The Power of Collaboration: How One CVL Practice Helped Another Launch an Innovative Vein Clinic 

The opportunity to share knowledge and collaborate with premier, like-minded physicians is a major draw for cardiology practices that partner with Cardiovascular Logistics (CVL). They recognize the value of working closely with other top-tier cardiologists to introduce new diagnostic and treatment services that improve patients’ health and quality of life. This approach paid significant dividends for a CVL practice that was ready to bring a vein clinic to the market. 

Addressing a Critical Unmet Need  

Capital Cardiology Associates (CCA) was eager to serve an unmet need in the Albany, New York market: a scarcity of nonsurgical treatments for venous insufficiency and other vein problems. When damaged or weakened veins fail to return blood to the heart effectively, blood can pool in the legs and create painful and potentially debilitating varicose veins, which affect up to 35% of US adults (per the Society for Vascular Surgery). Vein insufficiency can also lead to venous ulcers that take a long time to heal and are at risk of infection. Left untreated, these conditions can cause lower leg edema, blood clots, and even deep vein thrombosis (DVT). 

“There were no cardiology practices in the Capital District that were providing vein intervention services,” said Dr. Pamela Telisky, a CCA interventional cardiologist who is board certified in internal medicine and cardiology. “Most referred patients with these conditions for cardiovascular surgery.”  

CCA wanted to change the local landscape for vein treatment by establishing a vein clinic. When the practice partners discovered that another CVL practice—Cardiovascular Institute of the South (CIS)—had already launched a highly successful vein treatment program, they were eager to leverage their colleagues’ experience. Though Dr. Telisky received peripheral vascular treatment training during her fellowship at Deborah Heart and Lung Center, she initially worked at a practice that didn’t perform these procedures. Now at CCA, she was ready to apply her training to treat venous insufficiency and excited about the opportunity to work with CIS. 

Collaborating for Success 

The CIS Vein and Leg Centers offer a wide range of nonsurgical methods for treating venous disease. Dr. Amit Amin, a key leader in the program, is board certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular disease, and interventional cardiology and has extensive experience in total peripheral vascular care. 

Dr. Telisky spent two days training under Dr. Amin and observing how the CIS team operates the Vein and Leg Centers. She obtained a temporary license to practice in Louisiana so she could not only observe but also perform these procedures alongside the CIS team for a productive hands-on experience. While there she participated in more than 20 venous disease treatment procedures on clinic patients, learning the CIS team’s proven techniques.  

“Dr. Amin was instrumental in helping to get our vein program started,” said Dr. Telisky. “We not only learned about his methodologies for these procedures; we also learned about the clinic’s workflow and operations.” And with exposure to the number of procedures completed per day at the CIS vein centers, CCA now had a model for its own clinic’s potential growth. 

“Seeing how another physician has helped transform a practice with a peripheral treatment clinic gives you confidence that you can do the same, knowing you have someone highly experienced in this area to bounce ideas off,” she added.   

Dr. Amin and several other CIS staff members were even on hand for the clinic opening to oversee the initial procedures, troubleshoot equipment issues, and offer guidance. “The day went very smoothly, and the CIS team’s support was very much welcomed,” she said. 

Offering New Vein Disease Treatment Options 

Thanks to the mentorship and support from CIS, CCA is now offering Albany-area patients a nonsurgical alternative for treating vein disease. The vein clinic launched in the summer of 2024, focusing on two modalities: 

• Radiofrequency ablation, which uses a heat coil on the tip off a catheter to collapse the blood vessel and render it nonfunctional 

• Varithena foam sclerosant, which involves injecting a solution into the blood vessel, causing it to break down and become nonfunctional 

These procedures require no general anesthesia and take 20-30 minutes on average, offering a convenient treatment option that can improve a patient’s quality of life significantly. Despite an appointment schedule constrained by space and staff availability, the clinic has performed 40+ treatments in a short time and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. 

“So far the majority of our patients have been referrals from other CCA physicians who see the value of this approach,” Dr. Telisky said. “Based on our current trajectory, I’m confident we will help a large number of patients by providing vein disease treatments that improve their quality of life.” Over time, CCA hopes to expand the clinic’s reach by offering cosmetic vein procedures on a fee-for-service basis and moving the program to one of the practice’s larger facilities.  

Dr. Telisky credits the CVL platform as integral to enabling the delivery of a much-needed cardiology service. “When you’re performing cardiovascular interventions, it’s helpful to discuss a particular procedure or case with other physicians who are doing this work,” she explained. “Being part of the CVL platform allows more collaboration than would happen otherwise.” 

The ability to collaborate with and learn from other premier cardiologists is just one reason to consider joining the CVL platform. If you’re passionate about advancing cardiovascular medicine and providing the highest quality cardiovascular care, joining the CVL platform may be the right decision for your cardiology practice.  

Contact CVL to explore how a partnership can help you enhance your cardiology practice’s service offerings and provide more comprehensive patient care. 

FAQs