For more than 30 years, CVTSA board certified physicians have cared for people in our community. Our surgeons specialize in the body’s vascular system and routinely perform the most complex medical operations to restore normal blood throughout the body.

These same physicians care for your varicose veins and to do so, have created a special vascular center in order to provide you with a “boutique” experience which emphasizes patient comfort and personalized treatment.

When you come to the vascular center, you will be escorted through the treatment process by our specially trained nurses who monitor your every need. These same nurses will call you before and after your procedure to answer any questions you may have.

John D. Edwards, MD, FACS

Dr. Edwards is a nationally recognized, board-certified vascular surgeon. Fellowship-trained at Harvard’s Massachusetts General Hospital, Dr. Edwards brings his talents and training to northern Virginia from Ohio where he was formerly Chief of Vascular Surgery at the University of Cincinnati. He uses his extensive experience to lead and grow the vascular surgery division at CVTSA.

Steven J. Busuttil, MD, FACS, FAHA, RVT

Dr. Busittil is a nationally recognized, board-certified vascular surgeon who was fellowship-trained at Pennsylvania’s prestigious Geisinger Clinic. Dr. Busuttil brings his advanced skills from North Carolina, where he led the development of a comprehensive center for vascular surgery. Previously he was the chief of Vascular Surgery at Baltimore Veterans Hospital, providing care to thousands of American Veterans and teaching vascular surgical techniques to medical students, general surgery residents and vascular surgery fellows.

Craig C. Powell, MD, FACS

CAPT (ret) Craig C. Powell, MD, FACS is a board-certified vascular surgeon fellowship-trained at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center. Dr. Powell has also participated in additional endovascular training at Stanford University. Dr. Powell is no stranger to the DC metro area, having completed his general surgery residency at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, MD. Upon conclusion of his distinguished career as a surgeon in the US Navy in San Diego, Dr. Powell worked at the Marshfield Clinic in Wisconsin for several years before deciding to bring his considerable skills and experience to CVTSA.

Olivia McGarry, NP

Olivia McGarry is a Nurse Practitioner who works with vascular patients at CVTSA. After graduating from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Olivia worked as a registered nurse and registered nurse first assist in the cardiovascular operating room at the Inova Heart and Vascular Institute. Olivia earned her master’s in nursing from George Mason University/George Washington University and is a licensed nurse practitioner specializing in the care of adults. Prior to joining CVTSA, Olivia spent three years working as an internal medicine nurse practitioner. She is a member of the Virginia Council of Nurse Practitioners.

Vascular Surgery at CVTSA also includes:

Paul S. Massimiano, MD

John W. Rhee, MD

John R. Garrett, MD

Alan M. Speir, MD

Varicose veins are bulging, twisted, unsightly, painful veins usually found in the legs and ankles. They occur when the valves in the leg veins become weakened and can no longer efficiently move blood against the flow of gravity up to the heart. When the valves fail, pressure builds and as blood pools inside the veins causing discomfort and swelling.

Varicose veins can occur when there is additional pressure on leg veins, such as in someone who is overweight or pregnant or works at a job that requires standing for long periods of time.

The force of gravity, the pressure of body weight, and the task of carrying blood from the bottom of the body up to the heart makes the legs the primary location for varicose veins.

What are the Symptoms of Varicose?

Some people experience a burning or itching sensation in the leg and may notice that their legs feel achy and heavy, particularly after standing or sitting for long periods of time. Still others do not experience painful symptoms but may notice changes in their skin around the area of the veins.

Why is it Important to Treat Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are a medical condition that can lead to skin ulcerations and bleeding if left untreated. Sometimes, varicose veins can also lead to blood clots. 

How Are Varicose Veins Treated?

Before determining a course of treatment, our certified vascular technicians at the Vascular Laboratory will conduct an ultrasound examination of your leg. This allows our medical team to ensure that the cause of your discomfort is caused by varicose veins. Then, they can determine the best course of treatment for you. Treatment options include:

1. Compression Stockings: Some patients wear compression stockings for a determined amount of time and find that their veins are no longer problematic. Generally, all patients should try this approach before turning to other treatments.
2. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA): The physician, using ultrasound for guidance, will make a small puncture incision in the skin of the affected leg, and direct a tiny catheter powered by radiofrequency (RF) energy into the damaged vein.  The Radiofrequency treatment will be performed under local anesthesia in the doctor’s office.  You may have the option to take a prescribed sedative medication, which means you may not drive to and from the clinic.  Once the radiofrequency catheter is positioned, a local anesthetic will be injected around the vein. The physician will then activate the catheter to deliver controlled heat to the vein wall causing the collagen in the wall to shrink and the vein to close.  After your treatment, you will need to wear a special prescription Class II 20-30 mmHg compression stocking for a length of time prescribed by your physician.  Usually there is a relatively short recovery period for the procedure.