So Long, Sarong! 
Get Your Legs Boat Ready
Local Specialists Teach Us about Varicose Veins and the Latest Treatments
The summer season kicks off at the end of the month with Memorial Day. Many of us will be pulling out the sunscreen, flip-flops, and swimsuits in anticipation of pool parties, fun in the sun, and beach getaways. And while some of us have spent the majority of spring toning our abs and tightening our glutes so that we look fabulous in our summer attire, we may have forgotten to address those bulging, blue veins or the spreading spider veins along our thighs and calves.
Whether this is the first time you’ve noticed your varicose veins or you just haven’t gotten around to having them evaluated, don’t fear. Treatment for varicose veins is simple, effective, painless, and in most cases, covered by health insurance. TOTB did the “leg” work for you and spoke to the experts at Maryland Vein Professionals (MVP) to find out more about this prevalent disease.
Led by Surgical Director and President Dr. Jonathan Calure, a national leader in the VNUS Closure Procedure, MVP has proven its efficacy in treating varicose veins with a 99 percent success rate. Since opening Maryland Vein in 2006, Dr. Calure has completed more than 6,500 vein treatments. With a staff of cardiovascular surgeons and specialists in sonography, sclerotherapy, and VNUS Closure, MVP shared their knowledge with us to answer our questions about varicosity.
Varicose Veins, Explained
While varicose veins are unsightly and top the list for physical appearance complaints, many people don’t realize they can also lead to serious health problems if left untreated.
The role of healthy veins is to return blood to the heart for re-circulation. This process is referred to as the venous pump. There are three types of veins in the legs: superficial (where varicosity appears), deep veins, and perforating veins. Veins below the diaphragm must work harder than veins in the upper-half of the body to counter-act gravity as they return blood to the heart. In order to do this, leg muscles squeeze the deep veins of the legs and feet. Valves are responsible for keeping the blood flowing in the right direction. Due to genetics, age, pregnancy, and trauma, valves become weaker, failing to close completely. Blood can pool in the legs’ veins, increasing the pressure on superficial veins and resulting in inflamed veins that bulge and twist—otherwise known as varicose veins. This breakdown in the valve and vessel system is what’s referred to as venous insufficiency.
“In 80 to 90 percent of people with varicose veins, venous insufficiency is the culprit,” said Dr. Calure. Venous insufficiency is a circulatory problem which not only causes varicose veins, but can also lead  to other problems such as ulceration, phlebitis, thrombosis, and restless legs. People who live with varicose veins will tell you that their veins are painful, itch, burn, throb, and often feel achy and heavy. It’s vital to know that venous insufficiency is a circulatory problem and can be serious, so varicose veins should not be ignored.
Varicose veins are extremely common and the chance for developing them increases with age. “In the U.S., it’s more common than heart disease,” says Dr. Calure. Twice as many women as men will develop them primarily due to pregnancy. During pregnancy, blood volume increases, sometimes aggravating the underlying condition of weak valves and therefore increasing the likelihood of varicose veins. And although by the age of sixty, 70 percent of women will have some degree of venous insufficiency, this affliction is not simply relegated to women.
Between the ages of 40 and 49 nearly one quarter of all men will have varicose veins and that number increases to 43 percent by the age of 60. “In our practice, 25 percent of our patients are men,” adds Dr. Calure. Interestingly, lifestyle is not a significant cause for developing varicose veins. Instead you can blame genetics, gravity, age, and pregnancy.
Minimally Invasive Treatments
The only way to detect if venous insufficiency is the underlying cause of varicose veins is through ultrasound. Maryland Vein Professionals uses VNUS Closure, or Radiofrequency Ablation to treat varicose veins, a two-minute procedure requiring only local anesthesia to treat even the worst of veins. “VNUS Closure is covered by most insurance companies, is relatively painless, and lets people resume normal activity the same day,” comments Dr. Calure. “Lots of doctors offer these treatments,” he mentions “but it’s recommended to use a doctor who is trained specifically in diseases of the blood vessels.” As a board certified cardiovascular surgeon who has worked exclusively in vein care for more than five years, Dr. Calure has performed more VNUS Closure procedures than any one in the country, according to VNUS Medical Technologies, Inc., the device manufacturer. “My partner and I perform six to eight procedures daily and every month see between 200 to 300 new clients. Vein care is all that we do!”
For spider veins, treatment is done by sclerotherapy, a procedure in which a solution is injected into the problem veins causing the superficial veins to close. The veins get absorbed into the body and are no longer visible. Unless an ultrasound determines that venous insufficiency is the cause of your particular type of spider veins, treatment is not covered by health insurance. For patients about to undergo sclerotherapy, Dr. Calure suggests taking Ester C vitamin which helps to build collagen, making the vein stronger for treatment.
Start pulling out your shorts and other summer clothes with ease of mind, knowing that there is effective help out there that’s minimally invasive. It’s time to bare your legs for all to see!
For more information on varicose veins or Maryland Vein Professionals, visit one of its five locations in Columbia, Gambrills, Clarksville, Chevy Chase, and now at 888 Bestgate Road in Annapolis.
Maryland Vein Professionals diagnose and treat the entire spectrum of venous disorders. It is currently offering FREE screenings and a $100 coupon for the first sclerotherapy treatment.
To learn more or to schedule a free consultation, visit MDVeinProfessionals.com or call 410.268.LEGS (5347).
|
