Dr. Grisoli is now located in Destin and has established his private practice, Destin Vein Center, on the Emerald Coast. He is on staff at the Sacred Heart Emerald Coast Hospital as well as the Destin Surgery Center.  He has been performing endovenous laser ablation techniques of the Saphenous Venous System with great success since 2004. . He is extremely conservative with his approach to venous disorders and will always try to do the least invasive procedure possible that has a reasonable chance for success. Patient safety and satisfaction are his highest priorities.

Dr. Grisoli has been married to his wife Joy since 1981. Joy assists in the Destin Vein Center with scheduling and patient education.

About Richard J. Grisoli, M.D., R.P.V.I.

Dr. Grisoli received his medical degree in 1981 from the Louisiana State University Medical School in New Orleans. Dr. Grisoli completed his medical/surgical internship at the Ochsner Foundation Hospital in New Orleans, Louisiana. He then completed his residency in Anesthesiology at the Ochsner Foundation Hospital. He is board certified in Anesthesiology by the American Board of Anesthesiology. Dr. Grisoli also holds a second board certification in Critical Care Medicine by the American Board of Medical Specialties. After completing his training, he spent time as an attending anesthesiologist teaching physicians in their anesthesiology residency in New Orleans at the Ochsner Foundation Hospital. 

Dr. Grisoli holds a third board certification by the American Board of Phlebology. In 2008, the specialty of venous disease (Phlebology) was recognized as a separate specialty by the American Board of Medical Specialties. Dr. Grisoli is one of a very select few to be awarded this certification.

Dr. Grisoli is an anesthesiologist and a phlebologist. This fusion of specialties enables him to painlessly insert a catheter into a vein and guide the catheter into position for treating abnormal veins. These procedures are easier for the patient and involve less risk because there are no large incisions, fewer complications, shorter recovery times, and less pain. As an anesthesiologist, Dr Grisoli is uniquely qualified to make sure that you are not experiencing pain and will always be capable of medicating his patients so they have a pleasant experience during treatment. Not all physicians are comfortable sedating patients for procedures as they may not be skilled in airway management and physiological monitoring. Dr. Grisoli has been sedating patients daily and providing anesthesia since 1984. 

In 2007, Dr. Grisoli received an additional certification awarded by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (A.R.D.M.S.). This certification is entitled Registered Physician in Vascular Interpretation (R.P.V.I.) and is awarded to physicians who can demonstrate by rigorous testing that they have the necessary knowledge and skills to perform and interpret ultrasonography and doppler testing for vascular conditions.

We offer treatment of large varicose veins of the lower extremities, pelvis, abdomen as well as cosmetic treatment of lower extremities, pelvis, abdomen, breasts, face, nose, arms and hands.

What new treatment options exist for patients who have abnormal blood flow in the major vein trunks other than stripping?

In order to control the backward flow of blood in these large veins, the vein that is the source of the visible varicosities must be sealed shut or removed. The vein may be sealed shut using energy sources such as a laser, or radiofrequency energy electrical energy, or by ultrasound guided sclerotherapy injections.

What is ultrasound guided sclerotherapy?

Visual sclerotherapy refers to injection of surface veins that are visible to the naked eye. Some veins that need to be treated are below the surface of the skin and cannot be injected safely without the aid of ultrasound imaging assistance.
 
Is Sclerotherapy safe?
Most patients do not experience any complications from sclerotherapy. However, some patients develop changes in skin pigment in locations where the veins are injected. Some patients may experience chemical burns of the skin while a rare patient may develop an allergy to the medication. Serious complications such as deep vein blood clots and unintentional arterial injection occur rarely.

 
What are laser and radiofrequency sealing of veins?
Light energy (laser) or electrical energy (radiofrequency) may be used to seal shut abnormal main superficial trunk veins. Both treatments involve the application of heat energy to inside of the long or short saphenous veins. Usually treatment of the GSV starts at a location in the vein at or below the knee. The GSV is then treated from its junction to the deep system at the level of the groin down to the entry site near the knee. Ultrasound guided injections may also be used to seal the GSV or LSV.

What are my vein treatment options?
Vein treatment programs are designed to treat visible varicose veins and to treat abnormal veins that may not be visible but that may be the source of the visible varicosities. If varicose veins are the only abnormality detected by the treating physician, the treatment involves surgical removal of the visible varicose veins (micro-incision phlebectomy) or the injection of chemicals (sclerosants) into the vein (sclerotherapy).

Why can't I just have the branches injected or removed if the main superficial trunk is abnormal?
For the treatment of the visible veins to last a long time, the source that may not be visible to the naked eye must be controlled as well. From a practical standpoint some insurance carriers will not pay for treatment of branch varicosities if an abnormal main trunk is not treated at the same time or before the branches are treated. 

Why do doctors recommend gradient compression stockings?
The properly fitted gradient compression stocking can temporarily reverse the effects of vein disease and lessen the discomfort as well as skin damage. Many insurance companies require a trial of stocking use before approving definitive therapy.