Dr. Michael A. Vasquez Bio

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The Venous Institute of Buffalo is devoted to promoting vein health. Michael A. Vasquez MD, RVT, is a diplomate of the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Venous & Lymphatic Medicine. He is nationally and internationally recognized for his expertise, teaching, and research in outcomes following treatment of venous reflux disease. He specializes in chronic venous insufficiency treatments including the VenaSeal procedure, endothermal radiofrequency ablation using the ClosureFast catheter, Varithena polidocanol microfoam chemical ablation, ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy, and microphlebectomy.

Dr. Vasquez earned his medical degree at State University of New York (SUNY) Buffalo, where he completed a general surgery residency and remains instructing. He is also a Registered Vascular Technologist directing a dedicated venous Vascular Ultrasound Lab. He founded The Venous Institute of Buffalo in 2010.

Recently selected as a Distinguished Fellow of the American Venous Forum for “remarkable achievements in the field of venous medicine” Dr. Michael Vasquez remains committed to vein health from the Buffalo-Niagara region to overseas. From pioneering novel endovenous technology through research and education, he has regular interaction with thought leaders in Phlebology throughout the world. These leaders have greatly influenced his practice and he feels privileged to share his expertise locally.

Outreach through outcomes is the key to patient satisfaction and practice success. Dr. Vasquez is lead co-author of the Revised Venous Clinical Severity Score (J Vasc Surg 2010; 52:1387-96) which sets the international standard for following clinical outcomes in venous treatments. He is also co-author of Clinical practice guidelines of the Society for Vascular Surgery and the American Venous Forum (J Vasc Surg 2011;53[Suppl 5]:2S-48S), which is the most referenced vein guidelines of its time. More recently he is co-author of a Chapter in the HANDBOOK OF VENOUS DISORDERS: Guidelines of the American Venous Forum, Fourth Edition which provides the most current information on evaluation and treatment of venous and lymphatic diseases; and he is co-author of the most comprehensive document of international venous experts: VENOUS HEMODYNAMIC CHANGES IN LOWER LIMB VENOUS DISEASE: The UIP (Union Internationale de Phlébologie) Consensus Document (International Angiology 2016;35[3]:236-352).

Being a private practice surgeon affiliated with SUNY Buffalo who is able to effectively promote outcomes, Dr. Vasquez has been asked to participate as Principal Investigator in several FDA approved Phase 3 Clinical Trials. As such he has extensive experience in the newest endovenous treatments including Varithena and VenaSeal since their inception in the United States. He has been performing endovenous radiofrequency saphenous ablation (VNUS Closure procedure) since September 2003 and was the first in New York State to use the ClosureFast catheter, helping over 8,000 patients to date. Working relationships with vascular colleagues that provide bordering clinical care enhance the outcomes mission of the Venous Institute of Buffalo.

Dr. Vasquez has received awards for teaching, research, service to medical education, and healthcare innovation. These include the Society for Vascular Surgery Health Policy Committee, the American College of Phlebology, the Eastern Vascular Society, the Venous Disease Coalition, and International Society of Endovascular Specialists. In addition, he serves as a reviewer for the Journal of Vascular Surgery: Venous and Lymphatic Disorders, European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Phlebology, and Annals of Vascular Surgery. He remains active in the Western New York Vascular Society and is Past President of Buffalo Surgical Society. He has delivered 80 major presentations throughout the world on his work. He has been published in 7 book chapters, 5 comprehensive review articles, and multiple abstracts. He has been interviewed frequently by television, radio and written media. In 2009 he was featured in the SUNY Buffalo Physician. He was awarded the “Health Care 50 Award” by WNY Business First to honor “extraordinary professionals involved in the medical field.” In 2015 and 2016 he is voted to America’s Top Doctors® list published by Castle Connolly Medical. Dr. Vasquez received his New York State Medical License on April 4, 1995.

Dr. Vasquez is proud to offer to Buffalo some of the most progressive and outcome-oriented treatments of varicose veins and chronic venous disease anywhere in the world.