This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Knowledge & Support Community

Has anyone heard of Vascular Access Centers? They have posted on their website that they are now treating CCSVI. They also posted their information on another CCSVI website. They have several U.S. locations.

Here is the link:

http://www.vascularaccesscenters.com/Pu ... iency.aspx

They list some of their CCCSVI locations on the website, but say CCSVI treatment is not restricted to those locations. I asked about Pittsburgh and was advised treatment is available there.

I don't know how much experience or training they have and would like to know if anyone else has heard or them or been treated by them.

If this was posted in another thread, I apologize for duplicating. I was not able to find it in a search.

They've been mentioned, I am under the impression that they're new and likely inexperienced with CCSVI, but experience has to be gained somewhere.

I called and talked to the VAC office near me about a month ago. The doctor there is a nephrologist (kidneys). This is what I was told: The CEO of the company researched CCSVI and became very interested in it. The office I talked to has the idea that they will do a venography only. They want the imagining studies and dx to be performed by the patient's neuro (good luck if you are anywhere near Pgh!).

I was told that the doctor "has a tremendous amount of experience with angioplasty" and would be able to perform the Liberation for CCSVI with no problem. After a lengthy conversation, I believe that doctor will be looking into it a bit himself. They had no idea that the local neuros would not help them.

Since I saw this thread, just thought I'd share what I learned.

From what has been discussed on Facebook, it seems that a Vascular Access CCSVI Team travels to some sites to complete the procedures. Apparently, the lead doc is....

James F. McGuckin, Jr., MD
Philadelphia Vascular Institute

strongshoulder wrote:I called and talked to the VAC office near me about a month ago. The doctor there is a nephrologist (kidneys). This is what I was told: The CEO of the company researched CCSVI and became very interested in it. The office I talked to has the idea that they will do a venography only. They want the imagining studies and dx to be performed by the patient's neuro (good luck if you are anywhere near Pgh!).

I was told that the doctor "has a tremendous amount of experience with angioplasty" and would be able to perform the Liberation for CCSVI with no problem. After a lengthy conversation, I believe that doctor will be looking into it a bit himself. They had no idea that the local neuros would not help them.

Since I saw this thread, just thought I'd share what I learned.

Thanks. After I posted here, my sister, who works in in another medical practice in PA, pointed out the nephrology issue to me. However if pairOdime is correct, a specialist in CCSVI may travel to the various sites. In any case, I don't think I want to follow up with them at this time.

Thanks for your input everyone. And, welcome to thisisms, Strongshoulder.

I had my procedure done at the Tukwila, WA clinic. Dr. McGuckin did come in from PA. He has done over 60 procedures across the US.

strongshoulder wrote:I was told that the doctor "has a tremendous amount of experience with angioplasty" and would be able to perform the Liberation for CCSVI with no problem. After a lengthy conversation, I believe that doctor will be looking into it a bit himself. They had no idea that the local neuros would not help them.

I know Pacific Interventionalists also did dialysis and oncology angioplasty. That has the advantage of being angioplasty on the veins, not the arteries whidh is where the cardivascular angioplasty is usanlly done, but is an entire different kind of venous obstruction and thus the experinece concerning, for example, restenosis is likely entirely different.

I would be careful in assuming that the neuros will not be interested and helpful. Many are, including my neuro which came as a complete surprise to me. They are generally cautious but may be very open.