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Articles written by Devin Zarkowsky


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  • Health Right Here: Abdominal aortic aneurysm ultrasound screening

    Devin Zarkowsky, Special to the Village News|Updated Nov 28, 2024

    Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a serious condition that occurs when the large blood vessel bringing blood from the heart to the body called the aorta weakens and bulges. If left untreated, an AAA can rupture, leading to life-threatening internal bleeding. Therefore, early detection is critical, and ultrasound screening has become a standard method for diagnosing AAAs, particularly in high-risk populations such as older adults and smokers. Ultrasound Screening for...

  • Health Right Here: Understanding hemodialysis for kidney failure

    Devin Zarkowsky MD, Special to the Village News|Updated Oct 27, 2024

    End stage renal disease vascular access options When kidneys stop cleaning the blood effectively, known as end-stage renal disease (ESRD), vascular access for dialysis becomes essential for patient survival and quality of life. There are several vascular access options available, including central venous catheters, arteriovenous (AV) fistulas, and AV grafts. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages, but AV fistulas are generally considered the gold standard due to...

  • Health Right Here: Limb preservation to prevent amputation

    Devin Zarkowsky MD, Special to the Village News|Updated Oct 10, 2024

    Limb preservation with revascularization Vascular surgeons work hard to keep limbs on bodies. Often, folks with diabetes, kidney disease, high blood pressure, or a history of smoking present to us with diminished or absent blood flow to their feet, causing pain in or even wounds on their feet. This disease process is chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI), part of the peripheral arterial disease (PAD) spectrum. Intervening to improve blood flow, relieve pain, and heal...

  • Health Right Here: Peripheral arterial disease in our community

    Devin Zarkowsky MD, Special to the Village News|Updated Sep 19, 2024

    When asked by the surgery department chair as a medical student why I wanted to treat vascular patients, my response was to be useful, useful to people with a challenging systemic disease that often results in stroke, amputation, and death. Often, wounds that haven't healed for months on a foot or a hand, or persistent leg pain provoked by walking or simply laying in bed are subtle indicators that Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD), a vascular health challenge affecting many...