What brought you here today?

That depends entirely on what's being treated — and we'll give you a precise timeline at your consultation, not a vague "four to six weeks." For varicose vein procedures, most patients walk out of the office and return to light activity the next day. For arterial disease requiring stenting, most people resume normal walking within a week. Open vascular surgery has a longer arc, typically three to six weeks, but we manage that recovery closely so you're never guessing.

Vascular conditions are almost always treated as medical necessity — not cosmetic — which means insurance coverage is strong. Medicare, Medicaid, and most major commercial plans cover diagnostic ultrasound, arterial procedures, and varicose vein treatment when documented symptoms are present (leg pain, skin changes, swelling). Our billing team checks your specific coverage before your appointment and calls you with a clear picture of your out-of-pocket cost. No surprises.

Dr. Elena Vasquez is board-certified in vascular surgery and has performed over 2,400 vascular procedures across her career — including complex aortic aneurysm repairs, limb salvage cases, and high-volume varicose vein clinics. She trained at OHSU and completed a vascular fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital. More practically: she takes time. The average first consultation at Vessel runs 45 minutes. You'll leave with a diagnosis, a plan, and your questions answered.

You arrive, fill out a short history form, and then spend time with Dr. Vasquez — not a PA, not a nurse taking notes. She reviews your history, examines your legs or abdomen, and in most cases orders a duplex ultrasound that can be done the same day in our imaging suite. By the time you leave, you'll know what's happening, what your options are, and what we recommend. If you need time to think, that's expected. Nothing is rushed.

That depends on the condition — and it's a question worth asking directly. Some vascular issues progress slowly and can be monitored safely for months or years. Others, like untreated peripheral arterial disease or a growing aortic aneurysm, can escalate quickly and quietly. Varicose veins rarely become emergencies, but untreated severe cases can lead to skin ulcers that are painful and difficult to heal. We'll be honest with you about urgency — we won't manufacture alarm, but we won't minimize risk either.