Minimally Invasive Solution for Varicose Veins
Nearly 25
million Americans have varicose veins. Caused by venous reflux disease, varicose
veins can become so painful that those who have standing professions can no
longer tolerate being on their feet all day.
Help is available for varicose veins at
the Vein Clinic at Northwest Hospital.
Venous Reflux
Disease
The
valves in the saphenous vein are damaged and the
veins near the skin surface are stretched and distorted from the increased pressure
caused by blood flowing in the wrong direction. Venous reflux is often the
cause of varicose veins. Although the condition is rarely life threatening, it
is often painful and unattractive. Symptoms will worsen over time if left
untreated.
Symptoms may
include:
Some causes of varicose
veins:
Family history
Multiple pregnancies
Prolonged standing
Excess weight
Age
Gender
Inadequate exercise
Damaged saphenous
veins
Venous reflux develops when the valves
that usually keep blood flowing out of your legs become damaged or diseased. The
main treatment alternative is to reroute the blood flow through healthy veins.
Traditionally this has been performed by surgically removing (stripping) the
troublesome vein from the leg. Closure� provides a less invasive alternative to
vein stripping by closing the diseased vein instead.
The VNUS� Closure� Procedure
Performed on an outpatient basis at the Vein Clinic at
Northwest Hospital, the Closure� technology uses a very small catheter and radio
frequency energy to seal shut the saphenous vein. Using ultrasound, the
physician typically makes a small needle puncture near the knee and inserts the
slender Closure� catheter into the saphenous vein. The catheter is positioned
near the groin, energized and slowly withdrawn, sealing the vein shut and
rerouting blood to other healthy veins. There are no stitches, and most patients
return to normal activity within a day.
The Closure� procedure is covered by
most insurance plans.
The
Facility
Northwest Hosital physicians and medical team
provide the highest standards of patient care and surgical excellence.
Procedures performed combine the clinical and surgical expertise of the surgeon,
along with the professional attitude and compassion of the highly skilled
health care team.
To Make Your Visit Go More
Smoothly
When you visit the Vein Clinic:
Make a list of any allergies and any
medicine you're currently taking
Bring your medical records and
insurance forms
If you have diabetes, bring snack
food and medication with you
To begin your program of care, call the
Northwest Hospital Vein Clinic at 410-601-WELL (9355).
Medical Director of the Vein
Clinic at Northwest Hospital
Juan
M. Juanteguy, M.D.
Chief of Interventional Radiology
Craig
Suchin, M.D.
Northwest Hospital
5401 Old Court
Road
Randallstown, MD 21133
410-601-WELL (9355)
TTY:
410-521-2531
