Blog Archive

Vascular disease occurs when the blood vessels — either your arteries or your veins — that carry oxygen and nutrients through your body become damaged, blocked, or restricted.  There are many types of vascular disease, including venous disease, peripheral artery disease (PAD), carotid artery disease, and blood clots. And they’re...

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a common yet serious condition that affects the arteries outside of your heart, typically in the legs. PAD develops when these arteries become narrowed, which can lead to leg pain, numbness, and even ulcers. While some risk factors for PAD are widely known, such as...

Smoking is widely known for its detrimental effects on your heart and lungs, but did you know it also significantly increases your risk of developing leg wounds?  This connection might not be immediately obvious, but understanding how smoking affects your entire body — legs included! — might help give you...

Feeling nervous about your carotid stent procedure is completely normal. But knowing what to expect can help ease your anxiety and prepare you for getting a stent that opens arterial blockages and improves blood flow.  Our team at Vascular Specialists explains the process to you during your preoperative appointments, and...

If you’ve noticed that the skin on your ankles is becoming darker or discolored, it’s normal to wonder why. Ankle discoloration typically develops as a result of the breakdown of hemoglobin in your blood that develops when you have venous disease. When hemoglobin breaks down, it leaves behind deposits of...

Medically known as telangiectasias, spider veins are a common aesthetic concern.  These visible thread-like veins can appear on your hands, face, and legs. Many people cover them up with makeup or long pants, but are you hiding a major health concern by doing that?  Here, our team at Vascular Specialists...

Vascular screening, or vascular ultrasound, involves the use of high-frequency sound waves to assess the health of your blood vessels. These screenings typically evaluate factors such as blood flow, plaque buildup, and overall vascular health.  By detecting abnormalities early on, vascular screening can empower you to take proactive measures to...

Walking isn’t just exercise; it’s your primary method for getting from Point A to Point B. So when your legs feel heavy or you’re experiencing leg pain, it can be disconcerting. Before you can remedy the situation, you have to know why your legs don’t feel right. There isn’t just...

Varicose veins are frustrating, and there seems to be no shortage of over-the-counter creams that promise (and fail) to eliminate varicose veins. And while the creams don’t work, our cutting-edge vein treatments do. They shut down problematic veins so you can get relief from pesky symptoms like swelling, pain, and...

If the skin on your ankles starts to change color, it can be concerning. There are many reasons why your skin may undergo hyperpigmentation. Ankle discoloration is often a sign of venous insufficiency. If your ankle looks darker, it can be your first warning sign that you need to address...

Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive medical procedure designed to treat varicose veins and spider veins. If you're considering this treatment, it's natural to have questions about what to expect.  That’s why our team at Vascular Specialists takes time to answer all of your questions during your pre-procedure appointment in Tinley...

Venous insufficiency is a condition that affects the veins in your legs and can lead to a range of symptoms and complications, including swelling, leg cramps, and varicose veins. Venous insufficiency can even cause skin issues, such as rashes and sores.  Here, our team at Vascular Specialists Tinley Park, Illinois,...

When it comes to maintaining good vein health, you might think about the various exercises that help support your blood vessels and prevent issues like varicose veins. But how much thought do you put into your diet?  Poor dietary choices can negatively affect your vascular health, but certain nutrition choices...

Ankle discoloration is something you may have noticed recently, and you're probably wondering what's causing it. After all, pinpointing the cause of ankle discoloration is the first step in addressing it. Our team of board-certified, fellowship-trained vascular surgeons at Vascular Specialists in Tinley Park, Illinois, or Munster, Indiana, is using this month’s blog to...

Without a doubt, pregnancy is a miraculous journey that brings about many changes in your body. At the same time, many of these changes are anticipated and celebrated 一 hello, beautiful baby bump! 一 Some changes can be less-than-pleasant, like swollen ankles and varicose veins. Are you concerned about varicose...

Vascular disease refers to a group of conditions that affect your blood vessels. Examples include varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis, Reynaud’s disease, and carotid artery disease. Although vascular diseases are common, some of them can be quite serious.  Untreated vascular diseases can lead to serious complications such as heart attack,...

Telangiectasia, better known as spider veins, are notorious for causing discolored vein webs that spread across your legs or face. While they’re typically harmless, spider veins can be unsightly and may cause discomfort or self-consciousness, prompting a popular question: What’s the best way to get rid of spider veins?  That’s...

Pelvic congestion syndrome 一 a condition marked by intense chronic pelvic pain 一 can affect both men and women, but it primarily occurs in women. It arises when varicose veins develop in the pelvic organs.  In women with pelvic congestion syndrome, varicose veins develop around the ovaries. These varicose veins...

Varicose veins are a common condition, affecting up to 35% of Americans. They’re often pegged as a cosmetic concern, but these engorged veins can also cause aches, cramping, and a sensation of heaviness. While they aren’t life-threatening, certain symptoms could indicate a more serious underlying problem.  If you’re tired of your varicose...

Ulcers 一 slow-healing wounds that form on your legs or feet 一 are a common diabetes complication. As many as 25% of people with diabetes experience an ulcer at some point. Diabetes compromises your circulation, and poor circulation makes it difficult for wounds to heal. Diabetic ulcers aren’t the only...

Occasional leg swelling isn’t uncommon. For instance, many people notice that their feet feel a little swollen after flying on an airplane. It’s also normal to have swollen feet and legs during pregnancy or after surgery.  In most cases, occasional leg swelling is often harmless and resolves itself quickly. Nevertheless,...

Varicose veins are often regarded as a cosmetic issue, but the reality is that they’re often a sign of an underlying condition called chronic venous insufficiency. Left untreated, varicose veins may cause leg pain, aches, cramping, and a heavy sensation in your legs.  The good news is that treating varicose...

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) means that your peripheral arteries 一 arteries outside of your chest or abdomen 一 have become narrowed or blocked, often as a result of atherosclerosis. Although your peripheral arteries include the arteries in your hands, arms, and legs, the majority of PAD cases affect your legs.  Our team of...

You may recognize spider veins as visible red, purple, or blue veins that resemble tree branches or spider webs. Spider veins affect capillaries, the smallest type of blood vessels in your body, and they often appear on your face and legs. They’re a common cosmetic complaint, but is there more going on...

Our vascular system carries oxygen and other vital chemicals through nearly 60,000 miles of arteries, veins, and capillaries. Scientists estimate that 80% of our vascular system is made up of the tiny and delicate capillaries—some so narrow that our red blood cells literally change shape to fit through them! Dr....

Because high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol can have a negative impact on your health, including increasing your risk of developing arterial blockages, many people mistakenly assume that all cholesterol is bad. Surprisingly, some cholesterol is good. In fact, your body needs cholesterol to produce certain hormones.  So what makes cholesterol...

Smoking is notorious for the damage it causes to lungs, but the dangers of smoking don’t stop there. Smoking can also wreak havoc on your vascular system 一 and that includes increasing your risk of peripheral aneurysm.  Our team of board-certified, fellowship-trained vascular surgeons at Vascular Specialists are experts at...

At your last wellness check, you had blood drawn – just routine, you thought. Then your doctor called and informed you that you are prediabetic. This news may very well have rocked your world. You began to think of finger pricks, insulin injections and pumps, medical emergencies, diminishing vision and...

Vascular Specialists is pleased to announce that Dr. Eugene Tanquilut has received a 100% scorecard from Advocate Aurora Health System. All the patients that Dr. T cared for in September scored him 10 out of 10 for: Explaining patient health care diagnosis and treatment options Listening to patient concern Understanding...

Spider veins and varicose veins are often regarded as cosmetic issues, but the reality is vein issues are more than aesthetic concerns. Untreated varicose veins can cause aches, cramping, swelling, and a heaviness in your legs. Treatment addresses both the cosmetic and health concerns related to varicose veins and venous insufficiency. While we offer...

In the nearly two centuries since a scientist identified cholesterol in human blood, doctors have been sharpening our understanding of cholesterol. This detailed understanding also means many of us need help deciphering the details of test results. Dr. Eugene Tanquilut and Vascular Specialists are here to help answer your questions...

When you arrive at an emergency room, urgent care or even your doctor’s office with swelling, pain or tenderness, warmth, or discoloration in your skin, perhaps redness or red streaks, your medical care providers will most likely order a D-Dimer test. Dr. Eugene Tanquilut of Vascular Specialists says, “A D-Dimer...

As we here in Chicagoland experience a heat wave, your body may have reminded you once or twice that it needs more water than usual. While there’s nothing surprising about experiencing thirst in the summer, it may surprise you that as we age, our bodies become less effective at producing...

When it comes to treating varicose veins, you’ve got no shortage of treatment options, including both surgical and nonsurgical procedures. While surgery is sometimes the right path forward, nonsurgical procedures offer many benefits, such as shorter recovery times, reduced pain, less bleeding, and smaller incisions.  Here at Vascular Specialists, our team of surgeons and...

The two large blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood through your neck to your brain are your carotid arteries. If you have carotid artery disease, these arteries are clogged with plaque, which can reduce blood flow to your brain and increase your risk of having a stroke.  What makes carotid artery disease so...

New research in vascular health indicates that inflammation is as big a challenge to our vascular systems as high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels. This allows us to better understand vascular blockages and opens up new avenues for improving vascular health. Inflammation describes a series of immune-defense reactions that...

Humans have been using aspirin, or at least something like it, for over 3500 years. The ancient world recognized the value of willow bark in treating pain and fevers, and by the late 19th century, scientists and physicians had identified acetylsalicylic acid as the important component and invented a way...

Aneurysms are weakened areas in your artery walls. These weak spots can bulge out, and a rupture can cause complications. Although most people think of aneurysms as something that happens in your brain or aorta, there’s also a peripheral aneurysm, which can occur in any artery other than your aorta.  Here...

For many people, it’s a point of pride to talk about how little sleep they get at night. These sleep warriors may say, “Oh, I don’t need anymore than four hours a night. I’ve just got too much to do,” or “I try to get more sleep, but when I...

Dialysis filters your blood and performs the duties of your kidneys if they aren’t working quite right. But before you can receive the life-saving benefits of dialysis, you first need dialysis access, a minor procedure that prepares your vein for increased blood flow. After dialysis access, it can take a few...

When Dr. Patrick Coffey first met Milton Salley in the Intensive Care Unit at Advocate South Suburban Hospital, Mr. Salley was in serious trouble. The 63-year-old couldn’t take a breath on his own and was dangerously close to losing his leg and his life.  Mr. Salley checked into Advocate South...

Your eyes might be the window to your soul, but if wrinkles around your eyes make you feel older than your years, what can you do? Sunscreen, proper hydration, lotions, and eye creams go a long way in keeping your skin soft and supple, but if you need an extra...

For all of February, you’ve been seeing messages from doctors, hospitals and even insurance companies telling you how to improve your heart health. You’ve been advised to quit smoking, cut back on alcohol intake, lose weight, move more, control your blood pressure and relieve stress. These are all wonderful ways...

With age comes wisdom, maturity … and fine lines. Although you can’t turn back the hands of time or halt the aging process, you can reclaim a more youthful appearance through a variety of cosmetic enhancements, including dermal fillers and Botox®.  At VCI Med Spa, located inside our vascular surgery...

While chemical peels don’t have the most illustrious-sounding name, they certainly work to give your skin a radiant glow. In fact, chemical peels are the third most popular noninvasive cosmetic treatment performed.   VI chemical peels boost collagen production and reduce the signs of aging, acne scars, sun damage, and even...

Are you participating in Dry January? This break from alcohol consumption has become an annual tradition for many and this year, it’s more important than ever. Since the start of the pandemic, alcohol consumption has gone up 14% overall, and, most alarmingly, in women, the increase rises to 41% People...

Winter in Chicagoland is cold and snowy, and you may not be thinking of baring your legs anytime soon. But if you’re already dreaming of hitting the Lake Michigan shoreline in June, the team at VCI Med Spa can help you get ready for sunny beach days with laser hair...

New Year’s Eve is just around the corner, in the season of love and merriment, and a complete destruction of the daily schedule our minds and bodies are accustomed to. It’s really enough to raise your blood pressure. Whether your blood pressure is in a stable range already (below 120/80)...

Tinley Park, IL - To people who experience deep vein thrombosis in Chicagoland, Dr. Patrick Coffey has become somewhat of a superhero. Since Inari Medical introduced the ClotTriever® Thrombectomy System, Dr. Coffey has treated more than a dozen patients with the procedure and is now a leading expert in the...

Are you interested in a facelift but don’t want the surgery? VCI Med Spa brings you a full array of proven, trusted medical spa services, including varicose vein treatment, skin rejuvenation, and other cosmetic enhancements.  Located inside of our Tinley Park, Illinois, vascular surgery practice, we’re the only Chicagoland medical...

It’s the time of year when tables fill up with comfort foods - things stuffed with sugar, salt and fats. In short, Thanksgiving and the holiday season can be a nightmare for your vascular system.  Dr. Tanquilut understands that it’s likely that denying yourself everything delicious on Thursday will only...

Maintaining a healthy blood pressure, ideally 120/80, is vital to good vascular health. “Keeping blood pressure numbers where they need to be lowers your risk of stroke,” says Dr. Eugene Tanquilut. “Often, patients are told as numbers are getting higher that they will soon require medication - or an increase...

Are you preparing for varicose vein treatment at our Vein Care Institute? Or maybe you’re still weighing your options between different types of treatments? In many cases, you may benefit from a vascular ultrasound to help determine if you’re a candidate for various venous procedures.  In this post, our team...

At your last healthcare appointment, your doctor probably asked you how much exercise you get each week and perhaps they recommended you get more.  You may have inwardly groaned and thought, “Oh gosh, I hate to exercise so much!”  Dr. Tanquilut, Dr. Pradhan and Dr. Coffey can understand the struggle...

Spider veins are a common cosmetic complaint, affecting more than 40% of people in the United States. Known for their blue or purplish “webs,” these small, dilated veins are visible through the skin on your legs, chest, and face. They don’t bulge out like varicose veins, so you might wonder...

Your veins carry oxygen-poor blood back to your heart. To keep the blood flowing in the right direction, your veins contain one-way valves to prevent blood from flowing backward. However, if something isn’t quite right with your veins — such as valve damage — the blood flow back to your...

It’s the body’s largest artery, carrying blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Your aorta is about an inch in diameter, just about the size of a garden hose. The section of the aorta that extends from your diaphragm through your abdomen before splitting into the two...

You may have noticed the construction at our Vascular Specialists facility. We’re bringing the NEW VCI Med Spa to Tinley Park, and our Grand Opening is Saturday August 28th from 10 am to 2 pm.    At the Grand Opening, you’ll be entered into raffles, enjoy live demonstrations of our...

Varicose veins cause twisted, lumpy veins, but are these veins more than just a cosmetic issue? While many people regard varicose veins as an eyesore, the reality is that they can — and do — pose threats to your health. Our experienced team of vascular surgeons here at Vascular Specialists...

Obesity is a complex issue, and many factors — diet, lifestyle, underlying conditions, genetics, and social environment — contribute to weight gain. Being overweight can increase your risk of developing diabetes, hypertension, coronary artery disease, and stroke. Research shows that overweight individuals are 1.5 times more likely to develop peripheral...

Are you ready to say goodbye to your varicose veins, but you’re not sure which treatment is right for you? There are several treatments that provide relief for both the physical and aesthetic complaints that come with these enlarged, bulging veins. Here at Vascular Specialists, our experienced team diagnoses and...

Vascular Specialists is pleased to announce our diagnostic imaging and testing division, Premier Vascular Imaging. Poor circulation and a compromised vascular system will jeopardizes health and quality of life. Our compassionate and friendly staff at Premier Vascular Imaging provides superior ultrasounds with accurate results, performed on your veins and arteries...

While varicose veins are well-known for causing cosmetic concerns, they can cause physical discomfort, too. This includes pain, achiness, and heaviness in your legs. Here at Vascular Specialists, our experienced team treats varicose veins at our Vein Care Institute in Tinley Park and Evergreen, Illinois.  Even though we can treat...

A little blister, a tiny puncture or a small scrape can quickly turn into a venous leg ulcer that just won’t heal when your vein health is compromised.  Venous reflux happens when the valves inside your leg veins weaken, allowing blood to pool in the veins rather than moving back...

When you’re anticipating any procedure, ultrasounds included, it’s nice to know what to expect and how to prepare. Ultrasounds are easy to prepare for and — here’s the best part — they’re painless. Here at Vascular Specialists, our experienced team conveniently offers ultrasounds at our Vein Care Institute in Tinley...

Throughout our lives, our healthcare team changes. We move from pediatricians to primary care physicians, with specialists like allergists, gynecologists or orthopedic surgeons added to our team as circumstances and physical changes demand.  Adding a vascular specialist to your team before a crisis can help you avoid that critical situation...

Your vascular physicians may be known primarily as surgeons, but a significant portion of Dr. Tanquilut, Dr. Pradhan and Dr. Coffey’s work is in screening for and diagnosing vascular disease. Your primary care physician may refer you to Vascular Specialists for many reasons besides a surgical or minimally invasive intervention. ...

Here at Vascular Specialists, our experienced team of vascular surgeons offers a variety of varicose vein treatments. After a thorough examination and consultation, we’ll suggest the appropriate treatment based on the severity of your varicose veins and your overall health.  If you’re scheduled for venous ablation at our Vein Care...

From infections to medication side effects, there are many reasons why you might see edema (or swelling) in your legs. Here at Vascular Specialists, our experienced team of vascular surgeons often see leg swelling as a sign of venous disease.  If you notice any signs of venous disease, such as...

At Vascular Specialists LLC, our physicians know that having a vascular specialist in your health care corner is about much more than a life-changing surgery.  While many of our patients come to Dr. Tanquilut, Dr. Pradhan and Dr. Coffey because of sudden health challenges or disease progression, we are also...

Varicose veins are notorious for causing unsightly bulges of twisted veins. Although their presence can be an eyesore, varicose veins can also cause physical symptoms, including pain and achiness.  Here at Vascular Specialists, our experienced team of vascular surgeons are on a mission to eliminate problem veins. If your varicose...

The accident happened August 18th and the violence of the collision fractured 19-year-old Carolyn Perkins’ pelvis and dislocated her hip, requiring surgery, screws and plates to piece everything back together. Perkins went home with instructions for complete, immobile bed rest for 90 days, and a warning that changing positions could...

There are many causes of leg pain, including overuse, muscle cramps, broken bones, sprains or strains, and vascular issues. Sometimes, leg pain doesn’t require medical intervention. If your leg muscles are sore from an intense workout, for example, you might find relief through massage, rest, and a warm soak in...

An angiogram is a special X-ray test that produces images of your blood vessels. These images can show if you have arterial blockages. Angiograms are important diagnostic tests because they can shape the rest of your treatment plan. Over 1 million Americans benefit from this procedure every year, but how...

Halloween can be filled with goblins, ghouls and monsters, but the thing that is most monstrous to your health doesn’t even wear a costume. While it hangs around all year long, Halloween is when it makes an especially big splash - and then it usually doesn’t fade away until the...

It’s tough to miss the telltale signs of varicose veins, and many people seek treatment for aesthetic reasons. These malfunctioning blood vessels can lead to aches, pains, and even itchiness in your legs. Lumpy, bulging varicose veins on your legs might be an eyesore, but are they dangerous?  Here at...

Tinley Park, IL - When Delnora Kizzee Talbert met Dr. Eugene Tanquilut in 2017, neither of them had any idea that in 3 short years they would be making history together. “I’ll never forget meeting Dr. T,” says Talbert, 68, of Harvey, Illinois. “I was in the hospital with pain...

If you’ve been on bed rest, had surgery or been sitting in a car or on an airplane for hours, you may be at risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT is a blood clot that forms in your deep veins, usually your thigh or calf but not uncommon in...

When Peter Song retired 20 years ago, he was also hit with a diagnosis of Type II diabetes.  Song and his wife spent the next two decades summering in Homer Glen Illinois while volunteering and doing charitable work, and then wintering in Hawaii where they enjoyed swimming, water sports and...

Dialysis is the life-saving treatment you need when your kidneys are too damaged to function. But before you can start dialysis, you need dialysis access, and that’s where our team at Vascular Specialists comes in. We build the foundation for hemodialysis by creating your dialysis access. We then continue to...

Vascular Specialists of Tinley Park is pleased to welcome Dr. Patrick H. Coffey, DO, to our practice. Dr. Coffey earned his undergraduate degree in Philosophy at University of Scranton, then graduated Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. He went on to complete a Fellowship in...

When kidney disease progresses to the point of making dialysis necessary, it’s a life-changing, distressing time. We know you will have many questions about the time commitment, dialysis center options and your overall health prognosis. You’ll also need to make an appointment to discuss dialysis access creation as soon as...

Vascular Specialists is pleased to announce Lindsey Dockemeyer, FNP, has joined our Tinley Park practice.  Lindsey earned her Masters of Science, Family Nurse Practitioner, at Chamberlain College of Nursing after achieving a BS in Nursing and in Marketing. She brings our patients a wealth of experience, including working in Immediate...

You catch your leg on the screen door and cause a puncture, you wear new shoes and raise an ugly blister or you back into a rose bush and get a nasty scratch. While these don’t seem like “call the doctor” problems, when your vascular health is compromised, they could...

Your vascular health is vital to your quality of life – and to your life itself. Dr. Tanquilut, Dr. Pradhan and all the Vascular Specialists healthcare providers know that while this is a nerve-wracking time, you still need care – whether for new urgent or emergency situations, regular ongoing care...

Do you have diabetes, high blood pressure or vascular disease? Dr. T is here to help.  When you have diabetes or chronic health problems, the news about coronavirus or covid-19 can be especially scary. Health officials are sounding the alarm that the data is clear – people with chronic health...

We care deeply for all our patients, and we are committed to treating patients who need care while keeping well patients safe. Please read our Coronavirus policies below and call our office at 815-824-4406 with any questions. These policies will be in place until further notice. Please call 815-824-4406 and...

Your abdominal aorta is a blood vessel about the size of a garden hose that runs downs the middle of your torso to supply blood to the lower half of your body. An abdominal aortic aneurysm, or an AAA, is a weak spot in your aorta that bulges, like a...

Spider veins can be indeed itsy-bitsy and very few – or they can be quite visible, turning your legs into a web of purple, blue or red lines. They can appear as thin lines, threads, tiny branches or webs, giving spider veins their name.  While spider veins tend not to...

Take a peek at our party and our beautiful new facility!

We’ve just opened the first facility dedicated to vein and artery disease in the south and southwest Chicago suburbs. This state-of-the-art facility will help our patients in the Chicago southwest and south suburbs access university-level vein and artery care faster and more conveniently. Our beautiful, light-filled, full-service facility is easy...

The holidays are packed with family, food, cocktails – and more strokes than at any other time of the year. In fact, of the nearly 800,000 stokes in the United States each year, more occur between November and February than during any other 4-month span. What are the factors leading...

When you experience pain, swelling and a feeling of heaviness in your legs, you may Google those symptoms and believe you have PAD, peripheral artery disease. You may even may an appointment with Vascular Specialists to begin treatment for PAD. However, this might not be PAD. You may have May-Thurner...

It seemed like a great idea to begin with – a device that mimics smoking a cigarette to help people quit smoking altogether. Vaping also seemed safer as there was no tar, no tobacco smoke and no smell, just water vapor. Manufacturers sold it so well, with flavored liquid like...

Have you been told carotid artery surgery or stenting is too risky for you? A new, FDA-approved procedure to treat carotid artery disease dramatically reduces the risk of stroke during and after carotid angioplasty and stenting (CAS). TransCarotid Artery Revascularization, or TCAR, is minimally-invasive, results in less nerve damage, lower...

Vascular Specialists now performing groundbreaking new procedure for those facing dialysis For decades, patients facing hemodialysis have had few options for access creation. Fistulas and grafts require surgery and a recommended 6 months of maturation time. Catheter access is an infection-prone method rife with complications.  Now, Dr. Tanquilut and Vascular...

You may think that veins and arteries are pretty straightforward body parts, just 60,000 miles of tubes moving blood around your body. However, your vascular system is actually a wonder of function and structure. Our surgeons at Vascular Specialists are here to share their favorite amazing facts about your veins,...

Blood flow is your body’s life force. Oxygen-rich blood that travels through flexible, clear arteries to reach to the very tips of your fingers and toes keeps your organs, muscles, bones, tissues, ligaments – everything! – healthy and well. Robust, unimpeded veins and effective venous pumps return that now oxygen-depleted...

The dangers of consuming sweetened beverages, from soft drinks to flavored coffees and teas to juices, is well documented. These beverages can add to our daily calorie intake 150 to well over 300 calories with each can, cup or glass, causing weight gain and prompting diabetes, heart disease and stroke. ...

May is World Stroke Awareness Month and here at Vascular Specialists, our medical professionals are committed to helping you avoid this life-changing health challenge, or to make sure you recover as much as absolutely possible in the event of a stroke.  The F.A.S.T. CAMPAIGN to identify stroke, Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech...

You have a family doctor, a dentist and perhaps an eye doctor, all working together to improve or maintain your wellness, your quality of life and help you better understand how you can control your own good health. When more specific health challenges occur, you’ll add specialists, like an orthopedic...

Over forty medical professionals gathered to hear Maureen McShane, DPM, explain why a tiny blister could lead to a amputation – and how to prevent that. “A little blister becomes a big deal in diabetic patients or those with peripheral artery disease,” explained McShane. “These patients typically cannot feel their...

Don’t spend another summer hot, sweaty and uncomfortable because you’re hiding your legs in long pants. Now is the perfect time to start sclerotherapy and vein treatments to get rid of spider veins and varicose veins. Your legs will look fabulous when warm weather begins, and you’ll save with Vascular...

FELLOWSHIP TRAINED SURGEON USES FENESTRATED STENT GRAFT TO REPAIR ABDOMINAL AORTIC ANEURYSM.  On Jan. 31, 82-year-old Salvatore Darpa became the first patient to receive a fenestrated stent graft to repair an abdominal aortic aneurysm at Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox. Dr. Eugene Tanquilut of Vascular Specialists performed the historic...

For many years, we’ve been told that red wine, about 4 ounces a day but no more than 7 drinks a week, can lower your risk of heart disease and stroke. Resveratrol, the ingredient found in grape skins, is linked to lowering your “bad” cholesterol, preventing blood clots and preventing...

When your vascular system is compromised by aging, disease or diabetes, your body’s ability to heal an open wound is also impaired. The slightest of injuries that breaks the skin, even a scratch or split, can result in a chronic wound that grows in size. A surgical incision that cannot...

DR. EUGENE TANQUILUT’S LEA-UP GROUP LEARNS THAT EARLY DIAGNOSIS IS VITAL TO SURVIVAL.  – The thirty-five physicians and medical professionals were discussing a condition so rare, only two of them had ever seen it, and one of those was the specialist speaker, Dr. Tauseef Ahmed Sarguroh, a fellowship-trained nephrologist with...

DR. EUGENE TANQUILUT PERFORMED SAME SURGERY ON TINLEY PARK WOMAN It was a flip-flop that did her in. As Rachel Draper was walking out of a restaurant on May 7, 2016, her flip-flop folded under her foot. She felt herself falling and overcorrected, trying to land on her backside instead...

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM ALL OF US AT VASCULAR SPECIALISTS! ARE YOU FOLLOWING US ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER? WE’RE TALKING ABOUT A-FIB RIGHT NOW; PLEASE JOIN OUR CONVERSATION! The holidays can be a time of “cheats” – eating what you want, taking a pass on exercise, and...

DR. TAUSEEF AHMED SARGUROH EXPLAINS CALCIPHYLAXIS AT LEA-UP MEETING – The thirty-five physicians and medical professionals were discussing a condition so rare, only two of them had ever seen it, and one of those was the specialist speaker, Dr. Tauseef Ahmed Sarguroh, a fellowship-trained nephrologist with Kidney Care Center Olympia...

Your blood pressure readings haven’t move single digit but as of Monday, you may suddenly have hypertension. The American Heart Association (AHA) has changed the guidelines for healthy blood pressure, to possibly include as many as 50% of American adults. Why? High blood pressure is the leading cause of death...

Dr. Eugene Tanquilut is pleased to announce that Alejandro Del Real, Nurse Practitioner has joined the Vascular Specialists team. “In the few months since Alex has joined us,” said Tanquilut, “he has contributed to our practice with his expertise, his compassion and his ability to be a real part of...

Diagnostic tests, even non-invasive tests like a simple X-ray, can put us all on edge. Being recommended for an angiogram can cause even more anxiety. Here, Dr. Tanquilut, Dr. Pradhan and Dr. Alhalbouni take you through why, how and what of having an angiogram to give you peace of mind...

DR. EUGENE TANQUILUT FOUNDED LEA-UP TO SAVE LIMBS IN DIABETIC, PAD AND NEUROPATHY PATIENTS – For most people, a blister on the heel is a mere annoyance, perhaps a stinging reminder to wear socks with that particular pair of shoes. For a patient with diabetes, peripheral neuropathy or peripheral artery...

Many times, the sight of blood is the first indication that we’ve injured ourselves. We may not feel that scratch, that bite or that little puncture, but when a foreign object breaks the skin, we bleed. But some of us might not – or at least not as well as...

EUGENE TANQUILUT, D.O., “WORKED A MIRACLE” TO SAVE LEG, FUNCTION – Fifty years is a lifetime. In 1967, fifty years ago, Thurgood Marshall became the first African-American Supreme Court Justice, gasoline was 29 cents a gallon and 50,000 people showed up for a music festival in Monterey. Now, those babies...

Hypertension can be caused by genetics, diet, tobacco use or weight gain. In these circumstances, a combination of lifestyle changes and medication can bring blood pressure numbers back into a normal range. But what about when you’ve tried just about everything – losing weight, eliminating salt, throwing out your cigarettes,...

Fellowship-Trained Dr. Saadi Alhalbouni And Nurse Practitioners Roach And Ruffalo Join Vascular Specialists Practice, New Offices To Serve Patients Better Vascular Specialists, LLC is expanding both medical staff and office locations to better serve our patients in the Southland and Chicago. Saadi Alhalbouni, M.D., joined Eugene M. Tanquilut, D.O., CEO and...

The stroke itself was terrifying. The uncertainty of “how did this happen to me?”, the rush of physicians, specialists and discomfort of medical treatments were often overwhelming. Now, you’re recovering, but still extremely tentative about your health. How much exercise is enough? How much is too much? Can’t you just...

If you are at risk of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), Medicare Part B will cover a one-time ultrasound screening, which could safe your life. This screening is a powerful diagnostic tool that will identify any aneurysms – weak, bulging spots – in your abdominal aorta, a blood vessel about...

– A new study has announced that different procedures to prevent stroke have different long-term results. The Swedish study compared carotid artery stenting (CAS) and carotid artery endarterectomy (CAE) effectiveness, tracking patients for nearly five years. Dr. Eugene Tanquilut, fellowship trained vascular and endovascular surgeon, says it’s important that patients...

You’ve seen the initials D.O. behind Dr. Tanquilut’s name but you may never have really thought about what they mean – and what they mean about the care you receive. Likewise, many patients specifically seek out a D.O. for their medical care because they prefer the approach that D.O.s take....

“Vanquishing Varicose Veins” On February 25th

Newly FDA-Approved Iliac Stent Procedure First Ever Within Advocate Healthcare System Performed At South Suburban Hospital. DR. SANJEEV PRADHAN OF VASCULAR SPECIALISTS COMPLETED GROUND-BREAKING ENDOVASCULAR PROCEDURE. – Daniel Greer didn’t realize that he was becoming part of medical history when Dr. Sanjeev Pradhan of Vascular Specialists used a newly FDA-approved...

On March 24, 2016, Garry Shandling died. Initial reports speculated a heart attack, but his personal physician refused to sign the death certificate, not agreeing with the coroner’s conclusion. An investigation was launched and the results were finally released December 27. Shandling died because a blood clot lodged in his...

Here at Vascular Specialists, we are especially proud of our quick response time. We’ve heard many stories of patients who’ve had to wait months for an appointment after being referred to other specialists, or have seen their medical condition deteriorate while waiting for a procedure to be scheduled. Surveys show...

DR. SANJEEV PRADHAN CREDITS ADVOCATE SOUTH SUBURBAN HOSPITAL ER TEAM WITH “QUICK DIAGNOSIS AND ACTION” – When Lynn Mead told his wife Shirley he wasn’t feeling well, she told him to “go lay down. He’s 86. Sometimes he just doesn’t feel good.” When she checked on him later that evening,...

It could last only seconds and it could last for several minutes. A sudden drooping of your face, a disturbing slurring of words, an alarming weakness in one arm. As soon as you and those around you begin to panic, the symptoms disappear. Everyone around you thought you were having...

His patients have called Dr. Sanjeev Pradhan a clear communicator, honest and sweet and a real lifesaver. His peers speak of his advanced training and his dedication to detail and excellence. Recently, Advocate South Suburban Hospital recognized Dr. Pradhan for his outstanding work in vascular and endovascular surgery. Advocate South...

Vascular Specialists is always looking for the latest best practices, cutting-edge devices and university-level techniques to better serve our patients. Now, we’re introducing our latest “tool” in excellent patient care, our physician extender COURTNEY STANFORD, NURSE PRACTITIONER. COURTNEY STANFORD earned a Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner from Loyola University...

Chicagoland Vascular Surgeon Eugene Tanquilut, D.O., Included In Trademark Who’s Who Top Doctors Honors Edition – The patients and peers of Dr. Eugene Tanquilut of Vascular Specialists have long recognized his compassion and expertise. Committed to providing university-level vascular care and dedicated not just to continually learning himself, but also...

First-Ever Remote Endarterectomy At Advocate South Suburban Hospital, Treats Peripheral Artery Disease Dr. Eugene Tanquilut, vascular and endovascular surgeon, one of only two qualified Chicago Southland physicians, performs procedure. History was made by Dr. Eugene Tanquilut at Advocate South Suburban Hospital recently as Dr. Tanquilut performed the first-ever remote endarterectomy...

Whether it’s a quick trip to Florida or an extended vacation to the French Riviera, you’ll probably want to wear a bathing suit this winter. And if you’ve stayed out of shorts this summer because of VARICOSE VEINS, it’s really time to consider treatment – to not only look better, but...

While we here at Vascular Specialists think all your veins and arteries are amazing, there’s one in particular that does a simply super job – and your life quite literally depends upon it. Your aorta is the largest artery in your body, about the thickness of a garden hose. It...

Often, we think of vascular diseases as something that occurs as we age, affecting those in retirement years and beyond. While it is true that many diseases need decades to become a problem, there are several vascular challenges don’t ignore the younger generations. Here, Dr. Tanquilut and Dr. Pradhan answer your questions...

You’ve probably heard it a dozen times about friends or family; “he’s got a stent now.” While we know that means the patient has been treated surgically, do we have any idea what a stent really is? Dr. Tanquilut, Dr. Pradhan and Vascular Specialists are here to help explain! SO...

When Dr. Tanquilut or Dr. Pradhan measure your blood pressure, they record two numbers. If those numbers are above 120/80, you’ll be told you have high blood pressure. If they are below 90/60, our doctors will be concerned that your blood pressure is too low. While that all sounds reasonable,...

“Time is brain” when a stroke occurs. Each moment that the brain of the stroke victim is without oxygen, the more damage to the victim’s long term health and abilities the stroke will inflict. At Vascular Specialists, Dr. Tanquilut and Dr. Pradhan want you to be able to confidently help when...

There are few medical conditions that can strike fear into hearts as much as a stroke. Experiencing a stroke can be life-changing or, for nearly 130,000 American each year, suddenly life-ending. At Vascular Specialists, Dr. Tanquilut and Dr. Pradhan believe that knowing more about strokes will ease the fear –...

It’s just amazing. If you laid out all the blood vessels in your body in one line, those vessels would circle the world more than four times, totaling about 60,000 miles long. Keep in mind that those vessels would be working 24/7 too, pumping blood away from your heart and...

While we here at Vascular Specialists believe every vein and artery in your body is important, we know that the health of your carotid arteries play a vital part in avoiding life-altering, or life-threatening, stroke. Where are my carotid arteries? Place your fingertips on each side of your neck, under...

Smoking takes a toll on every part of the body For many people, each January 1st is a new chance to finally keep their resolution to quit smoking. These smokers may have tried for years to kick the habit. They know it is expensive, they know it stinks, and they...

As soon as you know that dialysis is in your future, you’ll need to discuss an access with your physician and with us, your vascular surgeons. Time is a significant deciding factor in the choice of access that will be created, along with the size and health of your veins....

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can turn your toes blue – and lead to lost limbs. Dr. Tanquilut and Dr. Pradhan of Vascular Specialists are here to help you better understand the symptoms that can indicate PAD. PAD begins as cholesterol particles accumulate on your artery walls, causing plaque to form....

Keeping your veins and arteries healthy means you’ll keep your whole body healthy. Your vascular system supplies every muscle, every bone and every organ in your body with everything needed to keep functioning at optimum levels.The healthier your vascular system, the healthier your body! Here is a simple way to...

Should I be concerned about DVT (deep vein thrombosis)? If you are experiencing varicose veins, you may be at a higher risk for life-threatening DVT, a blood clot in your deep veins, usually in your legs. DVTs are dangerous because that blood clot may break off and travel to your...

Most definitely not. Here, Dr. Tanquilut and Dr. Pradhan explain! The blood enriching your legs and toes makes quite a journey. Gravity helps the blood travel through the arteries, going away from your heart. But your veins must work against gravity to get that now oxygen-depleted blood back to your...

The causes, symptoms and treatments for those thread-like clusters of veins can be misunderstood. Dr. Tanquilut and Dr. Pradhan are here to help with honest information! FACT: Spider veins are not a “normal” part of getting older.About half of American women and about 2 in 5 American men will experience...