Newest “Non Laser” Varicose Vein Treatment
By John P. Landi, MD, FACS, RPVI, RPhS, Diplomate of The American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine
The treatment of varicose veins is a rapidly evolving field. Up until l3 years ago the standard treatment for varicose veins was a surgical procedure called ligation and stripping which involved many incisions, many sutures, hospitalization, general anesthesia and a several week down time. With the introduction of laser and radiofrequency (VNUS) closure techniques and a new local anesthetic technique called tumescent, the treatment of varicose veins changed to an ambulatory procedure. As lasers became more refined and other valve closure procedures developed (i.e. Clarivein), the standard of care now for varicose veins is an in office procedure with no incisions, usually no sutures and minimum downtime.
The most important thing to remember with varicose veins and often spider veins is that these veins are coming from malfunctioning or leaky venous valves. Think of your veins like a tree with a trunk and branches. The branches are the varicose and spider veins with the trunk being the superficial veins (saphenous system). The superficial system has the valves which, if malfunctioning, will lead to both varicose and spider veins. If the problem is in the trunk, then treating the branches alone will not solve the problem and lead to a high recurrence rate.
This is now a new FDA approved treatment for both the trunk (saphenous veins) and the branches (varicose veins) called Varithena, which is a preformed foam solution, which is injected both into the trunk and branches under local anesthesia.
To learn more or to schedule an appointment, please call Vanish Vein and Laser Center at 239-403-0800 or visit us online at www.vanishvein.com.
The foam solution passes into the saphenous trunk and varicose veins to cause them to collapse, scar and ultimately dissolve. This is a minimally invasive procedure that eliminates the need for laser, radio frequency or Clarivein valve closure procedures. There is minimum procedure associated bruising and no down time. This procedure has the potential to replace all other methods of vein therapy. Not all patients are candidates for this and it is not covered by all insurance companies at this time, but this should change as Varithena becomes more widely accepted.
About Dr. Landi
Dr. Landi is medical director of Vanish Vein and Laser Center, a state of the art, dedicated vein treatment center. He is one of less than 2,000 physicians worldwide to achieve the designation of Diplomate of the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine. He is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, a fellowship trained vascular surgeon, Board Certified in General Surgery and has achieved both the RPVI and RPhS certifications in vascular ultrasound.
John P. Landi, MD
20 10th Street North
Naples, Florida 34102
(239) 403-0800
www.vanishvein.com