Dr. Carl Fastabend�s Research Published in Journal of Vascular Surgery

Research results reported by Carl Fastabend, MD, FACC, founder and medical director of the Vein Center of Southwest Louisiana, were published last month in the Journal of Vascular Surgery. Dr. Fastabend co-authored the article with seven other physicians who participated in the 14-month study.

The article, "Venography Versus Intravascular Ultrasound for Diagnosing and Treating Iliofemoral Vein Obstruction," presented the results of a study comparing the effectiveness of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) with standard multiplanar venography for iliofemoral vein obstruction.  Over the course of the study, 100 patients were evaluated with both imaging modalities. IVUS identified lesions in 81 of the subjects; venography in 51.  The researchers concluded that IVUS is more sensitive for assessing treatable iliofemoral vein stenosis, and frequently leads to revised treatment plans and the potential for improved clinical outcomes. 

Dr. Fastabend is the only full-time, comprehensive vein specialist in Louisiana, and is considered a leading expert in the IVUS technique. Physicians travel to Lake Charles from across the country to receive IVUS training from him.