"The Know" is an informational resource concerning vein treatment options. It contains valuable information for prospective patients, physicians as well as those in the vein treatment industry. We will be regularly posting educational articles, video logs and other pertinent information. We encourage your feedback and welcome any suggestions that you feel may improve the blog.
July 2008 Blog Archive
Thursday, July 31, 2008
VNUS Shares Rise Yet Again
Anyone who is interested in vein treatment medicine as more than just a medical procedure but also as an investment will know that stock shares of VNUS Medical Technologies have been on the rise since last year. With a recent announcement that they turned profits in the second quarter, VNUS has managed to cause
another surge in its stocks.
"Vnus said Tuesday afternoon that it earned $9.2 million, or 56 cents per share, for the three months ended June 30, marking its first profitable quarter since the fourth quarter of 2005. A year ago, Vnus posted a loss of $2.3 million, or 15 cents per share. Revenue increased 86 percent to $31.9 million from $17.2 million."
There are some people who are continuing to recommend that people invest in VNUS today. Others say that the company is about to hit its peak and that if you didn't get in early then you might not want to bother now.
Question of the Day: Are VNUS stocks going to continue to rise?photo link
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Screenings Increased for Second Year of National Venous Health Program
The American Venous Forum's National Venous Screening Program (NVSP) is a nationwide program that was instituted two years ago to help improve venous health. It does screening to identify what the risk is of each individual developing life-threatening blood clots. People who have varicose veins may be particularly interested in checking out screening like this.
The program has just completed its second year.
Reports from the program indicate that screenings rose in number considerably between the first year and the second year due to the positive results of the screening in that first year. In the first year, only 17 medical centers participated in the screening; this year there were more than eighty.
People who participated in the screenings were asked what there reason was for being there. Sixty percent of them indicated that it was because it was free which suggests that the cost of vein health prevention could be too high for some people who would otherwise be interested in screening. Forty percent of the patients came because they have varicose veins.
Question of the Day: How important is varicose vein health screening?photo link
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Varicose Vein Patients Unaware of Health Risks
There are many people who get their varicose veins treated but a majority of them do so for cosmetic reasons. Many of them - and many more people who have varicose veins but aren't getting them treated at all - may not realize that there are some serious health risks associated with varicose veins. At least that's what seems to be the case based on a new survey about the issue.
"Surprisingly, most people (87 percent) reported they have never sought treatment and nearly half (42 percent) do not consider varicose veins to be a serious health issue." (source)
Just a couple of the risks of varicose veins include the development of very serious and painful leg ulcers and the risk of blood clotting, a condition which can ultimately be fatal if not treated correctly. Those varicose veins may be ugly but the sight of them is not the only problem that you should be aware of as a patient with this problem.
Question of the Day: Why aren't people aware of the risks of having varicose veins?photo link
Monday, July 28, 2008
Varicose Veins and the Right Shoes
The Modesto Bee has an article online this week discussing the different health benefits of wearing high-tech shoes. They look at shoes claiming to do everything from help you to lose weight to get rid of your varicose veins. In the end, they conclude that the majority of these claims about high-tech shoes are probably more hype than truth. The best they can offer is to make sure to wear a shoe that fits you properly and feels comfortable.
Varicose vein prevention may not include wearing specific shoes but it does include a lot of other things, some of which can be related to wearing the right shoes. For example, regular walking is recommended to prevent varicose veins. It's important to wear comfortable shoes when walking and therefore there is some link to be found there. If you're not sure about what type of shoes to wear, discuss the issue with a doctor.
Question of the Day: Can the right shoes help to prevent varicose veins?photo link
Friday, July 25, 2008
Are Varicose Veins Bad For Self Esteem?
There is a great article on Oprah.com which discusses the things that we can do to make ourselves feel better when we experience something that causes detriment to our self-esteem. In this article, there is a line that stands out:
"After a self-esteem wallop -- in the moment we find a new varicose vein or notice that gravity is slowly pulling our faces right off our heads -- we may tune our desperate ears to the words of the wise." (source)
What stands out about this is the fact that noticing a new varicose vein is considered to be a 'self-esteem wallop'. Is this true? Are varicose veins so unsightly that they can be damaging to the self-esteem?
The answer to that question depends on the individual. Some people don't mind their varicose veins at all; others are devastated by them. What is true across the board is that this is not a problem that has to go untreated if it's something that bothers you. Varicose vein treatment can reduce the signs of aging and boost the self-esteem for people who are bothered by the veins.
Question of the Day: Are varicose veins a key area of concern when it comes to self-esteem?photo link
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Vein Treatment Makers Report on Earnings
People who are interested in the world of vein treatment may take an interest in the companies that make the products which are used in the treatment of varicose veins. Two such companies have recently reported on their earnings.
The first, Vascular Solutions,
reports record earnings for the second quarter of the year. The net revenue for this vein treatment product maker increased by fifteen percent, bringing the revenue for the company up to over $15 million.
The second vein treatment product maker, AngioDynamics, also
reports an increase in earnings although the increase is smaller at only 14%. The fourth quarter sales for the company were close to $50 million.
Question of the Day: What do these revenue reports mean for the product lineup available to vein treatment patients?photo link
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Not All Problematic Veins Are In The Legs
When we talk about varicose veins and the treatments that are available to get rid of these veins, we are primarily talking about the veins that appear in the legs. In some cases, we may be talking about the veins in the hands that can reveal the true age of someone who otherwise looks younger than her years. However, varicose veins in the hands and legs are not the only types of veins that can cause cosmetic and health problems for people.
Here are three other types of vein issues that people may seek out a vein treatment doctor for help with:
- Spider veins. These are smaller veins that may appear reddish in color instead of light blue. They are not painful nor are they dangerous but they may cause self-consciousness. Dermatologists are regularly sought out to assist with this cosmetic issue.
- Hemmorrhoids. These are varicose veins in the anus that move out of place or become enlarged. They are extremely uncomfortable and typically drive people who have them to seek out medical care.
- Genital veins. It is rare to have problems with the veins in the genitals but it does happen for both men and women. For men, it can cause serious fertility problems which are actually easy to fix using vein treatment procedures.
While these vein problems are not as likely to be seen in a vein treatment office as varicose veins of the legs are, they are issues that a venous doctor may be consulted about from time to time.
Question of the Day: What other types of vein health problems are there?photo link
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Not Too Late For Summer Vein Treatment
Summer is in full swing. Summer vacations are already planned (or even completed) and we're starting to see those inevitable ads for back-to-school sales cropping up already. However, that doesn't mean that it's too late for you to get summer varicose vein treatment.
People are more likely to be interested in treatment for varicose veins during the summer months because of the fact that this is the time of year when they are most likely to have reason to reveal their legs to others. Swimsuits and shorts are in season and people want to wear them without having to feel self-conscious about their veins.
Many people who put off getting this kind of treatment earlier in the summer worry that now it's too late. We're already moving rapidly towards fall, right? Wrong. It's still summer and there are still a lot of months left when shorts may be worn.
Varicose vein treatment these days is a rapid treatment with almost immediate results. You can get quick outpatient treatment for varicose veins and not be laid up for weeks trying to recover. This means that you can still get summer varicose vein treatment and be ready to show off those legs before the season ends.
Question of the Day: Why wait until next summer to get treatment for varicose veins?photo link
Monday, July 21, 2008
VNUS Closure Fast Still In The News
When
VNUS Closure Fast was first released to the vein treatment market last year, it made a lot of headlines. In fact, it was in the news almost every day for awhile there. That's because this vein treatment procedure appeared to be more efficient and more effective than any other procedure designed to treat the pain and unsightly appearance of varicose veins.
VNUS Closure Fast is no longer a new procedure. There are newer procedures out there that are being tested out by vein treatment doctors;
this story about crochet hook treatment of varicose veins is one example. However, VNUS Closure Fast is still making headlines.
Just this week there was
an article published in a Houston newspaper about the procedure. It calls VNUS Closure Fast a new procedure which isn't entirely accurate but it does accurately cite the reasons that people are so wowed by this method of medical care. The efficiency and success rate of this treatment have far surpassed initial expectations and continue to demand attention.
Question of the Day: Why does VNUS Closure Fast continue to make headlines even though it's not really a new procedure anymore?photo link
Friday, July 18, 2008
Witch Hazel as a Topical Treatment for Varicose Veins
People who are interested on natural medicines may be interested in the
use of witch hazel to treat the pain associated with varicose veins. This is not something that is medically proven but something that fans of alternative medicine say is useful. Witch hazel reported has the ability to tighten the skin and reduce the pain of inflammation from varicose veins.
It should be noted that the use of witch hazel for varicose veins is not a treatment. It is a soothing method of pain relief which may be used temporarily to reduce the discomfort associated with having varicose veins.
"Witch hazel is used externally on sores, bruises and swelling. The astringent tannins in witch hazel tighten and soothe aching varicose veins and reduce inflammation in cases of phlebitis (an inflammation of a vein). Witch hazel also contains procyanadins, resin and flavonoids, all of which add to its soothing, anti-inflammatory properties." (source)
Although this natural treatment may be useful in treating varicose veins temporarily, it remains important that people with varicose veins speak with a doctor about the issue. This is particularly true when the veins are causing this type of pain as they may be a sign of a more serious venous health problem.
Question of the Day: Should witch hazel be used to treat the pain from varicose veins?photo link
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Why We Don't Hear About Celebrity Varicose Veins
We hear about all different sorts of medical and cosmetic issues facing celebrities. We hear about celebrity plastic surgery. We hear about celebrities that get Botox. We hear about celebrity infertility and pregnancy complications. We hear about celebrity tattoo removal. So why is that we don't hear about celebrity varicose veins?
Sure, there are some instances of hearing about
celebrity varicose veins. Kristin Davis, Zooey Deschanel and Natalie Portman have all been hit by the media with rumors that they have - or have had treated - varicose veins. But for the most part, this is a topic that's in the closet.
One reason for this is that celebrity varicose veins simply aren't as common as other topics of conversation like celebrity Botox or plastic surgery. And it's partly because celebrities can easily hide varicose veins which may not be the case with other medical or cosmetic issues and choices. But it's also because the topic of varicose veins doesn't come up as much as other topics in normal conversation. This isn't something people talk about a lot.
Question of the Day: Why don't we hear about celebrity varicose veins?photo link
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
How Varicose Veins May Prevent Travel
Most people don't think of varicose veins as serious problems. Pull on some
compression stockings and continue on with your life, right? Wrong. Some people find that their lives are seriously hindered by varicose veins, either because of self-consciousness about the veins or because of physical limitations caused by the veins. One of the concerns during the summer months is the fact that varicose veins hinder many people from traveling.
Here are some common ways that varicose veins hinder travel:
- Discomfort. Varicose veins can be highly uncomfortable. As a result, people who have them may not want to talk much, a fact which can limit how much travel is done and where people will travel to.
- Self-consciousness. There are some people who wouldn't travel to a beach because they wouldn't want to get there and have to show off their varicose veins to the world.
- Fears. Varicose veins can be a sign of a more serious health issues such as deep vein thrombosis. These health issues are exacerbated in certain conditions such as on airline flights. Some people with varicose veins will avoid plane travel as a result of these fears.
The truth is that varicose veins hinder travel for many people but they don't have to. Getting treatment can reduce all of the above problems and allow you to travel freely.
Question of the Day: Would you let varicose veins hinder travel?photo link
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
VNUS To Announce Q2 Results at End of July
There are many people who have been following the profit margins of VNUS Medical Technologies very closely. In the past year, stocks have risen considerably for this vein treatment product maker.
Successful lawsuits and plans for growth are believed to have significantly increased the value of VNUS Medical Technologies in the past quarter. The information will be made official when VNUS releases its second quarter results.
The company has announced that those results will be released after the close of the market on July 29th. That means that things could change in the stock world for people who have invested in this vein treatment maker.
Learn more
here.
Question of the Day: Is VNUS going to continue to be a wise stock investment?photo link
Monday, July 14, 2008
Key VNUS Director Steps Down
People who are interested in the business of vein treatment may want to know that one of the key people on the Board of Directors for VNUS Medical Technologies has recently
stepped down after more than ten years of working with this leading vein treatment product maker. Kathleen D. LaPorte had served on the board of directors since 1997 and was one of the
key people involved in the venture capital firm that funded VNUS when it was just a start-up company.
"The Board and management of VNUS would like to sincerely thank Kathy for her many contributions, support, and sound advice as a key member of the Board since the company's early days," said Brian Farley, President and CEO. "As one of the earliest venture capital investors, Kathy's departure from the Board is a normal step in the company's corporate governance since its IPO in October 2004. We expect to continue our past practice of looking to replace venture investors with highly qualified medical device industry experts."
There are currently no plans to replace Kathy's position with a specific individual. Ultimately, she will be replaced by someone who is knowledgeable in vein treatment and who will hopefully be able to help with the forward motion of the company as a developed but growing business.
Question of the Day: Will the leaving of a key board director have any impact on VNUS?photo link
Friday, July 11, 2008
New Vein Treatment Product from Vascular Technologies
We often talk about the makers of vein treatment products because the products themselves are so crucial to the development of successful treatments in the industry. Lately the only vein treatment product makers that we've been hearing about are VNUS and AngioDynamics. While these are certainly two big names in the vein treatment product business that should continue to be watched for changes in the industry, there's also been another company that's sneaking on to the scene.
Vascular Technologies has
just announced the release of a new vein treatment device called the Ultroid® Medical System. It is specifically designed to treat
hemorrhoids. These are varicose veins in and around the anus which are highly painful - a problem that affects about half of the population over the age of fifty. The device treats this problem quickly and efficiently in an outpatient procedure that is designed to be less expensive than other current treatment options.
The device that has ben put out by Vascular Technologies has the potential to be successful in the industry due in large part to the niche focus that it has on the treatment of hemorrhoids. However, the device has the potential for other treatment applications relating to spider veins and varicose veins so it may be a product with more widespread application in the future as well.
Question of the Day: Will Vascular Technologies be able to steal the spotlight of the vein treatment industry with its new hemorrhoid treatment product?photo link
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Investing in Vein Treatment Makers
There are two groups of people who are highly interested in VNUS Medical Technologies, AngioDynamics and other companies that make vein treatment equipment. First, there are those people who are interested in vein treatment either as a patient or as a medical professional. And second, there are those people who invest in stocks and who realized in the past year that VNUS could be a serious money maker and that other vein treatment makers could be impacted as a result.
People are continuing to support VNUS because there is strong belief that the company is going to continue to see large profits in the months to come. This is due in part to recent litigation that can increase the company's profits and in part to the belief that the company will come out with a new product that also does well on the market before too much time has passed.
People who have invested in some of the other vein treatment product makers aren't in such a clear cut position, though. For example,
one analyst continues to place a "hold" on this stock under the belief that the company is going to have business troubles that make it difficult to obtain profits but that it isn't yet time to give up hope.
Question of the Day: Which vein treatment product makers should you invest in if you want to do well with your investments?photo link
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Varicose Veins as a Sign of Aging
There are many reasons that someone might opt to get treatment to remove varicose veins. They may find the veins to be painful. They may simply not like the way that they look. But perhaps the most common reason that people want to erase their varicose veins from their bodies is because those unsightly and painful veins make them feel old.
Varicose veins are something that will get worse with time and therefore something that is associated with getting older. People seeking to retain the appearance that they are young are going to feel that their varicose veins betray the truth about their age. Those people interested in cosmetic anti-aging procedures may be likely to consider vein treatment as part of that process.
Varicose veins can actually happen to people who are young. The most common scenario that shows this is when pregnant women develop varicose veins. However, they are typically considered to be a sign of aging and so getting rid of them will help to reduce the feeling that you're getting old.
Question of the Day: Is varicose vein treatment an anti-aging medicine?photo link
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Toeless Hosiery and Varicose Veins
There is a fun fashion article in an
Arizona newspaper this week that could be relevant to the topic of varicose veins. The article is about the existence of a new type of sock called the toeless sock. As the name suggests, this is your typical hosiery without the toes.
If you're wondering what this has to do with varicose veins then you might want to consider the role that
compression stockings have played in the treatment and prevention of varicose veins. These stockings are used on flights, in hospitals and during daily activities.
However, many people don't want to use compression stockings all of the time because they aren't considered to be particularly attractive. Consider, for example, the summer months during which you may be inclined to wear sandals or other open-toed shoes. The compression stockings peeking out over the edge of your sandals wouldn't be particularly aesthetically pleasing.
Enter the toeless sock. If compression stockings could be made without toes in a way that would still provide medical benefits that treat varicose veins, wouldn't there be a market for them?
Question of the Day: Will toeless compression stockings emerge to fill the needs of a niche market in varicose vein treatment?photo link
Monday, July 07, 2008
Increase In Number of Men Getting Vein Treatment
When you think about an individual who is getting treatment for varicose veins due to concerns about the appearance of their legs, you probably picture a patient who is female. It's true that women are stereotypically more concerned about their appearance and therefore may be more likely than men to seek out varicose vein treatment specifically because of cosmetic reasons. However, it appears that an increasing number of aging men are heading to the vein treatment doctor to get rid of unsightly varicose veins.
One study showed that the number of men getting
sclerotherapy treatments for varicose veins increased by over 200% since 2002 while the number of women getting the same procedure during the same time period increased by less than 5%. It is believed that this is due to the fact that the current generation of aging men is more concerned about appearances than the people who came before them.
Frankly, they don't want their buddies seeing their varicose veins and making fun of them for getting old. Men are more self-conscious than they used to be and they are more willing to make use of cosmetic procedures to reduce their self-consciousness. This includes treatment for varicose veins.
Question of the Day: What has caused the significant increase in the number of men getting treatment for varicose veins?photo link
Thursday, July 03, 2008
VNUS Files Even More Patent Infringement Lawsuits
VNUS Medical Technologies has done really well for itself in the past year or so. This is due in large part to the success of the VNUS Closure Fast vein treatment product that was released last year. However, it is also due to the fact that the business has been highly successful in limiting the competition and boosting its profit margin through the patent infringement lawsuits.
It wasn't that long ago that VNUS managed to secure
$10 million in immediate fees from the win of such a lawsuit. That win also comes along with ongoing percentage-based fees taken out of the continued use of the product by those people who were in violation of the patent. But VNUS isn't stopping there.
VNUS
has announced that it has filed new patent infringement lawsuits against three more companies in the United States. Biolitec, Dornier and CoolTouch will all need to decide whether to settle out of court or face a trial in this new round of vein treatment litigation.
Question of the Day: Will VNUS succeed in these new lawsuits?photo link
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
Vein Patients Among Those Suing Duke for Poorly Washed Instruments
The removal of varicose veins is typically a really easy procedure with very low risks and few side effects. This is particularly true when the method of varicose vein removal is a non-invasive and efficient method such as
VNUS Closure Fast.
And you would think that it would be particularly true when working with doctors at a prestigious medical center such as Duke. However, mistakes can happen anywhere and that was the case recently at Duke when a number of different patients
found themselves harmed by surgical instruments that were mistakently washed in elevator hydraulic fluid.
Vein treatment patients are among those who are suing Duke because of the harm caused to them as a result of this big mistake. Surgeries for other patients that were affected ranged from appendectomies to circumcision. Eighteen patients are involved in the lawsuit but Duke has settled with approximately 60 others who were harmed in the accident.
Question of the Day: How common is a mistake such as the one that impacted varicose vein treatment patients and others at Duke recently?photo link
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Varicose Veins: 50 by 50
A
recent article about varicose and spider veins cited the memorable staistics that fifty percent of women will have this problem before the age of 50. This points to the fact that varicose veins are a widespread issue for aging women.
The article discusses treatment of varicose and
spider veins so that the large group of women who is dealing with this problem will know what their options are. Treatment varies and may range from VNUS Closure Fast to simple cover-ups depending on the extent of the problem and the solution that you are seeking as a patient.
It should be noted that
treatment for spider veins may differ from treatment for varicose veins due to the nature, size and location of spider veins. It is sometimes possible to treat spider veins with the same treatment procedures as varicose veins but that's something that should be discussed with a doctor. This is obviously a widespread health problem so it's something that he has surely discussed before!
Question of the Day: Were you aware that varicose veins were such a big problem for aging women?photo link
