Over 25 million people in the United States suffer from symptomatic venous disease.  Half of all Americans over 50, and two-thirds of women over 60, have the condition.   Some common symptoms of venous disease are:

• Swollen legs and/or ankles
• Aching, tired legs, especially after long periods of standing or sitting
• Poorly-healing wounds
• Varicose veins
• Burning or itching of the skin
• Color and texture changes of the skin

“Contrary to popular belief, venous disease is not merely a cosmetic problem, it can significantly impact one’s quality of living.  Fortunately, today’s modern treatments can provide a solution that is quick, relatively pain free, and will allow you to return to your normal activities in a matter of days.”

According to Dr. Kim, heredity is the greatest risk factor for venous disease.  If a family member has a history of venous disease, your chances of getting them are significantly higher than normal.   Women are more vulnerable to the problem than men, because of the hormonal changes brought on by menstruation, use of birth control pills, and menopause.   Pregnancy is an important risk factor as well due to the weakening of the vein walls from circulating hormones and the increase in blood volume.  Occupations that require prolonged standing, such as nursing, teaching, or working as a waitress, can predispose someone to develop venous disease.  Finally, aging, obesity and leg injury can lead to venous disease.  Once it appears, venous disease never goes away by itself – it is a progressive condition that will only worsen until treated.

Avena Vascular is located across the street from Swedish Hospital in Edmonds and offers comprehensive management of venous disease and provides a patient-friendly and clinically-proven solution.  Venous ultrasound examinations are available in the same office suite.   The ultrasound exams are performed and interpreted by the technologists and associated physicians of Pacific Vascular – a laboratory trusted by over 3000 physicians and nine hospitals in the Puget Sound area.

If you suspect you may have venous disease or varicose veins and would like to attend a free vein screening and office consultation with one of our associate physicians, please call Avena Vascular at 425-686-1895 to make an appointment.

Back in the old days – (20^th Century) – the only surgical option for patients with severe varicose veins was a procedure called vein stripping. Today, however, we have the next-generation medical technology to treat the problem – minimally invasive catheters that close the diseased vein from within. The physician pulls the device through the vein, delivering bursts of energy through the catheter’s heating element to heat and contract the vein walls. With the primary vessel sealed, the body automatically re-establishes healthier circulation and the varicosity symptoms quickly dissipate.

Catheter devices fall into two categories – radiofrequency (RF) devices and lasers. Both are fast and effective, but there is evidence that the RF devices are better tolerated by patients. One recent study found less post-procedure pain and bruising in patients treated with RF compared with those treated with laser.  The latest RF device, the VNUS^® ClosureFAST™ catheter, seals the vein in three to five minutes with virtually no discomfort to the patient.  It can be done in the office with a local anesthetic, and the patient is in and out in less than an hour, usually resuming normal activity the next day. The leg pain and heaviness disappear almost immediately, and visible changes are evident in a few weeks.

Clinical studies have found the new procedure to be more than 97% effective, and because it is considered a medical necessity rather than a cosmetic enhancement, it is covered by Medicare and private health insurance.  After having the procedure, patients are delighted to have the zip back in their legs – and to be able to wear shorts – for the first time in decades.

Amy Larson, M.D.

Are you a candidate for RF Closure? Avena Vascular is offering free varicose vein screenings to evaluate your legs in both Edmonds and Kirkland, WA. Dr. Ben Lerner will be  in Edmonds on Tuesday, October 4th  from 4-7pm and Dr. George Min will be in Kirkland on Thursday,  Ocotber 13th  from 4-7pm. Call 425-686-1895 or 855-834-8346 (toll free) to schedule a free varicose vein screening exam.

In the Closure procedure, there is no need for groin surgery. Instead, the vein remains in place and is closed using a special (Closure) catheter inserted through a small puncture. This may eliminate the bruising and pain often associated with vein stripping (i.e., that may result from the tearing of side branch veins while the saphenous vein is pulled out). Vein stripping is usually performed in an operating room, under a general anesthetic, while the Closure procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, typically using local or regional anesthesia.

Three randomized trials of the Closure procedure vs. vein stripping, including the most recent multi-center comparative trial, show very similar results. In the multi-center comparative trial, the Closure procedure was superior to vein stripping in every statistically significant outcome. In the study, 80.5% of patients treated with the Closure procedure returned to normal activities within one day, versus 46.9% of patients who underwent vein stripping. Also, Closure patients returned to work 7.7 days sooner than surgical patients. Patients treated with the Closure procedure had less postoperative pain, less bruising, faster recovery and fewer overall adverse events.¹