TRMC Performs Advancements to Rid Patients of Varicose Veins
There’s renewed hope for sufferers of painful, unsightly varicose veins. Laura Velcu, M.D. and Daniel DeOliveira have opened The Vein Center at Three Rivers, which offers patients a state-of-the-art procedure called VNUS Closure for treating varicose veins without the need for a hospital stay, general anesthesia or even stitches.
In VNUS Closure, a small needle stick is made into the varicose vein, which has been numbed with a local anesthetic. A very thin laser fiber is then inserted into the vein and directed to the desired treatment location. When the laser is activated, thermal energy is delivered, causing the vein to close. The laser fiber is gradually withdrawn until the entire diseased vessel is treated. The whole procedure lasts less than one hour. After treatment, patients can walk immediately and return to normal activities.
“VNUS Closure is a great advancement for patients and we are pleased to bring this medical advancement to the community,” says Dr. Laura Velcu, emphasizing the convenience of a treatment in which all procedures, from initial workup to the actual therapy, are conducted in-office. “Many insurance companies now cover VNUS Closure because it has become so well-established as a safe and effective treatment for varicose veins. More astounding than the outpatient nature of VNUS Closure is that patients can literally walk home after the procedure.”
To counteract the forces of gravity, veins have valves that prevent blood from flowing backwards as it is pumped back toward the heart. Over time, these valves can weaken, allowing the blood to pool inside the vein. This can cause the vein to distend, resulting in the “rope-like” appearance commonly associated with varicose veins. This condition can lead to a range of serious circulatory problems, including blood clots, leg ulcers and poor circulation.
“Varicose veins are a very common problem – approximately 25% of women and 15% of men in the United States suffer from this condition,” said Dr. Velcu. “Women are more prone to suffer from varicose veins because of pregnancy, and heredity has been shown to be a contributory factor as well. We are pleased to now offer treatment that helps men and women improve their condition and overall health.”
Dr. Velcu is certified by the American Board of Surgery and a member of the American Society of Bariatric Surgery. She is a Fellow of University of Pittsburgh; Magee Women’s Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pa. and the Cleveland Clinic Foundation in Cleveland, Ohio.
To find out if VNUS Closure is right for you or for more information please contact the office at 606.638.3813.