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About Us 

The mission of Vascular Surgery Associates (VSA) is to provide our patients with exceptional care in a personalized and compassionate setting. 

We are a private, independent medical practice that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of vascular diseases, treatment and prevention of chronic non-healing wounds. We are located in the northern suburb of Blaine. 

Meet The Team

Dr. Walvatne refined techniques for outpatient procedures. Prior to this, the vast majority of venous surgery was performed in the operating room, usually requiring a general anesthetic. These outpatient procedures are significantly less expensive for patients, while at same time more effective.

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History​

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  • 1994-Dr. Walvatne completed his training in surgery and critical care at the University of Minnesota. Immediately after, he joined the faculty at the university and taught vascular surgery and wound care.

  • 1994-2000 Dr. Walvatne worked with pioneering techniques in venous surgery with his faculty partner, Michael Caldwell, MD.

  • 1996-Dr. Walvatne left the faculty and started a private practice that focused on peripheral vascular surgery and wound care.

  • He continued to run the wound clinic at University of Minnesota until May of 2000.

  • 1996-1999, Dr. Walvatne  worked collaboratively with Dr. Gannon, and in 1999 they merged their two practices into Vascular Surgery Associates.

  • June 2001- Dr. Walvatne was one of the first physicians in Minnesota to use endovenous ablation techniques to treat venous insufficiency.

  • 2005- Dr. Gannon retired after a very long and successful career.

  • 2014- Stephanie Walvatne, DNP, CNP, joined Vascular Surgery Associates after nearly 20 years as a cardiac and critical care nurse.

  • 2015-Engaged in clinical collaboration with Steven Kavros, DPM, former Director of the Mayo Wound Program.

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Enjoyments​

 

Hiking along the North Shore of Lake Superior, traveling abroad to visit family and friends, biking, reading, playing piano, studying Christian apologetics and theology.

Spending time with family and friends and her dog, Cisco.

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History​

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  • University of Cincinnati: 2017, Doctor of Nursing Practice

  • University of Cincinnati: 2013, Master of Science in Nursing; Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

  • College of St. Scholastica: 2010, Bachelor of Science in Nursing

  • Bethel College: 2004, Bachelor of Arts in Business Management

  • Anoka-Ramsey Community College: 1996, Associate of Science in Nursing

 

Certification​

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  • Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, AANP since 2014

  • Critical Care Registered Nurse, AACN since 2008

 

Member 

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  • American Association of Nurse Practitioners

  • American Association of Critical Care Nurses

  • Wound Healing Society

  • Association for the Advancement of Wound Care

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