Uncategorized | USA Hemorrhoid Centers

Our Founder Yan Katsnelson, M.D.

Posted on March 27, 2025March 27, 2025 by USA Hemorrhoid Centers

About

Dr. Yan Katsnelson

Organizations

Founder of USA Vein Clinics, USA Fibroid Centers, USA Vascular Centers, USA Hemorrhoid Centers, USA Pain Center, USA Prostate Centers, USA Longevity Centers and USA Oncology Centers

Biography

Dr. Yan Katsnelson is an entrepreneur, highly skilled cardiac surgeon, business owner, and philanthropist. He is the founder and CEO of USA Hemorrhoid Centers which is part of USA Clinics Group – the parent company of USA Fibroid Centers, USA Vascular Centers, USA Vein Clincs, USA Prostate Centers, USA Pain Center, USA Longevity Centers, and USA Oncology Centers. Dr. Katsnelson has established himself as a strong advocate for accessible, affordable, and compassionate healthcare services.

As the CEO of USA Clinics Group, Dr. Katsnelson has pioneered expanding minimally invasive options that provide high-quality care using the latest technology in the most advanced facilities to the communities that need it most. He also founded the Chicago Heart Institute, which was dedicated to the advanced treatments of cardiovascular diseases.

Dr. Katsnelson, M.D., completed a fellowship at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard School of Medicine, in Boston, MA. He was a faculty cardiac surgeon at the University of Chicago prior to starting his Cardiovascular and Thoracic private practice in Chicago Northwest suburbs. Dr. Yan Katsnelson was the first U.S. surgeon to perform the double valve replacement using Biocor™ tissue valve. His clinical areas of expertise included minimally invasive valve surgery, complex aortic operations, re-operative coronary and valve surgery, and beating-heart (off-pump) bypass surgery. He is published in various medical and scientific journals.

Dr. Yan Katsnelson’s Vision for Healthcare

His vision of healthcare combines advanced medical and informational technology and creates a unique, data-driven approach that enables individualized treatment planning and achieves consistent outcomes. He developed a comprehensive healthcare management platform to optimize each patient’s experience before, during and after an appointment with streamlined scheduling, insurance verification, prior authorizations, clinical decision-management support, and treatment process quality assurance.

Dr. Yan Katsnelson together with his wife also started the Fibroid Fighters Foundation to advance the cause of women’s health and the safe and effective minimally invasive treatment of uterine fibroids. He is member of the international Save a Child’s Heart that provides life-saving cardiac treatment to children from underdeveloped countries. Dr Katsnelson leads development of ECHO assisted technology that enables screening of thousands of children worldwide.

Other Organizations

Founder of the Chicago Heart Institute
American Medical Association
American Vein and Lymphatic Society [American College of Phlebology]
Cardiothoracic Surgery Network [Chicago]
Chicagoland Association of Russian-speaking Physicians
Society of Thoracic Surgery

Honors and Awards

1990: Ural Medical Academy, Russia
2002: American Heart Saver, American Heart Association Award
2005: Nation’s First Double Implant of New St. Jude Tissue Heart Valve

Focused on Your Care

Posted on March 27, 2025March 28, 2025 by USA Hemorrhoid Centers

Each March, physicians’ dedication and invaluable contributions are recognized on National Doctors’ Day. At USA Hemorrhoid Centers, we want to recognize our doctors every day for their expertise, compassion, and commitment to patient-centered care.

See Our Team Share Their Perspective

To understand what drives our physicians, our CEO and Founder, Yan Katsnelson, MD, recently shared the vision behind USA Clinics Group, a large network of outpatient clinics, which includes USA Hemorrhoid Centers. The philosophy shared by our team of specialists is simple: to improve lives by making effective treatments more accessible and convenient, allowing patients to return to their daily routines without painful symptoms.

Katsnelson described his time as a heart surgeon as a transformative experience. Restoring heart function was deeply rewarding, but he saw the potential for less invasive procedures to achieve similar, impactful results.

“That’s the magic of today’s medicine, minimally invasive treatments for very common conditions,” said Dr. Katsnelson. “Procedures with minimal to no risk and extraordinary outcomes.”

This commitment drives USA Hemorrhoid Centers to focus on providing nonsurgical hemorrhoid treatments for chronic symptoms that significantly impact patients’ daily lives.

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A Better Way: Minimally Invasive Treatments

Dr. Katsnelson’s transition from performing complex surgeries to pioneering a patient-first philosophy of care was driven by outcomes. He saw firsthand how advanced techniques could offer relief without hospitalization, long recovery times, or invasive procedures.

“Patients who had struggled with discomfort and embarrassment for years were suddenly able to find relief with a quick, outpatient procedure,” Dr. Katsnelson recalled. “Seeing how much their daily lives improved was incredibly motivating.”

Katsnelson believes medicine extends beyond treating individual patients, it’s about building a system rooted in consistency and compassion to ensure care is accessible and effective for all. This approach allows thousands of patients to receive treatment from highly skilled physicians without lengthy recovery times.

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Expanding Care to Those in Need

Ensuring consistent, high-quality patient care is at the heart of USA Hemorrhoid Centers’ mission. Dr. Katsnelson emphasized the importance of standardized protocols, rigorous training, and state-of-the-art management systems that integrate clinical best practices. This structured approach allows our specialists to provide accessible and advanced treatment in every community we serve.

Recognizing the impact of minimally invasive treatments offered, USA Clinics Group was launched to offer care for conditions including varicose and spider veins, knee arthritis, peripheral artery disease (PAD), enlarged prostates, hemorrhoids, uterine fibroids, and preventative CT scans.

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Our Doctors’ Insights: Why We Care

A core principle at USA Hemorrhoid Centers is ensuring that patients, especially those in underserved communities, have access to the advanced care they need. Dr. Katsnelson and our team of specialists are passionate about eliminating barriers to treatment and providing solutions that allow individuals to live more comfortably.

“I became a doctor because I wanted to make a real difference in people’s lives. Seeing patients regain their comfort and confidence after struggling with a condition for years is incredibly fulfilling.” – Dr. Stephanie Spano

“Medicine has always been about more than just treatment for me—it’s about listening to patients, understanding their concerns, and helping them find solutions that improve their daily lives.” – Dr. Jeffrey Gunzenhauser

“I was drawn to medicine because I wanted to provide effective care to those in need. Helping patients return to their routines without pain through minimally invasive treatments is what drives me every day.” – Dr. Sanjeev Saxena

Patient Success Stories

Alexis B. – The staff at USA Hemorrhoid Centers was incredible. They kept me informed throughout the entire process and checked in often to make sure I was comfortable. I’m so glad I went through with the treatment and excited to see the improvements.

Abe K. – I’m really happy I chose USA Hemorrhoid Centers. The staff is friendly and professional, and the doctor made me feel completely at ease, taking the time to answer all my questions. The whole experience has been amazing—I couldn’t be happier.

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You Are Our Focus at USA Hemorrhoid Centers

Our values focus on “I CARE” which encompasses integrity, compassion, accountability, respect and excellence. We care about every individual’s unique health condition and our treatment plans are tailored to each patient.

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Difference Between Hemorrhoids & Anal Fissures

Posted on September 25, 2024March 13, 2025 by USA Hemorrhoid Centers

Bleeding during a bowel movement and anal discomfort are symptoms of two common and seemingly similar conditions: hemorrhoids and anal fissures.

It’s easy to confuse the two if you look at symptoms alone. Often, a medical exam is the only way to determine for sure if anal bleeding, irritation, and other issues are caused by anal fissures or hemorrhoids. Knowing the difference can determine what treatment will offer relief and what prevention strategies will help you avoid future problems.

USA Hemorrhoid Centers is an expert in non-surgical hemorrhoid treatment. This guide explains the difference between hemorrhoids and anal fissures and what to do if you think you have symptoms caused by one of these conditions.

What’s the Difference Between Hemorrhoids and Anal Fissures?

The difference between hemorrhoids and anal fissures is that hemorrhoids impact veins in or near the anus, and anal fissures are tears in the anal tissue.

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anus or lower part of the rectum.

The veins in this region expand and widen as the tissue in the rectum and anus stretches and contracts to hold and eliminate stool. Excessive stretching of these blood vessels due to pressure and straining can weaken the vein walls, causing them to become swollen and inflamed.

Common causes of hemorrhoids include:

Straining during a bowel movement
Straining from heavy lifting
Excess weight
Pressure from a growing uterus during pregnancy

These swollen piles of veins can cause serious discomfort or bleeding. They can occur internally or externally.

Anal fissures are tiny cuts on the inner lining of the anus.

Like hemorrhoids, they can occur after straining from constipation or while passing a large or hard stool. Other possible causes include:

Tight sphincter muscles
Straining while giving birth
Anal intercourse
Chronic diarrhea

Hemorrhoid Symptoms vs. Anal Fissure Symptoms

Some hemorrhoid symptoms overlap with the symptoms of an anal fissure. Both conditions can cause the following:

Bright red blood in the stool, on the toilet paper, or in the toilet bowl after pooping
Anal pain

The main difference between anal fissures and hemorrhoids is when that pain occurs.

Anal fissures cause pain during a bowel movement. The pain can be severe, especially while pushing, and it can linger for minutes or hours after using the bathroom.

Hemorrhoid pain only occurs with an external hemorrhoid or an internal hemorrhoid that is prolapsed (a prolapsed hemorrhoid has fallen outside of the rectum). The pain occurs while sitting, whether on the toilet to have a bowel movement or in a chair.

With the types of hemorrhoids that cause pain (external and prolapsed hemorrhoids), it’s usually possible to feel a lump near the anus. An external hemorrhoid will feel like a hard lump. A prolapsed hemorrhoid is a soft lump that protrudes from the anus.

Pain during a bowel movement without a lump is more likely to be an anal fissure.

A non-prolapsed internal hemorrhoid may bleed, but it won’t create a lump you can feel or cause the intense pain associated with an anal fissure.

Another way to spot the difference is to look for other symptoms. Hemorrhoids can also cause irritation and itching around the anus and a feeling of pressure in the lower rectum.

Is It Possible to Have a Hemorrhoid and an Anal Fissure at the Same Time?

It is possible to have both at once, making it even more confusing to recognize if hemorrhoids or anal fissures are the cause of symptoms.

Straining and pressure can lead to swollen veins and tears in the lining of the anus. These conditions can also both be exacerbated by poor blood flow to the anal area.

The tearing from an anal fissure can cause intense pain, causing the muscles in this area to spasm, which decreases blood flow.

Studies show that people with chronic constipation and hemorrhoids are also more likely to have chronic venous insufficiency, a condition that causes varicose veins and poor blood flow.¹

Poor circulation slows down the movement of oxygen and nutrients to tissue throughout the body, inhibiting the healing process.²

That’s one reason why a proper diagnosis, treatment, and lifestyle changes to prevent future problems are so important. If either one of these anal issues becomes chronic, healing can take longer, and recurrences are more likely, which means more bleeding, pain, and discomfort.

Hemorrhoid vs. Anal Fissure Treatment and Prevention Strategies

Many cases of hemorrhoids or anal fissures resolve after a few days without medical treatment. Although the causes are different between hemorrhoids and anal fissures, they both can improve from some of the same strategies. Usually, lifestyle changes help speed healing and prevent future issues.

Eating a high-fiber diet and drinking more water can soften the stool and prevent constipation, resulting in less straining.
Getting regular exercise increases circulation, helping to heal a tear or a swollen vein. Exercise also prevents constipation.
Soaking in warm baths can also increase blood flow to the anal region, helping to relieve discomfort, speed healing, and prevent hemorrhoids and anal fissures.

Sometimes, internal hemorrhoids don’t go away on their own and require medical treatment. They can last for weeks or longer.

Generally, hemorrhoid symptoms that don’t go away after a week should be checked out by a doctor. They can determine if someone has hemorrhoids, anal fissures, or other conditions that can cause rectal bleeding and anal discomfort, like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or ulcerative colitis. A hemorrhoid doctor can also recommend the best treatment for the individual.

While colorectal surgeons and gastroenterologists are more commonly associated with treating hemorrhoids, Interventional Radiologists (IR) can offer effective treatments for these conditions.

IRs use minimally invasive imaging techniques to guide procedures, often providing a less invasive and faster recovery time than traditional surgical approaches.

If you’re considering treatment for hemorrhoids, it’s a good idea to discuss your options with both an IR and a colorectal surgeon or gastroenterologist to determine the best approach for your specific situation.

Hemorrhoid treatment can relieve bleeding, swelling, and other symptoms. USA Hemorrhoid Centers offers a non-surgical treatment called hemorrhoid artery embolization (HAE). This minimally invasive procedure is less painful and has a lower risk of complications than other treatments like hemorrhoid surgery and rubber band ligation, making it a good option for most people who need treatment.

Anal fissures usually go away with a high-fiber diet and drinking more water. Over-the-counter stool-softening products and fiber supplements can also help. When anal fissures are chronic, they can be treated with a sphincterotomy, a procedure that relaxes the muscles around the anus.

How to Tell if You Have Hemorrhoids or Anal Fissures?

If you’re dealing with bleeding, pain, and discomfort during or after a bowel movement, it could be hemorrhoids or anal fissures. Knowing the differences between the symptoms can help you understand what type of anorectal issue you’re dealing with. However, a proper diagnosis is the only way to know for sure and to get access to treatment for problems that won’t go away.

Why Choose USA Hemorrhoid Centers

Our doctors are experienced IR hemorrhoid specialists who can evaluate your symptoms, determine the cause, and how to treat them. We offer hemorrhoid consultations and treatment to help our patients return to living hemorrhoid-free.

If you suspect you have hemorrhoids and your symptoms don’t clear up in a few days, schedule a consultation at a location near you. We have clinics nationwide, and all of our locations accept a wide range of insurance.

Schedule a consultation with one of our expert hemorrhoid doctors and get a personalized treatment plan to help you get relief.

Sources

Ekici, U., Kartal, A., & Ferhatoglu, M. F. (2019). Association Between Hemorrhoids and Lower Extremity Chronic Venous Insufficiency. Cureus, 11(4), e4502.
InformedHealth.org [Internet]. Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2006-. Overview: Chronic wounds. [Updated 2022 Aug 8].