First in the Panhandle to perform the EVLT™ Laser procedure

Dr. James Jimenez received his medical degree in 1992 from New York Medical College. He graduated in the top 10% of his class and was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society. Dr. Jimenez completed his medical/surgical internship at New Rochelle Medical Center in New Rochelle, New York. He obtained his residency and fellowship in Diagnostic Radiology and Vascular/Interventional Radiology from L.I.J. Medical Center of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New Hyde Park, New York. As a resident he scored in the 94th percentile nationally in his American Board of Radiology Certification. Dr. Jimenez is board certified by The American Board of Medical Specialties and holds a Certificate of Added Qualifications in Vascular and Interventional Radiology. After completing his training, he spent time as an attending physician in Atlanta, Georgia in the Emory University Hospital System. He subsequently relocated to Pensacola, Florida where he now practices.

Dr. Jimenez is an interventional radiologist and phlebologist who is an expert in treating vein and artery disorders. Interventional radiologists are medical doctors who specialize in minimally invasive, targeted treatments performed using imaging guidance. They use their expertise in reading X-rays, ultrasound and other medical images to guide small instruments such as catheters (tubes that measure just a few millimeters in diameter) through blood vessels or other pathways to treat disease percutaneously (through the skin). These procedures are typically easier for the patient because they involve no large incisions, less risk, less pain and shorter recovery times than typical surgical procedures.

Dr. Jimenez is a member of The Society of Interventional Radiology and The American College of Phlebology. He is trained and skilled in all aspects of Phlebology including non-invasive vascular testing, ultrasound guided sclerotherapy, conventional sclerotherapy, as well as the new outpatient laser treatment for the elimination of varicose veins known as EVLT™ (Endovenous Laser Treatment.)

Dr. Jimenez is a member of The Society of Interventional Radiology and The American College of Phlebology. He is trained and skilled in all aspects of Phlebology including non-invasive vascular testing, ultrasound guided sclerotherapy, conventional sclerotherapy, as well as the new outpatient laser treatment for the elimination of varicose veins known as EVLT (Endovenous Laser Treatment.)

Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT™)

EVLT is a new option that avoids major surgery. It is performed on an outpatient basis, and patients can be back at work or play by the next day.

EVLT uses laser energy through a thin fiber that is applied directly to the Greater Saphenous Vein (GSV), which is the major cause of most leg varicosities. The laser energy closes the GSV, so that blood cannot flow through it to pool in the legs, eliminating the bulging vein at its source (roll over photo at right for more details.)

After treatment, the blood is diverted to the many normal veins in the leg, thus loss of this vein is not a problem for the patient. It is a very safe, effective, and well tolerated outpatient procedure which most of the time is covered by insurance.

The procedure is performed under ultrasound, using local anesthesia. EVLT treats the underlying cause of varicose veins, and is often used in combination with one of the treatments below to treat the remaining surface varicose veins.

Sclerotherapy

This procedure involves the injection of a solution into the diseased varicose veins which causes the veins to shrink and gradually disappear.

For larger varicosities, ultrasound guided injections into the underlying diseased vessels below the surface of the skin may be performed. This allows the administration of the solution into precise locations and generally achieves excellent long-lasting results.

Ambulatory Phlebectomy

This procedure allows the removal of large surface varicosities through very small incisions. Abnormal veins are pulled up through tiny incisions and removed in sections. This typically leaves nearly imperceptible puncture mark scars.

The patient wears a compression bandage and compression stocking for a short period of time which minimizes swelling and discomfort and allows for proper healing. Ambulatory Phlebectomy is often combined with EVLT™ to achieve optimal results.