New Knee Osteoarthritis Solution at Espada Vascular!

We’re excited to announce that Dr. Jeffrey M. Martinez is now offering Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)—a groundbreaking, minimally invasive treatment for knee osteoarthritis pain.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Espada Vascular

We specialize in diagnosing and treating vascular conditions, including Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) and osteoarthritis-related knee pain, using Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE). Read more about Espada Vascular here.

We perform procedures in our fully equipped facility, including diagnostic angiograms and venograms; artery and vein treatment with a stent when needed; Varithena and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for vein disease; and Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) for knee pain related to osteoarthritis. We specialize in early detection, personalized treatment plans, and advanced procedures that address poor blood flow, leg discomfort, and joint pain without major surgery. Contact us to make an appointment with Dr. Martinez.

Common symptoms of PAD include leg pain when walking (claudication), numbness, coldness in the lower leg or foot, slow-healing wounds, or skin color changes. Early detection is key to successful treatment. You can read more about PAD here.

You may be at increased risk if you have a history of smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a family history of vascular disease. Age and lifestyle also play a role. We offer risk assessments and screenings. Take our Quiz to find out.

We do treat vein disease. Some patients have varicose veins that may require surgical removal. We do not have the capacity to treat those veins in our clinic. We can recommend clinics that provide these services well.

Please note that we do not treat spider veins or superficial aesthetic veins on the leg with injections. Insurance does not cover spider veins. Patients seeking cosmetic spider vein treatment will need to consult a different specialist. We can recommend clinics that do a great job treating spider veins. We focus on serious, underlying vascular conditions that affect your circulation and overall health.

In most cases, varicose veins are not dangerous, though they can cause discomfort and occasionally lead to complications. If deeper venous issues are contributing to your symptoms, we can evaluate and treat those underlying conditions.

We do not provide dedicated wound care services. However, if we need to remove your bandages to examine your wounds during a visit, we will gladly replace basic bandages and apply antibiotic ointment. For ongoing wound care, please schedule an appointment with your wound care physician.

Appointment & Insurance Questions

In many cases, you don’t need a referral. However, some insurance plans may require one. Call our office, and we’ll be happy to check your plan requirements and guide you through the process.

You can call us directly or request an appointment through our website. Our staff will help you find a convenient time and answer any questions you may have. Contact Us.

We accept most major insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid. Please contact our office for the most up-to-date list of accepted providers or to verify coverage.

Coverage depends on your specific policy. Please contact our office, and our team will be glad to review your plan details with you.

Clinic Visit Questions

Your first visit includes a comprehensive vascular evaluation, a review of your medical history, and, if needed, non-invasive imaging tests. Our team will discuss any findings and go over your personalized treatment options.

Dr. Martinez is a very thorough physician who treats every patient according to their individual needs, so visit lengths can vary. New consultations generally take longer because he wants to truly get to know you and understand how best to help you. Follow-up visits are usually shorter. Our team works diligently to see everyone promptly, and we appreciate your patience. We recommend not scheduling other appointments the same morning or afternoon, as you may need testing that could extend your visit.

Yes, and we are happy to help. These questions are the best way for us to get to know you and to track your progress throughout your care with us. If writing your responses is difficult for any reason, please let our team know, and we will gladly assist you.

Depending on your condition, testing may include an ultrasound, a CT scan, or an angiogram. The good news is that most of these tests are noninvasive and well tolerated by our patients. Our team will walk you through each step so you know exactly what to expect.

They are actually two different studies. Arteries carry oxygen-rich, nutrient-filled blood away from your heart, while veins carry blood back to your heart and lungs to be refreshed. Because each system plays a unique role in your circulation, each requires its own dedicated evaluation, which is also why your arterial and venous ultrasounds may be scheduled on separate days.

Sometimes, but it depends on a few factors. Certain insurance plans require prior authorization before testing, and our scanning schedule may not always have same-day availability. Insurance guidelines also generally do not allow veins and arteries to be scanned on the same date of service, which typically means we schedule an ultrasound of your leg arteries on one day and your veins on another. We work around those requirements to minimize your out-of-pocket expense, and whenever possible we will combine your final ultrasound with a results visit to minimize the number of trips you need to make. Our team will always work to get your testing completed as quickly and conveniently as possible.

Procedure Questions

Our team will provide specific pre-procedure instructions before your appointment, and the details depend on which treatment you are having. In most cases, that means fasting after midnight for angiograms and venograms, wearing loose and comfortable clothing, adjusting certain medications, and arranging a reliable ride home. The questions below cover the specifics for each treatment. We’ll make sure you feel prepared and informed every step of the way.

For angiograms, venograms, and diagnostic angiograms, yes. Please do not eat or drink after midnight the night before your procedure. If your procedure is scheduled after 11 AM, please check with one of our nurses for specific guidance.

For Varithena and RFA treatments, you do not need to fast. Simply come dressed comfortably, as we will wrap your treated leg snugly in bandages after the procedure.

We recommend loose, comfortable clothing. If needed, we will provide a gown or disposable shorts for you to change into. For footwear, choose shoes with some stretch or extra room in case we apply bandages.

Most of our procedures are minimally invasive and done under local anesthesia with mild sedation. Patients typically go home the same day and experience minimal discomfort.

During an angiogram, Dr. Martinez will treat your arteries, not your veins. While both arteries and veins carry blood, they have different jobs. Arteries deliver oxygen-rich, nutrient-filled blood throughout your body, supporting healthy circulation and helping your body heal. Veins act more like the recycling team, carrying blood that has already delivered its oxygen back to the heart to be refreshed. Restoring healthy blood flow through your arteries is one of the most powerful ways we help you feel better and heal faster.

During a venogram, Dr. Martinez will evaluate how blood flows through your veins. Depending on what he finds, he may clear the vein or place a stent to support the vein walls and keep blood flowing as it should.

That decision is easier to make once Dr. Martinez can see inside the blood vessel. Stents aren’t always needed, so he will determine the best approach during your procedure. You can feel confident knowing your treatment plan is tailored to exactly what your body needs.

The procedure typically takes 1 to 2.5 hours. We ask that you arrive about an hour early so our team can fully prepare you and make sure everything is ready for a smooth experience. Recovery usually takes about an hour, though it may be longer depending on how you respond to treatment. If we have any concerns, we may keep you a little longer to be extra careful. Altogether, please plan to be with us for approximately four to five hours, and always arrange a reliable ride home.

The procedure typically takes about an hour, followed by about an hour of recovery. Every patient responds a little differently, so your visit may be shorter or longer. As with all of our procedures, please arrange a reliable ride home in advance.

Plan for about one hour total. The treatment itself takes roughly 30 minutes. Afterward, we will apply bandages, review your care instructions, and send you on your way the same day.

Yes, absolutely. Healthy blood flow is essential for healing, and an infection or wound cannot heal properly without adequate circulation. Restoring blood flow through your procedure is often a key step toward getting your infection under control and helping your body recover.

Yes. We send an updated office note or operative report to the doctor who referred you. If you would like another physician to receive your records as well, let your nurse know their name, phone number, and fax number (if available), and we will make sure the information reaches them.

Satellite Clinic Questions

The ultrasound team at our satellite clinics is provided by an independent third-party company. While Dr. Martinez is in network with most plans, the ultrasound provider may be out of network. In that case, we offer the specific exam Dr. Martinez needs at our Barlite location. If traveling to Barlite is difficult for you, please speak with our nurses or medical assistants, as an alternative exam location may be an acceptable option per Dr. Martinez.

We perform procedures at our home office on Barlite Blvd, where our fully equipped facility is located. Our satellite clinics are designed for consultations and follow-up visits, making it easier for you to see Dr. Martinez closer to home.

Yes. Dr. Martinez and our staff are fully available to care for you at the satellite clinic. Ultrasound testing may also be available, depending on the location and that day’s schedule.

At our Toepperwein location, yes, as long as your ultrasound can be scheduled between 7:00 AM and 8:30 AM. At our Shavano location, same-day testing is available when the schedule permits.

Because our satellite locations are not permanent, our business name isn’t listed on the building. We are happy to print a map of the surrounding area for you, or email or mail one to your home so you can find us with ease.

Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that most commonly appear in the legs and feet. They occur when the small, one-way valves inside the veins become weak or damaged, allowing blood to flow backward and pool in the vein. This causes the vein to stretch and bulge, becoming visible just beneath the skin. Varicose veins are one of the most common early manifestations of venous insufficiency.

While often considered a cosmetic concern, varicose veins can also cause physical discomfort, including an aching or heavy feeling in the legs, burning, throbbing, muscle cramping, and swelling in the lower legs. Symptoms may worsen after prolonged periods of sitting or standing. It is important to note that while we treat symptomatic varicose veins associated with broader chronic venous disease, we do not provide services for spider veins, which are smaller, web-like veins closer to the skin’s surface.

Treatment for varicose veins depends on the severity of the symptoms and the underlying cause. Conservative management may include lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise, weight management, and the use of compression stockings to help improve blood flow. For more significant cases, we offer several minimally invasive options. Vein ablation uses thermal energy delivered through a thin catheter to close off the diseased vein, redirecting blood flow to healthier vessels.


Varithena, an FDA-approved polidocanol injectable foam, is a non-surgical option that collapses and closes incompetent veins, particularly those connected to the great saphenous vein. Understanding the progression of chronic venous disease is essential for determining the most appropriate treatment path.