Medically reviewed by Anastasios Polimenakos, MD, MBA, FACS, FACC, on May 29, 2024
When dealing with the uncomfortable symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), including leg pain, swelling, heaviness, and unsightly varicose veins, choosing a qualified board-certified vein doctor is crucial. Seeking treatment from only a qualified specialist ensures you receive the highest standard of care and the best outcomes.
That’s why by choosing Center for Vein Restoration (CVR), America's largest physician-led vein center, you can be sure you will receive the safest, most advanced vein treatment options provided by the most experienced venous experts.
Center for Vein Restoration proudly introduces Dr. Anastasios Polimenakos, a distinguished physician who will lead the team at CVR’s Columbia, South Carolina vein clinic. Dr. Polimenakos, a graduate of the National University of Athens School of Medicine, Athens, Greece, has an impressive medical background, particularly in the field of venous disease and the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency.
Dr. Polimenakos completed his residency in General Surgery at Case Western Reserve University Hospitals of Cleveland, Ohio, and St. Louis University School of Medicine, Missouri. He then completed his Clinical Fellowship in Thoracic Surgery at Chicago, Illinois, St. Louis University School of Medicine and his Congenital Cardiovascular Surgery and Thoracic Transplantation at the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles Children’s Hospital, Los Angeles, California.
This comprehensive training has equipped him with a diverse skill set that he brings to his practice at CVR.
Dr. Polimenakos is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology (FACC), Washington, DC, and the American College of Surgeons (FACS). He is also a certified Diplomate of the American Board of Surgery, Thoracic Surgery, Congenital Cardiac Surgery, American Heart Association, ACLS / BLS, and PALS.
We had the opportunity to speak to Dr. Polimenakos about his extensive medical background and his approach to treating venous disease. He shared his passion for providing personalized care and commitment to staying at the forefront of medical advancements in treating chronic venous insufficiency.
Dr. Polimenakos: “My name is Anastasios Polimenakos, but people call me Taso. I'm a board-certified cardiothoracic surgeon with congenital and pediatric heart surgery expertise. I’m also board-certified in general surgery.”
Dr. Polimenakos: “My specialty is cardiothoracic surgery. I chose to transition to vein treatment for two major reasons. I want to dedicate more time to research in cardiothoracic surgery, and I believe venous care is expanding as a field. There is a lot of potential inside the venous management arena, both at the superficial level, that is, veins, and at the central venous system.”
Dr. Polimenakos: “I chose to practice vein care with the Center for Vein Restoration because they are a national presence in venous and lymphatic medicine. As an organization, CVR provides quality management and a cohesive environment.
On a personal note, I chose to lead the vein clinic in Columbia, South Carolina, mainly because of family expectations.”
Dr. Polimenakos: “I'm a competent, experienced, fully board-certified surgeon, so I'm able to provide the high standard of care that the CVR requires and can expand more using my surgical skill set in other aspects of venous management that I'm very comfortable with, such as micro phlebectomy, ambulatory micro phlebectomy, and other disease processes.”
Dr. Polimenakos: “I believe patient care philosophy comes from the medical group you join, though individual physicians can also add their own approach. Since I started practicing, my priority has been ensuring peace of mind for patients and their families during the care plan and disease management. We strive to treat them like our own family.”
“I prioritize using the best and most sophisticated approaches to manage venous diseases, which is a crucial part of my expectations in patient care.” - Dr. Anastasios Polimenakos
Dr. Polimenakos: “Every physician at CVR plays a multifaceted role. We contribute to a well-functioning vein care team, create a supportive environment for patients and families, and serve as trustworthy healthcare partners within our South Carolina community. It's a multi-level, multifactorial approach.”
Dr. Polimenakos: “The most important thing is to feel that they received a customized, quality care plan, that we are accessible to them for any questions, and that we provide peace of mind to entrust themselves and family members to our service.
Dr. Polimenakos: “I want physicians to know I am accessible to them. They should feel that they are a part of the extensive network of physicians and that they're partnering with CVR, so they can reach us anytime, and we can reach them anytime. We can discuss a care plan for mutual patients and clarify potential questions that they might have about how they want to manage their patients and how we can collaborate for the best interest of our mutual patients and their families.”
When you choose a CVR physician to diagnose and treat chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) symptoms such as swelling, pain, fatigue, varicose veins, skin changes, venous ulcers, deep vein thrombosis, and more, you benefit from the expertise of over 70 board-certified specialists in venous and lymphatic medicine.
CVR physicians undergo rigorous training and stay updated on the latest advancements, ensuring access to the most advanced, evidence-based vein treatment options. They then develop personalized treatment plans tailored to their patient's needs and preferences, ensuring that each patient receives the most appropriate and effective care.
Call 240-965-3915 to speak to a Patient Services Representative or schedule your consultation online at a CVR near you today.
CVR accepts many insurances, including Aetna, Amerigroup, Anthem, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Cigna, MultiPlan, Medicaid, Medicare, and more.