Varicose Vein Ablation at Penn Presbyterian
Medical Center
Andrew
Kwak, MD, Clinical Assistant Professor
of Interventional Radiology at the University
of Pennsylvania Health System, and the Director
of Interventional Radiology at Penn Presbyterian
Medical Center, has developed a Varicose Vein
Ablation Program at Penn Presbyterian. This
procedure provides quick and virtually painless
relief to individuals that suffer from varicose
veins.
What are varicose veins?
A varicose vein
is a vein, close to the skin surface, that is
twisted and filled with blood. Though varicose
veins occur in a number of areas throughout the
body, they are most commonly found in the legs.
What causes varicose veins?
Varicose
veins occur when veins are not properly returning
blood from the lower leg to the heart. All veins
have valves that open to allow the flow of blood
to the heart, and close to prevent backflow (otherwise
known as “reflux”)
of blood to the foot. When valves fail to function
properly, blood leaks through and flows down
the leg in the wrong direction. The blood overfills
and distends the superficial veins under the
skin resulting in the bulging of the veins.
Who is susceptible to varicose veins?
Varicose
veins affect one out of two people age 50 and
older, and 15 to 25 percent of all adults. People
without visible varicose veins can still have
symptoms. The symptoms can arise from spider
veins as well as from varicose veins. In both
cases, the symptoms are caused by pressure on
nerves by dilated veins. Some people may be more
likely than others to develop varicose veins
and spider veins because of inherited characteristics
(genetics), the aging process, or hormone changes.
Varicose veins may also result from conditions
that increase pressure on the leg veins such
as being overweight or pregnant.
What is the best way to treat this disease?
Previously, treatment of painful, swollen varicose veins required a surgical
procedure called vein stripping, in which the vein was completely removed
from the leg. Recently, endovenous laser therapy (vein ablation) has been
developed to treat chronic venous insufficiency by delivering laser energy
through a small puncture in the leg to close the diseased vein.
During the procedure, the patient remains awake
and their leg is anesthetized. A thin laser fiber
is inserted into a malfunctioning vein. The physician
will then deliver laser energy through the fiber
and into the vein causing the vein to close.
What are the benefits of this procedure?
Benefits offered by endovenous laser therapy include minimal pain associated
with the procedure, and a high success rate.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Kwak, or
to inquire more about the services available
at Pennsylvania Hospital or the Hospital of the
University of Pennsylvania, please call 1-800-789-PENN
(7366) or request
an appointment online.
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