When local vascular surgeon Victor J. D’Addio, MD, announced he was joining Radiologic Associates of Fredericksburg (RAF) in 2009, some of his patients and medical colleagues were perplexed. Was Dr. D’Addio switching medical specialties?
The answer was “no.” Dr. D’Addio moved his vascular surgery practice to RAF’s interventional radiology and vascular program, Virginia Interventional & Vascular Associates (VIVA), because the two specialties complement each other. In fact, several other radiology groups with interventional radiology subspecialists in the United States have vascular surgeons as part of their staff. Dr. D’Addio was joined by a second board- certified vascular surgeon, Larry Koenig, MD, in 2010.
Vascular surgeons are best known for the complex operations they perform requiring hospitalization, such as open surgery to repair potentially deadly abdominal aortic aneurysms. New technology and less invasive treatment options now allow some procedures to be performed in the outpatient office setting.
Interventional radiologists also perform a variety of minimally invasive procedures, including endovascular treatments. Together, the two specialties can offer comprehensive vascular care, regardless of whether a patient requires hospitalization, Dr. D’Addio said.
Fellowship Training Important
Dr. D’Addio and Dr. Koenig are the Fredericksburg area’s only board-certified, fellowship-trained vascular surgeons – qualifications that Dr. D’Addio noted are significant to patients and their referring physicians.
During their vascular surgery fellowships, Dr. D’Addio and Dr. Koenig received two years of specialized vascular surgery training beyond their five years of general surgery training. Both have also passed exams by the American Board of Surgery that ensure their qualifications in vascular surgery and general surgery.
In-Office Procedures Growing
VIVA’s new facility in Suite 203 of the Professional Plaza at Lee’s Hill, 10401 Spotsylvania Avenue, opened in early 2012 with additional space dedicated to in-office procedures. The move from smaller office space in Fredericksburg reflects the evolution of vascular surgery, where more procedures are performed in the office setting.
“Before the move, we were limited by space and were only performing radio frequency ablation (RFA) and sclerotherapy in-office for patients with varicose veins or spider veins. Our endovascular suite in the new facility allows us to handle some peripheral arterial disease cases in-office as well,” D’Addio said. “This is a more cost effective option for patients, and makes check-in easier and more convenient.”
Also Serving Two Local Hospitals
For those treatments requiring hospitalization, due to the complexity of the procedure or the patient’s general health, VIVA’s vascular surgeons serve patients at Mary Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg and Stafford Hospital.
VIVA’s vascular surgeons are Victor J. D’Addio, MD, (left) and Larry Koenig, MD.
“Mary Washington Hospital was recently recognized for excellence in vascular surgery, based on low complication rates and patient mortality rates for specific procedures reviewed by HealthGrades,” Dr. D’Addio noted.HealthGrades, a company that provides consumers with online information about physicians and hospitals, honored Mary Washington with a HealthGrades Vascular Surgery Excellence Award™ in 2013.
Procedures by VIVA’s Vascular Surgeons
Procedures performed by VIVA’s vascular surgeons either in-office or at one of two local hospitals include:
- Angiography for peripheral arterial disease (PAD) with minimally invasive interventions including atherectomy, balloon angioplasty, and stent placement
- Comprehensive treatment of varicose veins including radiofrequency ablation (RFA), ambulatory phlebectomy, and sclerotherapy (for spider veins)
- Open surgical repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)
- Endovascular stent graft for AAA
- Endarterectomy for carotid artery disease
- Comprehensive care for peripheral arterial disease (PAD), including traditional surgery and endovascular repair
- Vein phlebectomy for varicose veins
Both of VIVA’s vascular surgeons also see patients one day a week at the nearby Rappahannock Wound Healing Center, where Dr. D’Addio is medical director. There, they treat patients with chronic wounds due to a variety of conditions, such as external ulcers, injuries, venous stasis and skin disorders.
For more information about VIVA’s vascular surgery services, contact VIVA at (540) 654-9118 or email VIVA Director Jennifer Dawson at dawson@vivassociates.com. VIVA
Pictured above is Dr. D’Addio (right) views real-time medical images to guide a vascular surgery procedure at VIVA. He is assisted by Medical Assistant Stephanie Finley.