CCSVI

Chronic Cerebrospinal Venous Insufficiency (CCSVI) is a condition in which the veins draining blood from the brain are abnormal. CCSVI has been associated with certain neurologic symptoms, including headache, fatigue, and generalized weakness, in patients for whom no other cause has been identified. Case experience and preliminary data suggest that improving brain venous drainage can provide symptom relief. At Makris Vein Care, Dr. Makris provides state-of-the-art treatments for CCSVI, including angioplasty and, when necessary, stenting.

Dr. Makris has performed over 40 CCSVI procedures and participates in a national Registry, integrated with programs across the country, including New York, San Diego, and Chicago. Dr. Makris, in close collaboration with national colleagues, is committed to maintaining a high standard of care, incorporating the latest techniques and compiling a national database to benefit patients. Dr. Makris is a Fellow in the Society of Interventional Radiology, has had research funded by the National Institute of Health and the American Heart Association, and has a national reputation for advances in the field of Interventional Radiology.

Patient Scheduling

In order to schedule your procedure please complete the CCSVI intake form below. You will be contacted upon receipt of your information and all of your questions will be answered. Your procedure will then be scheduled at your earliest convenience.

Pre-procedure Evaluation

There is not yet consensus in the medical community as to how best to screen for CCSVI. Two tests that are often performed are a specialized ultrasound study, often referred to as the Zamboni Protocol, and Magnetic Resonance Venography (MRV). We prefer that the patient have a Zamboni Protocol ultrasound and MRV is also useful for planning. At this time, either of these tests may be used as inclusion criteria for receiving treatment.

If you have already completed either or both screening exams, please forward the results to us for evaluation. Contact information is as follows:

Makris Vein Care
3011 Butterfield Road, Suite 120
Oak Brook, Illinois 60523
630-990-9729

You may also send your report via email to: Dr. Makris, amakris@aac-llc.com

Costs

If you wish, your insurance provider will be billed for the clinic visits and for the Angioplasty Procedure. However, some health insurance plans do not cover the proposed treatments. Our office will attempt to secure a pre-authorization for the procedure, if necessary. If a required pre-authorization is not granted by your health insurance plan, you will be required to pay for treatment out-of-pocket, but you will be informed of this prior to the treatment. If pre-authorization is granted, you will still be responsible for any non-covered services, deductibles, and/or co-insurance.

Your insurance coverage may legally refuse to pay for a number of different reasons. For example, if the insurance provider believes that the treatments are not medically necessary and/or are not proven effective for your condition, the insurance company may deny payment. Depending on your insurance coverage your portion of out-of-pocket expenses may be more than the discounted upfront pricing.

We accept certified check, VISA, MasterCard, American Express or Discover as payment. You can also arrange payment through Care Credit, and we can provide you with information about this option.