- ArthritisThe treatment of cancer, surgery and/or radiation, medications (certain medications have side effects that can cause swelling), infections, inflammatory conditions (like rheumatoid arthritis), cardiovascular diseases (such as DVT and CVI), injury or trauma, and lastly genetics.
- Medical Weight LossMost insurance plans recognize symptomatic vein disease as a covered medical expense while spider veins are considered cosmetic. Each insurance contract has unique plan guidelines for procedure approval. Most plans cover treatment after a period of conservative management to include compression, elevation, exercise, weight management, and oral medications for pain.
- Pediatric CareDr. Delius is an active member of numerous national professional organizations including: American Medical Association, American College of Surgeons, American Heart Association, Society of Thoracic Surgeons, and The American Academy of Pediatrics to name a few..
- Primary CareDr. Harper is convinced that a vein consultation should include a general history and physical examination along with the vein specific exam. Several times a year we diagnose a serious medical condition during our general history and physical exam and then make an appropriate referral to their primary care provider or a specialist.
- Family Practice He shares his wisdom and experience with tomorrow’s surgeons as a volunteer clinical instructor at the Mercer University School of Medicine. Dr. Harper speaks at residency grand rounds in the Family Practice, Internal Medicine, and OB/GYN departments.Â
- Emergency CareCompression and pulsation by the artery can trap the left iliac vein scarring it. Early diagnosis and treatment of the compression may prevent further damage to the vein and lower your risk of a blood clot. Left untreated, an acute DVT with sudden swelling and pain in the thigh and leg may be the first sign you have a problem. This event can be limb and life-threatening, and requires emergency care for diagnosis and treatment to lower the short and long-term complications of the DVT.
- GynecologyHeather Givens began her education at Armstrong Atlantic State University and graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Science. She then continued her studies at Gardner-Webb university graduating with her Master of Physician Assistant Studies. She had rotations in many areas including orthopedics, pediatrics, gynecology and family medicine. She has experience working as a Physician Assistant in internal medicine. In her free time, Heather enjoys traveling, hiking and kayaking. She also enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Fun fact – Heather has a black belt in taekwondo.
- Pelvic PainPelvic pain can be a vexing problem. Almost one third of women with chronic pelvic pain have pelvic vein disease, the majority of whom are 45 years old or younger.Â
- Pregnancy
- Labor and DeliveryNormal fat cells expand when you overeat and shrink when you diet. But if you have lipedema your fat cells are not normal. Lipedema is like a bank where fat deposits are accepted but withdrawals are not allowed.
- Internal MedicineHeidi attended Clemson University and graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry degree. She continued her studies at Lock Haven University in Pennsylvania, graduating in 2005 as a Physician Assistant with a special certification in corrections. She also has her certification as an RPhS (registered sonographer). Heidi spent nine years in Internal Medicine before joining VSS in 2014. Heidi is originally from Delaware, but has lived in Macon since graduating PA school. She is a member of Ingleside Baptist Church where her and her husband, Brian, serve in the children’s ministry. They spend most of their weekends with their two children, Hannah and JB. As a Clemson alumna, Heidi is still an avid Tigers Fan, and tries to get to as many games as she can.
- GastroenterologyKeely attended North Georgia College and State University graduating cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. She then continued her education at Emory University graduating in December 2006 with a Masters of Medical Science in Physician Assistant. Keely had rotations in a variety of fields including internal medicine, general surgery, plastic surgery, pediatrics, and dermatology. After completing her education, Keely began working in gastroenterology and spent eleven years in this field. Keely is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants. Keely is married and lives in Forsyth with her husband. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, particularly her nephews and nieces.
- UltrasoundA vein consultation includes a medical history and physical examination focusing on your presenting complaints, and a duplex ultrasound examination of the leg veins when indicated to determine the underlying source of your problems. The goal is to understand the reason you came to see us, identify the root cause
- MRIA positive (or inconclusive) vein evaluation and transabdominal US leads to tests to evaluate the directional flow in the deep veins of the abdomen and pelvis. It also identifies areas of compression, scarring of the veins, evidence of acute or chronic blood clots and varicose veins in the abdomen and pelvis. These may include CT / MRI scans, an out-patient venogram, and intravascular ultrasound studies (IVUS).Â
- X-Rays
- Computed TomographyIs based upon symptoms and evidence of venous compression on diagnostic tests. These tests start a venous mapping ultrasound (US) of the thigh and legs. Diagnostic x-ray studies such as an MRI or CT scan, transabdominal US, venogram of the abdominal and pelvic veins, and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) of the involved veins.
- General SurgeryKeely attended North Georgia College and State University graduating cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. She then continued her education at Emory University graduating in December 2006 with a Masters of Medical Science in Physician Assistant. Keely had rotations in a variety of fields including internal medicine, general surgery, plastic surgery, pediatrics, and dermatology. After completing her education, Keely began working in gastroenterology and spent eleven years in this field. Keely is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants.
- OrthopedicsHeather Givens began her education at Armstrong Atlantic State University and graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Science. She then continued her studies at Gardner-Webb university graduating with her Master of Physician Assistant Studies. She had rotations in many areas including orthopedics, pediatrics, gynecology and family medicine. She has experience working as a Physician Assistant in internal medicine before joining VSS. In her free time, Heather enjoys traveling, hiking, and kayaking. She also enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Fun fact – Heather has a black belt in taekwondo.
- Wound CareTreating venous ulcers is a process. It usually involves a combination of wound care and vein treatments. Each case is unique and results may vary in healing time depending on the underlying problems. In some VSS cases, we have seen ulcers heal within weeks of venous interventions while others take longer.
- Vascular SurgeryDr. Delius is an active member of numerous national professional organizations. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and is an active member of the American Heart Association where he advises on councils for Cardiovascular Disease in the Young and Cardio-Thoracic and Vascular Surgery. Additionally, Dr. Delius is regularly invited to present at national conferences and meetings on his research.
- LiposuctionWas introduced by German surgeon Dr. Joseph Stutz. He teaches extensively on the Waterjet Assisted Liposuction (WAL) technique for lipedema.
- Plastic Surgery
- Cosmetic SurgeryDr. Harper participates in numerous local and national professional organizations. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and is an active member of the American Vein and Lymphatic Society (AVLS). Sharing with his peers at the AVLS meetings benefits his colleagues and keeps him abreast of new developments in the field of Phlebology.
- Dermatology
- UlcerCare, most ulcers will heal. However, the ulcer recurrence rate is 60% within a year if the venous reflux is not corrected.
- Fungus
- Skin CareThe treatment for lymphedema is called congestive or complex therapy. It is made up of four components. The first is manual lymph drainage. The second is skin care. Three is compression bandaging / compression garments. Fourth, is education and at home exercises.
- Occupational TherapyOur multidisciplinary VSS Lipedema Team includes our vein care specialists, occupational therapy team and consultants. Drawing from a broad clinical background, we are here to serve you.Â
- Geriatrics