UKIAH ? A new invasive procedure for treating a serious medical condition known as venous reflux disease, better known as severe varicose vein was introduced to the Advanced Wound Center (AWC) at Ukiah Valley Medical Center (UVMC).
An estimated 25 million Americans suffer from severe and diseased varicose veins, which causes pain, swelling and disfigurement.
William F. Cress, M.D., laparoscopic and general surgeon will be spearheading the program at the AWC. Cress has nine years of experience in using the procedure called endovenous radiofrequency ablation.
“My patients are amazed at how quick the procedure is and how little discomfort they feel.” Cress said. “It only takes a matter of minutes to work on the diseased vein. I have found the treatment outcomes to be excellent. The procedure is successful in closing the vein and the patients” quality of life improves immediately.”
The outpatient procedure is performed under local anesthetic, the ClosureFAST catheter is then threaded into the diseased vein through a small puncture and radiofrequency energy is transmitted through the device to heat and seal the vein walls. The body subsequently re-routes blood flow through healthier leg veins, restoring normal circulation and the varicosity symptoms quickly dissipate. Clinical studies have found the procedure more than 97 percent effective at the one year follow-up visit and virtually painless for most patients. As a medical necessity, the procedure is covered by Medicare and most private health insurance plans.
Half of all seniors, including two-thirds of women over 60, will experience the condition at some point. Heredity, pregnancy, obesity and careers requiring extended standing, such as nursing and teaching, are the primary risk factors. Complications may include leg ulcers and blood clots.
For information, call 467-5230 or visit www.uvmc.org/wound.
