About one third of the adult population is affected by varicose veins. These swollen, often painful veins in the legs are due primarily to incompetence of the valves in the femoral and great saphenous veins. The results are swollen vessels that are both painful and unsightly. Previously, vein stripping, or surgically removing these large veins under general anesthesia through small incisions, was the preferred treatment. Now, newer techniques like radiofrequency occlusion allow for minimally invasive treatment in an outpatient or office setting with only local anesthesia and intravenous sedation.
Radiofrequency occlusion can easily be performed in an office setting with one small puncture site. Following injection of a local anesthetic at the site of insertion, a catheter or small tube is threaded through the great saphenous vein using sonographic guidance. Local anesthetic is injected along the vein while the patient is also given IV sedation to make the procedure more comfortable. The catheter is withdrawn down the great saphenous vein as the radiofrequency occlusion is performed using sound waves to heat the vein to 185 degrees. The heating process collapses the vein forming scar tissue which will later be absorbed by the body as healing takes place.
Following the radiofrequency occlusion procedure, the leg is wrapped in a tight compression bandage and compression hose are worn for two to three weeks while healing occurs. After a short recovery time due to the mild sedation, the patient is able to return home. Most patients are able to walk and resume normal activities immediately following the procedure. Minor side effects such as numbness and skin discoloration can occur or the procedure may not fully occlude the vein. Studies have shown this procedure is comparable to vein stripping with less pain, no incisions, and faster return to normal function while effectively relieving the symptoms of varicose veins.
About LUMEN Laser Center
Advanced Vein and Skin Health Finding a vein clinic in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania is simple with Dr. Andrew Kwak, MD offering his services at the Lumen Laser Center. Dr. Kwak offers year of experience and education in the field of venous health care. This Bryn Mawr varicose veins treatment facility offers the latest laser and vein care technology meant to get you back on your fee in minimal time. In fact, this Pennsylvania vein doctor offers a number of treatment options for those seeking to remove unsightly and painful spider veins or varicose veins. Dr. Andrew Kwak is always looking for even newer ways to use minimally invasive surgical techniques which minimize down time and discomfort. The vein care industry has been revolutionized over the years and is currently one of the least invasive medical fields, offering excellent care with minimal recovery.
At his Bryn Mawr varicose veins treatment clinic, Dr. Kwak offers sclerotherapy, endovenous laser therapy, or simply laser spider vein removal, and a number of other ambulatory focused medical procedures meant to help those with a cardiovascular emergency. Furthermore, the Lumen Laser Center offers a number of other cosmetic skin care procedures meant to get you at your most confident. So whether it is spider veins or other cosmetic blemishes, Dr. Kwak can help you to become confident with your appearance at this Bryn Mawr varicose veins treatment center.
