Vascular Surgeons Adopt New Treatment For Varicose Veins

For both medical and cosmetic reasons, many women, and some men, have opted over the years to undergo an invasive procedure - known as vein stripping - to remove varicose veins in their legs. While the results were often satisfactory, the surgery was accompanied by a fair amount of pain, scarring and recovery time.

Thanks to a new minimally- invasive procedure called VNUS Closure, patients at Maimonides Medical Cen-ter can now enjoy all the benefits of vein stripping through a virtually pain-free procedure that will have them up and about within one to two days. Enrico Ascher, MD, director of the Vascular Institute at Maimonides, was recently featured on NBC news performing this revolutionary procedure.

"VNUS Closure is a great option, especially for those patients who have been putting off treatment due to the burdens of the traditional vein surgery," explained Dr. Ascher.

"What used to require a hospital stay and weeks of inactivity can now be accomplished on an outpatient basis with minimal recovery time."

Each leg is made up of a network of veins, which contain valves that open and close to allow blood to flow to the heart. Varicose veins occur when a vein is diseased or damaged, and blood pools in the leg rather than returning to the heart. In addition to varicose veins, the condition often causes pain and swelling.

VNUS Closure utilizes radio frequency delivered through a catheter that is inserted into a vein through a small incision. The radio frequency energy applies heat to the vein wall, causing it to collapse and seal shut. Once the diseased vein is closed, other healthy veins take over and empty blood from the leg.

Following the procedure, the catheter is removed, a bandage is placed over the insertion site and the leg is wrap-ped, usually for one day. During that time, patients are often instructed to walk but to refrain from long periods of standing.

The VNUS Closure procedure is a vast improvement over vein stripping, which involves two sizable incisions - at both the top and bottom of the leg - followed by several smaller incisions throughout the rest of the leg. The trauma of the vein stripping procedure creates an uncomfortable recovery, typically accompanied by bruising and numbness.

Recovery time is up to two weeks for this more invasive procedure.

Established by Dr. Ascher in 1992, The Vascular Institute has helped thousands of patients prevent the most serious circulatory complications of hypertension, diabetes, arteriosclerosis, and other conditions.

The Vascular Institute welcomes patients referred by their primary phy-sician for diagnostic assessments and treatment of vascular disorders.

Medicare patients do not need to be referred by their primary care physicians, but those with other types of in-surance may require a referral.

The Vascular Institute is located at 903 49th Street in Brooklyn.

For further information on the VNUS Closure system or other Vascular Institute offerings, call 718-283-7957.