Dr. Lauren Frye, of the Nashville Vascular and Vein Institute in Nashville, not only performs vascular surgery, but also focuses on educating her patients to prevent future issues. “I always had a strong interest in nutrition [she has a master's degree in the field], atherosclerosis and heart disease,” she says. “So, I wanted to utilize those interests when choosing a medical specialty.”
Dealing with patients who have atherosclerosis, counseling them for better health and devising fitness goals was a perfect mesh for her educational background and skills. Dr. Frye finds most people are confused when it comes to what causes these blockages, and how to avoid them. “Things that lead to vascular disease, high blood pressure, and poor glucose control are diets high in saturated fats, cholesterol, sugar and salt,” she says. “All of those things, as well as smoking, lead to plaque buildup in arteries or atherosclerosis, commonly known as hardening of the arteries.”
Before and after Dr. Frye does a surgical intervention, she spends time with patients discussing how to best keep arteries open, the best medications to take, optimal blood pressure range, and how to go about making lifestyle changes. “Vascular surgeons are involved with their patients throughout the course of their lives,” she says. “It's not just a one-and-done thing.”
She joined Nashville Vascular and Vein Institute last August, and appreciates the benefits a small practice can offer. “We can truly be here for our patients and really spend time with them,” she says. “Every time we get a phone call, we answer it within three rings, and at night, either Dr. [Patrick] Ryan or I receive calls on our cell phones.”
Dr. Ryan is the owner of the practice and his wife, Susan, is the assistant manager and pharmacist.
The practice provides many in-office treatments for people with artery and vein issues. “We have a vascular procedure center right off of our office where we offer a wide range of procedures, such as stents and balloon angioplasty,” says Dr. Frye. “There’s no hospital stay, which saves money, and in these days of crowded hospitals and COVID, it’s a perfect alternative."
They also perform minimally invasive transcarotid arterial revascularization (TCAR) in a hospital setting.
Another common procedure is for varicose veins. In addition to being unsightly, she explains, these can cause swelling and tiredness in the legs. After treatment, many people find that their legs are less tired, and they can more easily perform their daily activities.
“We operate on every blood vessel in the body, except the heart,” says Dr. Frye. “Our specialty is blood vessels, and you want someone who’s trained in vascular surgery to do your procedure, rather than another type of surgeon.”
She gets a lot of personal fulfillment from taking care of people and helping them lead better and more active lives. “It's very satisfying to me that I have that skill. Seeing people getting better and hearing their feedback is so rewarding.”
Dr. Frye, along with her husband, Brooks Frye, an attorney in Brentwood, and their toddler Blaise, live in Brentwood.