"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.
April 2009 Blog Archive
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Venous Disease Research Awards
The Venous Disease Coalition is making great strides in bringing vein health
to the forefront of news and research. In fact the group has organized an
awards for best venous disease research (this includes, varicose veins,
spider veins, Deep Vein Thrombosis and other ailments regarding vein
health).
Smart Brief released the news saying, "The Venous Disease Coalition has
announced its first annual Venous Disease Research Awards celebrating the
best published research contributing to the understanding and treatment of
venous disease. We encourage you to nominate venous research published
between Jan. 1, 2008, and March 31, 2009. The awards will be made at the
Vascular Disease Foundation's dinner Sept. 16."
Many physicians say that the key to preventing venous disease is education
and awareness. So programs like this and groups like the coalition
significantly aid in educating the public about the risks, symptoms and
treatments available.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Minimally Invasive Procedures Set to Expand Globally
The United States and other western counterparts have been very successful
in implementing minimally invasive varicose vein removal procedures. From
laser treatments to radiofrequency occlusion, the market has significantly
expanded over the years. However, some are saying that the industry is
likely to grow in areas that require less-costly and time consuming
treatments like in Brazil.
PR News Wire discussed the possible increase, "The varicose vein treatment
device market in the country, widely considered to be one of the most
aesthetically-conscious in the world, is limited primarily by the Brazilian
universal public health system, which provides reimbursement for surgical
vein removal (stripping) procedures but not for more advanced, minimally
invasive procedures such as endovenous ablation and sclerotherapy. As a
result, patients must pay for these treatments out-of-pocket. Nevertheless,
procedure volumes for these minimally invasive alternatives will increase by
approximately 10% annually from 2009 to 2013 due to growing patient demand
for the superior cosmetic results and reduced postoperative pain associated
with these therapies."
Surgical stripping has long been considered the go-to for venous disease
treatment in many parts of the world. However, as people become more
aesthetically driven and the tools and techniques become readily available
in less privileged countries, it may boom as it did in the US.
Monday, April 27, 2009
No Pain, All Gain
Over the years medical technology has drastically improved post-op recovery
for patients in many fields. One of those successful fields is vascular
surgery and treating venous disease. With more than 40 million people
nationwide suffering from varicose veins and spider veins, technology is
dramatically improved not only the success rate of removal and stripping but
also pain. Many of these patients struggled day in and day out with their
gnarled veins bulging out, and for some the recovery was just as
painstaking. However, with procedures like laser removal, radiofrequency
occlusion and some others, pain is lessened as is recovery time.
KY3 News said, "You shouldn't assume
varicose veins are just nuisances that
come with aging. Damaged veins need medical attention, an technology just
keeps giving doctors new tools to fix the problems."
Hopefully with more time, we can develop even faster more cost efficient
procedures to not only remove these ropy veins, but do so in a timely and
less painful manner than even now. Progress in the venous disease spectrum
has been great, and in fact more patients are becoming aware of the
importance of removal and treatment.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
More Vein Clinics Opening
With over 40 million people in the United States suffering from gnarled,
ropy and painful varicose veins, the number of vein health clinics has
increased over the years. In fact the minimally invasive industry for
removing varicose and spider veins has also grown rapidly. With more and
more people opting to remove their unattractive varicose veins, even
dermatology offices are beginning to bring in treatments.
The market is constantly expanding and even warranting new clinics to spur
in locations all across the US. So now as opposed to travelling to big
cities (eg. Los Angeles, New York and Houston), patients are seeing
dermatologists and skilled professionals in vein health open clinics even in
small towns. This is great news for the vein health industry.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Varicose Vein Screenings
As new techniques for varicose and spider vein removal emerge onto the
market, many hospitals and vein clinics are looking to expose their new
methods onto the industry and patents. The Vein Center at Carney Hospital
will be providing free vein scans whilst also introducing new treatments.
This Boston clinic is following in the footsteps of others which are looking
to bring about the notion of early detection of venous disease and simply
awareness of symptoms, treatments and removal.
A local Boston paper the Dorchester Reporter said, "A free Varicose Vein
Screening will be offered on Tuesday, May 12, from 4-6 p.m. in Carney's new
Copeland Surgical Center located off the Seton Medical Office Building
Lobby. If you have varicose veins that result in painful, achy, or swollen
legs you may benefit from this free screening. The screening will provide a
limited venous ultrasound examination and brief consultation with a
physician."
These free testings will also allow patients to learn about the various
products and treatments available on the market, where to get one and how.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Increased Flight Routes and Possible DVT Rise
For nearly 2 million people worldwide travel is a way of life, whether it is
business or pleasure, we hop on airplanes and travel great distances. But
are we aware of the detriment this luxury may be causing to our vein health?
It is being said that new flying routes are being added day in and day out
globally, from direct flights to Dubai and South America alike, our worldly
ways may be harming our health. These increased flight routes may also mean
increase in Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) cases.
The National paper said, "Immobilisation has been linked to 75 per cent of
air-travel cases of DVT. Passengers move less in non-aisle seats and
correspondingly, more instances of the condition have been found in those
travellers. Common sense dictates that you should take an aisle seat if you
can, drink plenty of water, and reduce caffeine consumption and move about
as much as possible on-board."
A key factor and cause of DVT is prolonged hours of immobility – often times
induced from flying. So if the travel bug has bit you, it may be wise to
consider travelling safer and better. Use compression socks to increase the
blood flow and walk periodically to keep your legs moving during those
long-haul direct flights.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Women's Health Week
Here ye Here ye, for all you women out there, Monday will ring in Women's
Health Week. In lieu of bettering our health, a Foxboro, Massachusetts
medical center is offering free screenings for women. Whether you are
looking to get a body scan or a varicose vein scan, the Brigham and
Women's/Mass General Health Care Center is offering it all from April 30th –
May 7th.
The Walpole Times (local newspaper) said, "Events will include free
screenings for varicose veins as well as skin health analyses, and free mini
facials provided by Green Tangerine Spa and Salon. Health lectures for
women will be held on chronic pain management, bladder problems, ACL injury
and skin cancer prevention. *Varicose Vein Screenings *will be held
Thursday, April 30, from 5 - 8 p.m. Concerned about varicose veins? This
screening evaluates you for a new one-hour laser treatment that can return
you back to your normal everyday activities."
Varicose veins often plague millions of women worldwide, and a large number
of cases go undetected or simply untreated which may ultimately cause Deep
Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and other more serious ailments.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Controversy of Varicose Vein Treatment
A nurse in the UK who has been plagued with varicose veins for years now has
been denied payment over her removal treatments. For a woman who has spent
prolonged hours working as a nurse standing up right all the time, it's no
wonder she contracted a form of venous disease. The controversy stirs as
some physicians in the UK and US refuse to have insurance companies pay for
treatment, since so many people get treated for cosmetic purposes. But for
people like Toni whom have Grade's 2, 3 or 4 the removal treatments are
necessary. There are definitely hazards to living with varicose veins.
The Surrey Herald reported saying, "I'm on my feet all day and by the end of
it I'm in absolute agony with the varicose veins."My GP referred me to a
specialist, who said the veins need to be treated within the next five years
or I'm at risk of irreversible damage, leg ulcers and more. Toni, a
mum-of-three, considered getting the treatment privately after the trust's
refusal, but was told it would cost her £3,000. I have to wear compression
socks to ease it, but what I really need is treatment."
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Spring Cleaning
As Spring blossoms and summer lurks behind, are you ready for bikini season? This Spring instead of cleaning, try enhancing your vein health. For many of us we dread this time of year; short shorts and bathing suits. But if you are worried about that scantily clad teeny weeny bikini because of your gnarled or unattractive varicose or spider veins, spring into preventative action or treatment. From dermatologists, plastic surgeons and vascular surgeons there are a wide variety of places you can go to tend to your vain, nay vein, needs.
In fact, summer and spring also means holiday time. And for those of you avid jet-setters it may also be wise choice to invest in compression socks during those long haul cattle class flights. Because vein health can be amplified if you move, keep active and keep your blood flowing. So this spring take action and prevent or treat your venous disease.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Vein Health Promotion
As venous disease, varicose veins and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) continue to plague thousands of us, awareness has become more prevalent. Teaching and educating the public about how to prevent and treat such ailments is vital to healthier veins. The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences is offering free varicose vein screenings this upcoming weekend.
UAMS said, "A free screening for varicose veins, a common condition usually affecting veins in the leg, will be held from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on April 18 in the Outpatient Center at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock."
With millions of people going untreated, varicose veins have the potential to spread into more serious problems like DVT. It is vital to leg and vein health to get annual check-ups and tests to prevent venous disease.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Vascular Surgery Gaining Popularity
Vascular surgery is said to be gaining ground among young surgeons emerging
out of medical schools, residency programs and fellowships. Current
surgeons are seeing an influx of eager candidates getting involved. Much of
this is said to be due in part to minimally invasive treatment boom as well
as research in the field. The 40 million people nationwide with varicose
vein is a great industry to tap into, as many young surgeons are realizing.
In fact the industry is so lucrative that some current more senior surgeons
are teaching and holding clinics for young potential candidates to learn
about venous disease, vascular surgery, procedures and treatments. Forums
are said to be taking place across the nation urging these new young doctors
to get on board.
Alongside the new eagerness among young vascular surgeons, the industry is
thriving in the current economic climate. Patients still require treatment
for gnarled, ropy varicose veins, as many can pose problems like Deep Vein
Thrombosis (DVT) if gone untreated. This is great news for people in the
field as we are growing to learn more and become more aware of vein health.
Thursday, April 09, 2009
Booming Business
Again the news that minimally invasive treatments and tools for treatments
are going to soar in 2009-1010 financial year has shown up in headlines.
With a bad economy and people not wanting to take off copious amounts of
time for treatments, minimally invasive is the way to go according to many
surgeons and vein health experts. These require far less downtime post-op
and require less time during the actual procedure as well. For those of us
dealing with unwanted, gnarled and ropy veins there seems to not only be
many of us (over 40 Million in the US), but also a sundry of quick fixes
that are likely to get a huge revenue and funding boost.
Bio Optics World reports, "The endovenous ablation market, producer of laser
and radio frequency (RF) devices for treatment of varicose veins will
undergo significant growth through 2013 says Millennium Research Group (MRG,
Waltham, MA). The market will rise to more than $200 million says MRG in its
new report, US Markets for Varicose Vein Treatment Devices 2009. While
patent infringement squabbles caused significant turmoil in the market
during the past two years, the dust has mainly settled now and a large-scale
acquisition has set the stage for a new era of growth."
Thursday, April 09, 2009
Doing More to Prevent DVT
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a common ailment that plagues thousands of
people yearly. DVT can stem from varicose veins and has the potential to
turn into a serious disease. It can actually become fatal if the blood clot
dislodges and goes into the blood vessels of the lungs. The idea of
preventing DVT has become popular in recent months, more people are becoming
aware of the dangers and symptoms. Some good prevention methods to take
note of are to keep your legs and feet moving. Whether it is wiggling them
around, walking on long flights, or simply keeping up physical and sport
activity, keeping the blood flow going is essential to prevention and
maintaining vein and leg health.
Although there are so many cases of DVT and venous disease, education and
awareness has been lagging significantly. We must do more to make sure
people know how to take care of their legs, whether it's wearing compression
socks or keeping active, there are plenty of ways to prevent DVT.
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
Venous Disease Positive Findings
Over the last few weeks there have been a flurry of headlines in the news and medical journals about progress in venous disease and vein health. From vascular surgeons highlighting the new found importance of Statin a cholesterol drug that may aid in reducing the instances of Deep Vein Thrombosis cases (DVT). Or whether it is talks about DVT awareness month, venous disease is making headlines and drawing the attention of some head hanchos.
Whether you prefer yoga as your form of prevention or you would like to investigate the various removal methods (radiofrequency occlusion, stripping or laser etc.) there is a lot of infeormation out in the market at the moment about venous disease.
Monday, April 06, 2009
Fly Safely
With the recent drop in flight prices worldwide, many more people are opting
to take time and travel overseas for a holiday. But are these cheap flights
causing us to have more vein health issues? If you are one of the thousands
jumping on board the jet-setting ways of many celebrities, be sure you take
caution in your leg and vein health. The more often you fly and have
prolonged periods of time sitting or standing, it is vital to use
compression stockings to prevent from
varicose veins and Deep Vein
Thrombosis (DVT).
Cattle class is the last place you want to be during a 12-hour flight, so
take time to walk down the aisles and wear socks to keep the blood flowing
through your legs and veins. Taking such preventative measures will greatly
aid in better vein health and venous disease prevention.
Friday, April 03, 2009
Grapefruit Diet may Cause Vein Health Problems
A diet high in grapefruit consumption mixed with contraceptive pills and coupled with a family history nearly caused a women to lose her leg after a rare blood clot. Though not the most common of incidences, a odd combination made for an almost dangerous situation. Venous disease is a readily acknowledged and widespread problem worldwide, in fact 40 million Americans have some variation of varicose veins, DVT or spider veins (some form of venous disease). However, many cases go untreated and even disregarded.
Forbes report said, "So it was the combination of grapefruit juice, the estrogen in the birth control pill, the clot-inducing mutation and just sitting in the car in a position that narrowed the blood vessel, that threatened amputation of the leg, Grande said. This means there is no great lesson for people in general from the episode, she said. "Grapefruit juice is not a threat to society at large," she said. "It is very healthy in most cases. I believe this was a unique situation, and it should not discourage people from eating grapefruit."
Although venous disease and vein health issues can be quite dangerous, education, awareness and treatment are readily accessible and vital to better health.
Thursday, April 02, 2009
Hospitals Looking to Increase DVT Coverage
With the recent decision by Medicare to not pay for treatments regarding deep vein thrombosis (DVT) post hip or knee surgery. In lieu of DVT awareness month, this initiative may increase education and funding for DVT prevention. One key to alleviating such ailments is to prevent them all together, and in order to do so Kaiser and other hospitals are helping patients and the program out significantly.
The Kaiser hospital reported on their press release, "Pulmonary embolisms can occur when a blot clot forms in a deep leg or pelvis vein, known as DVT, and moves up to the lung blocking the pulmonary artery. According to the Journal, pulmonary embolisms are the leading cause of preventable hospital deaths. Studies have shown that about one-third of patients receive recommended prevention therapies, such as giving certain patients blood-thinning medication and using special compression socks after surgery to improve circulation in the legs.
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Varicose Vein Removal Market to Boost
The US market for varicose and spider vein removal is likely to get a massive boost by 2013. The projected numbers are set at around $215 million rise from where they are today. The report says that the tools and devices used over the past few years have gone through some turmoil, but now that there are only a few viable options on the market they are likely to take over and vastly expand their company and technologies.
Fox Business reported, "Because of these price increases, many physicians will take on more patients for varicose vein treatments in order to maximize device return-on-investment. These conditions, combined with the growing patient awareness of minimally invasive treatment alternatives to varicose vein surgery, will fuel significant growth in the endovenous ablation market over the next several years."
This would hopefully raise awareness and make treating varicose veins and venous disease readily available and much more widespread and affordable for patients.
