Redefining Specialty Care

La Jolla Vein Care is a state-of-the-art medical center dedicated exclusively to the diagnosis and treatment of vein conditions such as varicose veins, spider veins, and venous leg ulcers. With a commitment to improving the quality of life for all patients, the facility provides expert consultation, precision diagnosis, and advanced treatment in a personalized and comfortable setting. Comfort is maximized in every way. Whether it’s the soothing colors in the office or the tranquil sounds of a waterfall, everything is designed to make your visit as pleasant as possible. By specializing in minimally invasive and non-surgical treatments, the facility is redefining specialty care in the 21st century.

The institute, located on the Scripps Memorial Campus, offers the following services:

  • Spider Vein Treatment

  • Varicose Vein Treatment


  • Sclerotherapy


  • Veinwave™
  • Ultrasound Guided Foam Sclerotherapy

  • Endovenous Chemical Ablation

  • VNUS Closure
Endovenous
  • Radiofrequency Ablation

  • Vascular Imaging

  • Venous Duplex Examinations for Venous Valvular Insufficiency

  • Venous Duplex Examinations for Deep Venous Thrombosis

  • Compression Stocking Fitting


  • Compression Socks/Stockings


Physicians & Staff

Nisha Bunke, MD

Venous Disease Specialist

Dr. Bunke specializes in highly advanced and minimally invasive out-patient procedures for treating a wide spectrum of venous conditions. Dr. Bunke has dedicated her practice exclusively to the management of venous and lymphatic disorders since 2008. Dr. Bunke is currently appointed as the Director of La Jolla Vein Care, Clinical Instructor of Surgery at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine, member of the Scripps Ximed Medical Group and an Attending Physician for the Vein Center at UCSD’s new Sulpizio Cardovascular Center. In addition to her private practice and the university vein clinics, Dr. Bunke dedicates fifteen hours per week to treating patients at the Veteran’s Administrative Medical Center, San Diego where she is also appointed as a Faculty Physician.



Dr. Bunke received her internship and residency training in Family Medicine at Deaconess Hospital in southern Indiana. Following this, she became the first physician in the United States to complete a Phlebology Fellowship at UCSD and the Vein Institute of La Jolla. Dr. Bunke trained specifically under the guidance of Dr. John Bergan, a world-renowned vascular surgeon and preeminent authority in the field. Phlebology is the discipline of medicine that focuses specifically on venous and lymphatic disorders. Dr. Bunke is amongst the 1% of vein specialists in the United States with Board Certification in this field. Dr. Bunke is board certified in both Family Medicine and Phlebology, but limits her practice exclusively to the treatment of venous and lymphatic disorders.

In addition to providing patient care, Dr. Bunke actively leads clinical research studies. In 2009, Dr. Bunke was awarded the Internationale Union of Phlebologie Research Fellowship and the Best Young Presenter Award in Monaco. Collectively, Dr. Bunke and Dr. Bergan were awarded the 2008 JOBST Research Award for the Advancement of Phlebology for their research on Inflammatory Bio-Markers of Venous Insufficiency. Moreover, Dr. Bunke is a member of (1) the American Medical Association (AMA), (2) San Diego County Medical Society, (3) Society for Vascular Medicine, (4) the American College of Phlebology (ACP), and (5) the American Venous Forum. 


Helane Fronek, MD, FACP, FACPh

Venous Disease Specialist

Helane Fronek MD, FACP, FACPh entered the field of phlebology in 1985 and has been an integral part of the development of this new medical specialty. As the Director of the Varicose Vein Clinic at Scripps Clinic, she provided cutting edge treatment for the entire spectrum of superficial venous disorders and conducted research on venous leg ulceration, compression therapy, and emerging therapies for varicose veins. Dr. Fronek is a past president of the American College of Phlebology, the largest medical organization devoted to vein care. She is a respected speaker and educator in all aspects of diagnosis and treatment for venous disease and communication in the medical arena. Dr. Fronek was the first recipient of the American College of Phlebology’s prestigious Leadership Award. Board-certified in both Internal Medicine and Phlebology, she is also Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine at UC-San Diego School of Medicine, where she teaches medical students the practice of physical examination and the art of medicine. Dr. Fronek has dedicated her career to providing technically excellent and compassionate care to her patients and to inspiring and teaching the next generation of phlebologists. Dr. Fronek is well known for authoring, ‘The Fundamentals of Phlebology’ which is a medical textbook used by most Phlebologists entering the field.

Marialyn J. Sardo, MD, FACS

Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Sardo is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with over 20 years of experience in cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. Dr. Sardo is skilled in vein procedures to eliminate unsightly spider veins and facial veins. In addition to performing cosmetic vein procedures, she is the founder of the Center For Beauty, a full service plastic surgery practice, also located in the La Jolla Vein Care facility.

As a graduate of the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine in 1982, Dr. Sardo trained in general surgery at the University of California, Los Angeles and the prestigious Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. She received her training in Plastic and Reconstructive surgery at Boston University Medical Center.

Dr. Sardo obtained Board Certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and became a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS). Dr. Sardo maintains hospital staff privileges at Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla, Sharp Memorial Hospital (Former Chief of Plastic Surgery), and Mary Birch Women’s Hospital.

Professional Society Memberships include the Association of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (ASPS), the California Medical Association, the San Diego County Medical Society, the San Diego Plastic Surgery Society, and the American Association of Physician Artists. Dr. Sardo volunteers her time at the medical clinic at Rachel’s Women’s Shelter in San Diego and at the Samaritan House in Denver, CO.

Chris Burgess, RN

Registered Nurse Sclerotherapist

Chris Burgess is a Registered Nurse who has extensive experience in sclerotherapy and laser treatment of spider veins. She has worked alongside of Dr. Bunke since 2008, and was trained in the art of sclerotherapy by Dr. John Bergan, who offered her a position at the Vein Institute of La Jolla in 2006. Chris was the first nurse to be awarded La Jolla Vein Care’s Certification of Excellence in Sclerotherapy. She is also certified in Laser Medicine by the Academy of Aesthetics and laser medicine. Patients rave about her gentle touch, humor and pleasant bedside manner.

Ericka Harrison, RVT

Vascular Sonographer

As a Vascular Sonographer, Ericka has specialized training in ultrasound examinations of the entire vascular system. Ericka attended college at Southeast Missouri State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Management. After obtaining her undergraduate degree, she attended a two-year program in Cardiovascular Technology at Grossmont College. After graduating at the top of her class in 2008, she joined the staff at the VA Medical Center’s Vascular Lab and now La Jolla Vein Care.

Clarice Jackson, RVT, RDMS

Vascular Sonographer

Clarice has over 30 years of experience in general and vascular ultrasound. She joins La Jolla Vein Care from Kaiser Permanente.

Diane Starzinski, CMA

Medical Assistant, Certified Fitter

Manager of Compression Therapy Education & Affairs

Diane is a certified medical assistant who has worked in the medical field since 1988. Diane has a dual role as the physician’s clinical assistant and compression therapy manager. Diane has extensive knowledge about compression mechanisms and is up-to-date with the latest technology in compression therapy. She is certified to assist patients in custom fittings, ordering and patient education.

Kristi Manion, CMA

Medical Assistant

Kristi is a native San Diegan, who in addition to working in the medical field is a lifeguard and Supervisor.

Lisa Caputo

Patient Coordinator

Lisa is credited for executing the smooth day-to-day operations of La Jolla Vein Care. Lisa understands that patients have busy schedules and strives to make their experience as pleasant and comfortable as possible. From minimizing patient wait times to staying late to return phone calls- Lisa prioritizes patients needs. She is praised by patients and her colleagues for her friendly nature and going the extra mile to make sure patients needs are met.