The Cardiovascular Care Group

12/23/2025

As the year comes to a close, we want to thank our patients, families, and community for trusting us with your care. It’s been an honor to be part of your health journey.

From all of us at The Cardiovascular Care Group, we wish you a joyful holiday season, a healthy New Year, and peace, wellness, and happiness in the year ahead. 💙

12/19/2025

Thanks to the generosity of our employees, patients, and community members, The Cardiovascular Care Group was proud to support the Toys for Tots program with a recent toy drop-off that will help bring joy to children in need this holiday season.

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who took part. Your kindness truly makes a difference beyond our walls and into the lives of families throughout our communities.

From all of us at TCVCG, thank you for helping us share the spirit of giving.

12/16/2025

✨ Celebrating Our TCVCG Family ✨

Our recent holiday party was more than just a celebration, it was a chance to honor the people who make The Cardiovascular Care Group what it is every single day. We are incredibly proud of our team and the years of dedication, compassion, and excellence they bring to our patients and to each other.

Recognizing years of service (left to right, which include Nicole and Dr. Sales):
5 Years: Vlastimil, Michelle, Diane, Stephanie
10 Years: Dr. Cha, Swati
15 Years: Dr. Sturt, Roger, Dr. Rezayat
20 Years: Dr. Addis
25 Years: Dr. Ombrellino

This level of tenure doesn’t happen by accident. It reflects trust, teamwork, shared values, and a true sense of family. Thank you to every member of our TCVCG team for your commitment, loyalty, and heart. We are proud of where we’ve been and even more excited about where we’re going together. ❤️

12/16/2025

Myth: “Vascular disease only affects the heart.”
Fact: Vascular disease impacts your entire circulatory system—not just the heart! 🫀 It includes arteries and veins in your neck, legs, abdomen, and more. Conditions like Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), Carotid Artery Disease, and Aortic Aneurysms are all forms of vascular disease.

Your limbs, brain, and organs all rely on healthy blood flow. When circulation is compromised, the consequences can be serious—but early detection and treatment can make all the difference.

📅 Don’t wait for symptoms. Screenings are simple and potentially life-saving.

Visit https://hubs.ly/Q03X-B210 to schedule your in-depth vascular screening today.

12/10/2025

What exactly is a Fistulagram — and why is it so important for people with kidney disease undergoing dialysis? 🩺

A Fistulagram is a minimally invasive imaging procedure that evaluates how well a dialysis fistula or graft is functioning. Over time, these access points can develop narrowing, blockages, or clots, which can reduce blood flow and affect the quality of dialysis.

During the procedure, a small catheter is placed into your access and contrast dye is used so blood vessels show clearly on X-ray.
If a problem is detected, it can often be treated on the spot with angioplasty, clot removal, or stent placement — all designed to restore proper flow.

This simple outpatient procedure helps keep your dialysis access working and may help avoid more invasive surgery down the line.

If you’re experiencing access issues or have questions, our vascular specialists are here to help.

👉 Learn more at https://hubs.ly/Q03Xrnt_0

12/08/2025

MONDAY MEETUP - Each Monday we feature a different vascular surgeon, nurse practitioner, or staff member so you can get to know them better . . .

WHO: Daniel I. Fremed, MD FACS joined the Cardiovascular Care Group in 2017, after successfully completing his residency in Vascular surgery at Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, New York.

WHAT: His clinical interests include abdominal and thoracic aortic aneurysms, peripheral arterial disease, carotid artery disease, mesenteric and renal artery disease, dialysis access creation and maintenance, as well as disorders of the venous system. He has published and presented on many of these areas of interest.

WHY: "I'm passionate about vascular surgery because I'm in a unique position to help people when they're at their toughest point in their life ... my philosophy is to not only provide excellent vascular care but to be an advocate for patients navigating a very complex system."

11/27/2025

🍁 Happy Thanksgiving from The Cardiovascular Care Group! 🦃

As we gather with family and friends, we are especially grateful for our incredible patients, dedicated staff, and the communities we serve across New Jersey.

Your trust in our team inspires us every day, and we are honored to be part of your health and wellness journey.

Wishing you a holiday filled with warmth, gratitude, and good health.
Happy Thanksgiving! 🍂❤️

11/25/2025

Always delighted to share the positive experiences our patients have with our doctors.

"I have always had a good experience with Dr. Sundick and his staff. Dr. Sundick is professional, knowledgeable, and has a very calming manner which I greatly appreciate. The staff is always friendly and helpful. My calls are returned promptly and scheduling is done with ease. It's such a pleasure dealing with everyone. Thank you for your exceptional patient care!" - Kathy W.

11/23/2025

🌟 Staff Spotlight: Meet Stephanie Araujo! 🌟

Westfield Office Manager & Medical Assistant

Today we’re excited to shine a spotlight on Stephanie Araujo, the driving force behind our Westfield office. With her can-do attitude and willingness to jump in wherever needed, Stephanie helps ensure our office runs seamlessly every single day. She’s not only an incredible support to our doctors and staff — she’s a calming, trusted presence for our patients.

🌿 Her Journey Before TCVCG
Before joining The Cardiovascular Care Group, Stephanie worked at Advocare Pediatric Ophthalmology Associates, and prior to that at Trinitas Hospital in both Pulmonology and Cardiology. Her background in patient-focused care shows in everything she does.

🩺 Her Role Here
As Office Manager and Medical Assistant, Stephanie leads the Westfield office with professionalism, compassion, and a commitment to excellence.

💙 What She Loves Most
“I enjoy the patient care — being someone patients look to for help and comfort during a rough time in their lives.”

⭐ One Word That Describes TCVCG:
Excelsior.

✨ Most Rewarding Part of Her Job
The meaningful connections she builds with patients and her team.

🌼 Outside the Office
When she’s not making the Westfield office a welcoming place, Stephanie enjoys:
• Spending time with family and friends
• Baking
• Singing karaoke
• Being a very proud soccer mom to her two boys

🎉 Fun Fact
Stephanie is afraid of clowns, has five deeply meaningful tattoos, and her go-to drink is Prosecco!

Please join us in celebrating Stephanie for everything she brings to our Westfield office and to the entire TCVCG community! 💙👏

11/22/2025

Myth vs. Fact: Aortic Aneurysms

Myth: “If I had an aortic aneurysm, I’d feel it.”
Fact: Aortic aneurysms are often called “silent killers” because they usually grow slowly without any symptoms. Many people don’t know they have one until it’s discovered during a routine scan—or until it ruptures.

The aorta is the largest artery in the body, and an undetected aneurysm can be life-threatening. But when caught early, they’re very treatable through monitoring or minimally invasive procedures like EVAR (Endovascular Aneurysm Repair).

Early detection can save lives—especially for those over 55, with a history of smoking, high blood pressure, or family history.

11/22/2025

🩺 THE DOCTOR IS IN: Quick Chats with our Physicians 🩺

Michael A. Pontoriero, MD, FACS joined the practice in 1993. Dr. Pontoriero is board certified in both Cardiovascular and General Surgery. His area of expertise includes thoracic, aortic and carotid surgery, and lower extremity arterial reconstructions. Dr. Pontoriero is also an accomplished dialysis access surgeon. For several years, he has been recognized in NJ’s Top Doctor magazine by his medical colleagues. He is currently the director of the New Jersey Society of Thoracic Surgery.

Dr. Pontoriero has been Chief of Vascular and Thoracic Surgery at Clara Maass Medical Center (Barnabas Healthcare System) for many years, as well as a past President of the Medical Staff (2007-8).

Here he chats about his expertise in cardiovascular care . . .

11/15/2025

From Symptoms to Answers: How Our Non-Invasive Vascular Lab Detects Circulation Problems Early
https://vascular.tcvcg.com/blog/from-symptoms-to-answers-how-our-non-invasive-vascular-lab-detects-circulation-problems-early

NJ’s largest Vascular Surgery group. Learn more about The Cardiovascular Care Group and our diagnosis and management of diseases of the arteries and veins.