"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.
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Sunday, July 05, 2009
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Compression Stocking Contest
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SIGVARIS, a large manufacturer of compression therapy equipment, has chosen a winner from their Life for Legs Compression Therapy Contest. The contest was held through the month of March and the winner was recently chosen from the entries. The goal of the contest was to promoted educational awareness for DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis).
"Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism affect an estimated 350,000 to 600,000 Americans each year. Together, deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism contribute to at least 100,000 deaths each year. More people die from DVT complications in the US each year than breast cancer, motor vehicle accidents and AIDS combined" stated the article by PR Inside.
Companies, such as SIGVARIS, are taking the steps to educate the public about DVT through contests, videos, websites, and brochures. The winner was a man from the Bronx, New York, who has been wearing compression stockings for years and showed the most support for the SIGVARIS product lines.
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Thursday, July 02, 2009
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Traffic Takes a Toll on your Veins
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As we have discussed in previous blogs, sitting in a confined space for an extended period of time can cause Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). The fourth of July is a popular holiday in the US, and many use this weekend as a time to visit friends and family. Unfortunately, sitting in traffic has become a staple of the holiday weekend as well.
If taking a long trip, please remember to stretch often. Sitting in one position for hours can put tremendous pressure on your legs and veins. Pulling off the road for a quick stop will help your venous system, as well as your sanity.
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Tuesday, June 30, 2009
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Flight Safety
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In preparation for my big flight on Friday (Sydney to Los Angeles), I went
to reserve my seats online and print my ticket confirmation. In doing so, I
noticed a note at the bottom of the email about flying safety. Something I
have never seen on any other flight itinerary in all my travels. The
airline actually wrote out the possibility of developing Deep Vein
Thrombosis (DVT) while on long flights. They also include a few tips for
how to increase blood flow during the flight and prevent DVT. This included
walking around the cabin when possible, wearing compression stockings,
stretching your legs and keeping hydrated.
Varicose veins and DVT plague millions of people in the US alone. Many of
which may lead to serious blood clots which can cause significant pain,
discomfort and in some cases death. Flying safely is key to vein health and
from preventing DVT from striking during your holidays.
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Tuesday, June 30, 2009
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Air Pollution and DVT
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Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) which has generally been linked to prolonged
hours of immobility, sitting, standing, long-haul flights and genetics may
now have a new cause. Recent research suggests that air pollution may
adversely impact your vein health. For years studies have shown the
negative effects of pollution (diesel, gas and carbon gases) in the air to
heart problems.
Mens News Daily said, "The researchers noted a 47 percent greater risk of
DVT among the patient volunteers who lived closer to high-traffic highways
and streets. Therefore, the findings of this study strongly suggest that
chronic exposure to particulate air pollution from vehicle exhaust
significantly increases the risk of developing DVT."
DVT is actually considered a highly preventable health issue, maintaining
blood flow and circulation is key: this includes exercising regularly,
walking during flights, or wearing compression stockings. And now according
to such new research, avoid living near traffic ridden highways.
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Friday, June 26, 2009
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Stimulate your Legs
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As the start of holiday season kicks into gear, start stimulating. No not your bank accounts from the government, but instead your legs. If you are getting ready to head on a long-haul flight prep your legs and veins by routinely exercising. Physical activity stimulates blood circulation and flow, which aids in preventing Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and venous disease – varicose and spider veins.
The Examiner said in a report, "DVT is usually associated with confined or relatively immobile situations such as driving for long distances or sitting at a computer desk for extended periods of time, but it can occur even in a hospital bed. Not surprising, DVT has become so associated with cramped airline seats that it is sometimes referred to as "economy class syndrome." It is the relative immobility – the lack of physical activity."
Such prevention and health care is vital for people over the age of 60, as DVT tends to strike older and less mobile people. However, maintaining good vein and leg health is imperative even at an earlier age. So this summer start to stimulate.
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Thursday, June 25, 2009
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Minimally Invasive Surgeries go Abroad
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Minimally invasive procedures like radiofrequency, VNUS and endovenous laser removal have all been readily accessible and used in the United States. Now such procedures are heading overseas to China. The numbers in China are far greater than that of the US, 100 million in China suffer from varicose veins and spider veins. In fact the minimally invasive charge is heading into the Asian market with full force; trained vascular surgeons will be training Chinese based physicians on such techniques.
China Daily said, "The hospital is cooperating with InaVein Llc and VNUS Inc from the United States, as well as Diomed Inc from the United Kingdom, to set up the TriVex, RFO (radiofrequency endoveous occlusion) and EVLT (endovenous laser treatment) training centers. It will hold the first training class on minimally invasive treatment for 193 doctors, mainly from northern China."
The training sessions will hopefully spread into the greater Asian region.
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Wednesday, June 24, 2009
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Free Vein Screening
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Southcoast Hospitals in Dartmouth is offering free varicose and spider vein screenings this coming Saturday. The Women's Health Clinic which is putting on the tests is hoping to identify which patients will be prime candidates for endovenous laser removal treatment.
Southcoast Today said, "The screening is quick and the results will determine if the patient is a candidate for the minimally invasive procedure called EVLT or not. The EVLT ... is less invasive and can eliminate the need for surgery or vein stripping." Performed by an interventional radiologist, the screening consists of an ultrasound of the leg to assess the venous anatomy, vein valve function and venous blood flow changes, which can assist in diagnosing venous insufficiency."
The hospital has said walk-ins are welcome, however they urge people to make a booking prior to showing up to expedite the process and screenings.
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Wednesday, June 24, 2009
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Speeding Up
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Varicose and spider vein removal techniques are becoming faster and more efficient. Far gone are the days of invasive, painful and time consuming stripping methods. In this day and age vascular surgeons and dermatologists claim to be able to remove such veins in an hour. Five years or a decade ago such efficient and easy removal methods did not even exist, which is why the 40 million Americans who suffer from varicose veins are so thrilled at the prospect of these new removal styles.
WDJB 7 News said, "This procedure doesn't require removing any vein, but just sealing off the vein that's causing the varicose veins. This catheter technology allows the doctor to close off the vein in a matter of minutes using radio frequency."We're blocking off the bad vein and letting the normal veins continue to do their work. It can be done here in the office under local anesthesia and really there is no recovery time. You can do the procedure and go right back to work," said MacMillan."
These quick and speedy procedures also allow patients to get them done during work hours and in fact go back to their normal working routine. Post-op recovery is a non-issue.
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Friday, June 19, 2009
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Make a Change
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This summer tis the season to make a change in your skim imperfections and ailments. Venous disease is both an aesthetic issue and a medical problem. There are speculations that nearly 80% of women suffer from some variation of spider veins and 40 million Americans are plagued with varicose veins. Both problems have the potential to turn into a more serious health issue like Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT).
One viable and effective option for removal is sclerotherapy, "Sclerotherapy: Using a tiny needle, a doctor injects the spider veins with a medicated solution that "causes them to collapse and permanently disappear," says Fredric Brandt, a dermatologist in Miami and New York. You'll probably need two to three sessions to eradicate a spider vein fully. Cost: $200 and up per treatment."
So this summer try to make some lifestyle changes as well. Limit the number of hours you spend crossing your legs ladies, travel safer with compression stockings and start taking up healthy exercise classes like yoga.
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Thursday, June 18, 2009
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Covidien and VNUS Buyout
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Covidien the medical device maker and healthcare company has announced they have completed their buyout of VNUS Medical Technologies for $440 million. VNUS is a San Jose based company that makes products for treating varicose veins. Covidien has said they are hoping to expand their presence in the venous disease market and buying VNUS is part of their expansion strategy.
CNBC said, "The acquisition of VNUS will expand our vascular product line and is consistent with our strategy of becoming a leading partner with interventional radiologists and vascular surgeons," said Joe Almeida, president of medical devices for Covidien, in a statement Wednesday."
The venous disease treatment industry is said to be dramatically expanding due to innovation in technologies and demand from the 40 million people with varicose veins. It is a lucrative market to be involved in at the moment.
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