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Vein Therapy OptionsBy Alice Ashmore
Vein symptoms and varicosities are a result of “a problem with the functioning of the valves that maintain the flow of blood from the legs back to the heart.” When the valves become damaged blood can flow in the reverse direction, away from the heart. This condition is called venous reflux. It causes blood to pool in the legs and results in symptoms such as pain, fatigue, heaviness, cramps, and burning in the affected limb. Varicosities develop over time. “The problem is progressive,” says Dr. Kaufman, “and the symptoms and varicosities generally worsen unless the refluxing vein is either removed or closed. Venous reflux is a legitimate medical concern.” Vein problems are most often seen in women, a result of their pregnancies. Occupations requiring long periods of standing also predispose one to vein problems. Florence stands most of the day in her work as a floral designer. Dr. Kaufman notes that “vein problems seem to run in families.” Trauma can also be a factor.
A new procedure: VNUS® Closure®Dr. Kaufman offers the new Closure® technology as a less invasive alternative to conventional vein surgery. “Traditionally we have ‘stripped’ the saphenous vein, resulting in more bleeding and damage to adjacent tissues than the newer ‘endovenous’ procedures.” Dr. Kaufman usually performs Closure® at the Surgery Center of Fort Collins as day-surgery under general anesthesia. “We obliterate the vein with radio frequency energy, although other endovenous systems employ a laser. The saphenous vein is entered through a tiny puncture below the knee and the radio frequency probe is threaded into the vein. Ultrasound is used to position the probe into the vein. At this point, Dr. Kaufman injects the area surrounding the vein with as much as 500 cc’s of lidocaine, epinephrine and saline solution to accomplish what is known as “tumescent anesthesia.” The radio frequency probe is then activated and slowly withdrawn. The heat generated by the probe causes the vein to seal closed. “The first five centimeters are the most critical,” he says. The procedure is usually completed in 20 to 30 minutes. Ultrasound is employed again to make sure the vein has completely closed. Once the damaged or disease vein is closed, other healthy veins take over to empty blood from the legs. The patient typically wears compression hose for about two weeks following the surgery. Florence was sporting hers at work today. “They’re really not too bad.” Only small marks are visible on her leg. “I can’t wait to see what it is like in two weeks.” Dr. Kaufman says the risks that accompany Closure® or stripping are deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and nerve injury, although these are extremely uncommon. “I’ve done vein stripping for over 20 years and Closure® for almost a year. There is now ample data in the surgical literature to indicate that the long term results of Closure® are at least as reliable as traditional vein stripping.” He adds, “In every procedure I’ve done, the pain has resolved.” The Closure® procedure was first used in Europe beginning in 1998. Since then, more than 30,000 patients have been treated worldwide. Florence experienced very little pain after her surgery. “The first day I took two pain pills. After that the pain wasn’t that bad.” She describes the feeling as something akin to having a bad bruise. “The vein looked terrible before,” Florence says. “It was blue and lumpy.” She is thrilled that the vein is no longer visible. “It’s a very quick process and my doctor was absolutely wonderful.” Excerpted from “Vein Therapy Options,” published
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To determine which treatment option is recommended for your individual situation, please call 970-498-VEIN (8346) to schedule a consultation. |
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Susan Florence wasn’t going to let a little distance get in the way of finding one of the latest techniques for relieving leg pain. The 42-year-old Riverton, Wyo., resident drove over four hours to Fort Collins to have “Closure” –a new procedure to eliminate the varicose vein in her leg. “I’d had this vein for about ten years. Then it started throbbing and hurting.” She describes the vein as looking like a “bulging blue runner” down her leg. Just two days after surgery by general surgeon, Dr. Steven Kaufman of Rocky Mountain Surgical Specialists, she was out shopping. “I’m pretty amazed,” she says.