute’s Board Certified physicians provide prompt, exact diagnosis of vein problems. Our non-surgical, minimally invasive techniques are utilized to treat spider veins, facial veins, varicose veins, venous ulcers and the most advanced forms of venous insufficiency. Minor cosmetic rejuvenation procedures, such as Botox, dermal fillers and laser treatments, also are offered.

Ultrasound Guided Sclerofoam

Venous Reflux Exams