Sarasota Vascular Specialists - The Vein & Artery Experts

Sarasota Vascular Specialists - The Vein & Artery Experts Drs. Lepore, Hershberger, Parrack, Wagner and Edwards are internationally renowned surgeons.

Sarasota Vascular Specialists is the only medical practice in the tri-county area dedicated to the treatment of patients with disorders of the veins and arteries - the Vascular System. As vascular specialists, we are uniquely trained and experienced to offer all forms of diagnosis and therapy for arterial and vein diseases including:

* Non-invasive vascular testing, CAT scans and MRA (Magnetic Imag
ing)
* Spider veins/ varicose vein treatment to include: sclerotherapy, laser therapy, in-office removal of varicose veins (ASAP, Microphlebectomy), in-office laser oblation of varicose veins (ELVS, VenaCure)
* Medications to treat and prevent diseases that affect blood vessels
* Endovascular diagnosis and treatments (angiography, balloon angioplasty and stents)
* Minimally invasive outpatient surgery
* Complex bypass surgical procedures
* Standard open and minimally invasive aneurysm surgery
* Laser Atherectomy
* Carotid surgery and carotid stenting

03/09/2026

Good morning, everyone! ☀️

I’m Dr. Rick Hershberger, a vascular surgeon here in Sarasota, and I specialize in limb salvage—helping patients with peripheral artery disease restore blood flow and avoid limb loss whenever possible.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can show up in different ways. Some people notice leg pain when walking, while others develop wounds that won’t heal, gangrene, or even pain in the foot at night. When patients come to see me, the most important step is understanding their condition and determining the best treatment approach for them.

The good news is that we have multiple options to help restore circulation.

For some patients, I perform open bypass surgery to reroute blood flow around blocked arteries. For others, we can use minimally invasive procedures with catheters and wires, opening arteries with balloons and stents.

Every treatment plan is tailored to the individual—based on how severe the blockage is, the patient’s overall health, and other medical conditions they may have.

For example, if a patient has heart or lung problems and cannot safely undergo general anesthesia, we often focus on minimally invasive procedures that can be done with local sedation.

At the end of the day, my goal is simple: restore blood flow, relieve pain, help wounds heal, and save the limb whenever possible.

If you or a loved one are experiencing leg pain, circulation issues, or wounds that won’t heal, it’s important to get evaluated early.

📞 Call (941) 294-5146 to schedule a consultation with our team.

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Leg swelling isn’t “just aging.”It can be a sign of venous insufficiency, a blood clot, medication side effects, or even...
03/06/2026

Leg swelling isn’t “just aging.”

It can be a sign of venous insufficiency, a blood clot, medication side effects, or even a vein compression condition.

Swipe to learn what could really be causing your leg swelling ➡️

If your legs feel heavy, swollen, or uncomfortable, don’t ignore it.

📞 Call (941) 294-5146 to schedule a vascular evaluation.

🌐 Visit SarasotaVascular.com to learn more.

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🦵 What Causes Leg Swelling?Swollen legs aren’t just a normal part of aging. Persistent leg swelling can be a sign of ven...
03/05/2026

🦵 What Causes Leg Swelling?

Swollen legs aren’t just a normal part of aging. Persistent leg swelling can be a sign of venous insufficiency, blood clots (DVT), medication side effects, or even heart-related conditions.

In our latest Whiteboard Wednesday, Dr. Jason Wagner explains:

• The difference between swelling in one leg vs. both legs
• How venous insufficiency causes pressure buildup
• When leg swelling could signal a blood clot
• How ultrasound helps diagnose the problem
• Treatment options from compression therapy to minimally invasive vein procedures

If your legs feel heavy, achy, or swollen, don’t ignore it.

📖 Read the full blog here:
https://sarasotavascular.com/what-causes-leg-swelling-understanding-the-reasons-behind-swollen-legs-with-dr-jason-wagner/

📞 Call (941) 294-5146 to schedule a consultation with Sarasota Vascular Specialists.

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03/04/2026

🩺 Whiteboard Wednesday: Central Venous Stenosis & Dialysis Access

When you rely on dialysis, your access is your lifeline. But what happens when there’s a blockage in the large veins in your chest?

Dr. Jason K. Wagner from Sarasota Vascular Specialists explains central venous stenosis—and why it matters.

What Is Central Venous Stenosis?

It’s a narrowing or blockage in the major veins that carry blood from your arms, neck, and head back to your heart.

Think of it like this:

A dialysis fistula or graft increases blood flow (on purpose).

But if there’s a “dam” downstream in the chest…

Blood backs up.

Pressure builds.

Swelling happens.

🚩 Warning Signs to Watch For

Severe arm swelling

A very pulsatile (high-pressure) fistula

Prolonged bleeding after dialysis needles are removed

Dialysis machine alarms

Poor-quality dialysis treatments

Swelling in the face or neck (possible SVC syndrome)

When blood can’t flow smoothly, dialysis becomes less effective—and your overall health can suffer.

What Causes It?

One of the most common causes is a tunneled dialysis catheter placed in the jugular vein.

Your body doesn’t like foreign objects. Over time, scar tissue forms around the catheter, which can narrow critical veins like the superior vena cava (SVC). That’s why removing temporary dialysis catheters as soon as possible is so important.

How Is It Treated?

Most cases can be treated minimally invasively, including:

Balloon angioplasty (stretching the vein open)

Stent placement (to keep it open)

Advanced catheter techniques

These procedures are often done in an outpatient setting—meaning you go home the same day.

The Bottom Line

If you’re on dialysis and notice arm swelling or changes in how your access feels or functions, don’t wait.

Early evaluation can protect your access—and your dialysis quality.

📞 Call (941) 294-5146 to schedule an evaluation.

We’re here to help you protect your access and your health.

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PAD doesn’t always hurt at first.Peripheral Arterial Disease affects millions — and many people don’t even know they hav...
03/03/2026

PAD doesn’t always hurt at first.

Peripheral Arterial Disease affects millions — and many people don’t even know they have it.

It starts with plaque buildup in the leg arteries. Over time, blood flow decreases. That can mean:

⚠ Leg pain when walking
⚠ Wounds that won’t heal
⚠ Increased risk of serious complications

Risk factors? Smoking. Diabetes. High blood pressure. High cholesterol.

The key is early detection.

At Sarasota Vascular Specialists, we use advanced diagnostic tools and create personalized treatment plans — from lifestyle changes to minimally invasive procedures — all focused on protecting your circulation and your quality of life.

If something feels off with your legs, don’t ignore it.

📞 Call (941) 294-5146 to request an appointment.

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03/02/2026

Does aesthetics mean duck lips and dramatic implants? Not at all.

Dr. Inkyong Parrack, double board-certified in vascular and general surgery at Sarasota Vascular Specialists, explains that modern aesthetics is about something much more natural.

Today’s aesthetic treatments focus on enhancing your body’s own healing ability. The goal isn’t to change how you look — it’s to refresh, restore, and support your skin as it ages.

Over time, sun exposure, gravity, and normal aging affect collagen, elasticity, and skin texture. Modern treatments work by stimulating your body to rebuild and repair from within.

You may hear the term “bioregenerative medicine.” This simply means encouraging your body to regenerate using science-backed tools like advanced serums, laser technology, radiofrequency (RF), and other energy-based treatments. These therapies help boost collagen, improve firmness, and refine skin tone in a subtle, natural way.

Aesthetics today is about looking like yourself — just more refreshed and confident.

If you’re curious about safe, natural-looking options, we’re happy to talk through what may be right for you.

Call (941) 294-5146 to schedule a consultation.

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Great outcomes don’t happen by chance—they’re built by teams who work together, every step of the way.At Sarasota Vascul...
02/27/2026

Great outcomes don’t happen by chance—they’re built by teams who work together, every step of the way.

At Sarasota Vascular Specialists, collaboration is at the heart of everything we do. From diagnosis to treatment to long-term follow-up, our physicians, nurses, and clinical staff work as one to deliver precise, compassionate vascular care.

Because when experience, communication, and teamwork come together, patients feel the difference—and outcomes follow.

If you or a loved one may benefit from vascular screening or expert care, we’re here to help.

👉 Schedule an appointment today and take a proactive step toward better vascular health.

🦵 Varicose Vein Treatment Is Easier Than You ThinkMany patients come in expecting a long, painful procedure—and walk out...
02/26/2026

🦵 Varicose Vein Treatment Is Easier Than You Think

Many patients come in expecting a long, painful procedure—and walk out saying it was easier than a dentist visit.

Modern varicose vein and chronic venous insufficiency treatments are:
• Minimally invasive
• Often done in under an hour
• Walk-in, walk-out
• Designed to fit into your day

Most importantly, they treat the root cause of vein problems—not just how veins look.

Varicose veins aren’t always just cosmetic. Left untreated, vein disease can lead to:
• Leg heaviness and swelling
• Skin discoloration
• Chronic discomfort
• Venous ulcers

The good news? Early treatment can relieve symptoms, improve circulation, and help you stay active—without downtime.

👉 Read the full blog to learn what modern vein care really looks like:
https://sarasotavascular.com/varicose-vein-treatment-is-easier-than-you-think-what-to-know-about-modern-vein-care/

📞 Call (941) 294-5146 to schedule a vein evaluation and explore your options.

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02/25/2026

🦵 Lower Extremity PAD Explained: What It Is—and When It Needs Treatment

Welcome back to Whiteboard Wednesday with Michael Lepore, Jr. from Sarasota Vascular Specialists.

Let’s break down PAD, or Peripheral Arterial Disease, in simple terms.

👉 What is PAD?
PAD is caused by blockages in the arteries, most commonly in the legs. These blockages limit blood flow and can lead to pain, poor healing, or more serious complications if left untreated.

👉 Why does PAD happen?
PAD develops over time and is often linked to:
• Diabetes
• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Genetics and family history
• To***co exposure
• Lifestyle factors

🧠 Where do blockages usually form?
Blockages often appear where arteries branch or split, including:
• The aorta as it divides into the iliac arteries
• The groin arteries
• The superficial femoral artery, a common trouble spot in the thigh

These branching points are more prone to injury and plaque buildup over time.

⚠️ Does every blockage need treatment?
No—and this is important.

Most arteries don’t cause significant problems until they’re 60–70% blocked or more. Many patients can be managed with conservative treatment, including lifestyle changes and medical therapy, before invasive procedures are ever needed.

🪨 Not all plaque is the same
• Hard plaque (calcified, “coral reef–like”)
• Soft plaque (compressible, toothpaste-like)

Both can cause problems—but soft plaque can sometimes be more unpredictable and dangerous if pieces break off.

✅ Key takeaways:
• PAD is common and often manageable
• Location and plaque type matter
• Treatment ranges from conservative care to minimally invasive or surgical options
• Not every blockage requires intervention

📌 Treatment options—and how decisions are made—will be covered in the next segment.

If you have leg pain, trouble walking, or concerns about circulation, don’t ignore the signs.

📞 Call (941) 294-5146 to schedule a PAD evaluation.

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Vein treatment has never been easier.Many patients are surprised by how simple modern vein care really is. Today’s minim...
02/24/2026

Vein treatment has never been easier.

Many patients are surprised by how simple modern vein care really is. Today’s minimally invasive treatments are quick, office-based, and often allow you to return to normal activity the very same day.

Varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency aren’t just cosmetic concerns. Left untreated, they can lead to leg pain, swelling, skin damage, ulcers, and reduced quality of life.

The good news?
Modern vein procedures are designed to treat the root cause of the problem—comfortably and effectively—before complications develop.

👉 Swipe to learn more about how today’s vein treatments work and why patients often say it was “easier than a dentist visit.”

02/23/2026

🚨 Diabetes & Amputation: It’s Not Just About Blood Sugar

Many people believe amputations in diabetes happen because of diabetes alone.
That’s not the full story.

Rick Hirschberger, vascular surgeon at Sarasota Vascular Specialists, explains why.

👉 Diabetics are at higher risk for amputation—not just because of diabetes, but because of silent vascular damage.

Here’s what’s really happening:
• Diabetes damages small blood vessels
• This affects the eyes, kidneys—and the feet
• At the same time, diabetes accelerates blockages in larger leg arteries
• When both are present, wounds struggle to heal

⚠️ Many diabetics know they’re at risk—but don’t always know why.

A small cut or blister can turn serious when:
• Blood flow is reduced
• Sensation is diminished
• Healing is impaired

✅ Prevention takes more than sugar control:
• Regular vascular screenings
• Routine foot exams
• Early treatment of circulation problems
• Addressing artery blockages when needed

Dr. Hershberger treats diabetic wounds every day—using both medical management and vascular interventions to restore blood flow, heal ulcers, and save limbs.

👉 The goal is simple: catch problems early and prevent amputation before it’s ever on the table.

📞 Call (941) 294-5146 to schedule a vascular screening or diabetic foot evaluation.

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Behind every great outcome is a team that truly cares. 💙At Sarasota Vascular Specialists, our strength isn’t just advanc...
02/20/2026

Behind every great outcome is a team that truly cares. 💙

At Sarasota Vascular Specialists, our strength isn’t just advanced technology or clinical expertise—it’s the people who show up every day with compassion, collaboration, and a shared commitment to our patients. From the front desk to the exam room, our team works together seamlessly to make sure every patient feels heard, supported, and confident in their care.

Vascular health is complex. That’s why teamwork matters. When specialists, nurses, technologists, and staff align around one goal—your well-being—better care follows.

If you’re looking for vascular care that combines expertise with a human touch, you’re in the right place.

👉 Schedule an appointment and experience the SVS difference.

Address

600 N Cattlemen Road, Ste 220
Sarasota, FL
34232

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+19413716565

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Sarasota Vascular Specialists is the only medical practice in the tri-county area dedicated to the treatment of patients with disorders of the veins and arteries - the Vascular System. As vascular specialists, we are uniquely trained and experienced to offer all forms of diagnosis and therapy for arterial and vein diseases including: * Spider veins/ varicose vein treatment to include: sclerotherapy, laser therapy, in-office removal of varicose veins (ASAP, Microphlebectomy), in-office laser oblation of varicose veins (ELVS, VenaCure) * Medications to treat and prevent diseases that affect blood vessels * Endovascular diagnosis and treatments (angiography, balloon angioplasty and stents) * Minimally invasive outpatient surgery * Complex bypass surgical procedures * Standard open and minimally invasive aneurysm surgery * Laser Atherectomy * Carotid surgery and carotid stenting