Silver Cross Center for Vascular and Interventional Radiology

Your body's vascular system is its lifeline, delivering oxygen-rich blood throughout the body while removing harmful waste and toxins. Keeping this important system healthy matters more than you may realize.

At the Silver Cross Center for Vascular and Interventional Radiology, you’ll find specialized care dedicated to vein and vascular health, whether you need a simple varicose vein treatment or a more complex procedure to treat a serious vascular condition.

Vein Problems? You're Not Alone.

Nearly 40 million Americans have some form of vascular disease. Over 12 million Americans live with peripheral artery disease (PAD) – often without knowing it – and nearly half of U.S. adults have some form of cardiovascular disease. A healthy vascular system is essential to your overall well‑being – from heart and brain function to mobility and healing.

When your veins and blood vessels aren’t working properly, it can affect everything from leg discomfort and fatigue to more serious conditions involving the heart and brain. At the Silver Cross Center for Vascular and Interventional Radiology, your care is led by highly skilled interventional radiologists and advanced practice providers who use advanced imaging and minimally invasive techniques to diagnose and treat vascular conditions.

These approaches often mean smaller incisions, less pain, and faster recovery, helping you get back to doing what you love sooner.

Varicose and Spider Veins

Both varicose and spider veins are very common, especially among women, with half of people age 50 or older experiencing them.

Causes include:

Family History. If your parents and grandparents had spider or varicose veins, you're more likely to have them too.
Gender. Women are much more likely to develop spider or varicose veins than men.
Pregnancy. Pregnant women often develop varicose veins, but they usually go away within 3 months after giving birth.
Hormones. Medications containing female hormones such as birth control or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) increase your risk of developing spider and varicose veins.
Age. As you age, you're more likely to develop spider and varicose veins.
Body Weight. If you're overweight, you're more likely to develop spider and varicose veins.
Extended Sitting or Standing. Jobs that require a lot of sitting or standing may make you more susceptible to developing spider or varicose veins – or worsen your symptoms if you already have them.

Treatment Options for Varicose Veins

Sclerotherapy treats veins that are twisted and enlarged and involves injecting a sclerotherapy solution into the affected vein. The solution causes the vein to scar, forcing blood through healthier veins. The varicose vein then fades.
Vein Ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that closes the affected vein, causing the vein wall to collapse. Blood is then rerouted through other healthy veins while the closed vein is absorbed into the body naturally. You'll notice improvement in symptoms and appearance. Common ablation procedures include VenaSeal, which uses medical glue to seal the defective vein and Verithena, which uses a chemical microfoam that blocks blood flow to the affected vein.
Microphlebectomy is another minimally invasive procedure that removes varicose veins through small, slit-like incisions in the skin and is recommended for large surface varicose veins. It doesn't require stitches or general anesthesia.

More Complex Interventional Radiology Procedures

The Center for Vascular and Interventional Radiology also offers more complex procedures for patients who need port insertions, dialysis catheter placement and removal, peripheral angiograms and more.

Port Insertions and Removals. A port insertion is a minor procedure to place a small device under the skin, usually in the chest, that makes it easier to give medications, fluids, or chemotherapy and draw blood when needed. The port is connected to a thin tube that goes into a vein, so treatments can be given safely and with fewer needle sticks.

Port removal is a simple procedure to take the port out once it’s no longer needed. Removing the port reduces the risk of infection and lets you return to normal daily activities without the device in place.

Ultrasound-Guided Paracentesis. Ultrasound-guided paracentesis is a safe, effective procedure to remove excess fluid called ascites from the abdomen. Using real-time ultrasound, an interventional radiologist guides a catheter or needle into the abdomen, reducing discomfort from conditions like liver disease or cancer by precisely locating fluid pockets and avoiding organs and blood vessels.

Tunneled Dialysis Catheter Placement and Removal. A tunneled dialysis catheter provides access for dialysis treatment by "tunneling" under your skin from a major vein such as the jugular vein to an exit point, usually near the collarbone. The catheter uses a cuff for stability and to help prevent infection at the site. Placement of the catheter involves local anesthesia to numb the area and imaging guidance.

Nephrostomy Tube Insertion. A nephrostomy tube insertion is a simple procedure that helps urine drain from your kidney when there’s a blockage. A small tube is gently placed through your skin into the kidney so urine can flow safely into a collection bag. This can relieve pain, protect your kidneys and help prevent infection.

Peripheral Angiogram. A peripheral angiogram is a minimally invasive test that helps doctors see how blood is flowing through the arteries in your arms, legs, or other areas outside the heart. Using X‑ray images and a special dye, your care team can find blockages or narrowed arteries that may be causing pain, poor circulation, or slow‑healing wounds. The procedure helps guide the best treatment to restore healthy blood flow and relieve symptoms.

Drainage Tube Exchange. A drainage tube exchange is a quick procedure to replace an existing tube that helps drain fluid, infection, or bile from the body. Over time, tubes can wear out, clog, or need repositioning. During the exchange, your care team gently removes the old tube and places a new one to keep drainage working properly. This helps prevent infection, reduce discomfort, and support healing.

Take the Next Step

If you’re noticing symptoms—or simply want peace of mind—expert help is right here. Call the Silver Cross Center for Vascular and Interventional Radiology at 815‑300‑2376 to learn more or schedule an appointment.