the vein through a very small entry
point. A fiber with a laser in its tip is
placed through the catheter and into the
vein. A laser light is emitted through
the fiber and as the fiber is pulled back
through the vein, it delivers just the
right amount of
energy. The targeted
tissue reacts with the
light energy, causing
the vein to close and
seal shut.
The veins that are
closed are superficial
veins that handle
less than five percent
of the body’s blood flow. The blood is
automatically routed to other, healthy
veins.
It is an outpatient procedure
performed at Kadlec under local
anesthesia, according to Dr. Lee.
“It takes between 30 and 60 minutes
and the patient is awake the whole time,”
he said.“There is minimal post-operative
pain and little or no scarring.”
For patients who have symptoms of
varicose veins, a physician’s evaluation
is the first step, said Dr. Lee. “If a
person has pain, itching, burning in
their legs or other symptoms, they
may benefit from treatment,” he said.
“It may be determined that this
procedure is part of that treatment
plan.”
For more information, call Kadlec
Clinic Cardiothoracic and Vascular
Surgery at
(509) 942-3095
.
V
aricose veins can cause pain, fatigue,
itching, swelling, and sometimes
even more serious complications
such as blood clots and leg ulcers.
Until recently, the removal of varicose
veins required that the vein be actually
stripped; this was a surgical procedure
that required a hospital stay and a
painful recovery.
Laser procedure
offers varicose vein option
A newer method, which
utilizes a laser, is available at
Kadlec Regional Medical Center and
offers a quicker, less painful recovery,
according to Kadlec Clinic vascular
surgeon Dae Lee, MD.
During the minimally invasive
procedure, called endovenous laser
treatment, a small catheter is put into
Nonprofit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Walla Walla, WA
Permit No. 44
888 Swift Blvd.
Richland, WA 99352
Pacesetter
is published by Kadlec Health System
888 Swift Blvd., Richland,WA 99352
(509) 946-4611
www.kadlec.org
Mary Lynn Merriman, MLM Communications, editor; Kim Fetrow,
ImageWorks Media Group; Mark Roberts Photography: photography.
Pacesetter
Editorial Board chair:
Nikki Ostergaard
Pacesetter
Editorial Board members:
Al Wichtendahl,
Angela Mohondro,Antoinette Burnside, Bryan Payne, Delt Clark,
Heidi Hill, Jeff Clark, Jim Hall, Julie Chavez, Julie Meek, Kris Gauntt,
Meg Fallows, Nan Domenici, Renee Sams, Roger Casey, Stephanie
Williams
The material in
Pacesetter
is not intended for diagnosing or
prescribing. Consult your physician before undertaking any form
of medical treatment or adopting any exercise program or dietary
guidelines. Information in
Pacesetter
comes from a wide range of
medical experts. Models may be used in photos and illustrations.
Copyright © 2013; Coffey Communications, Inc. CUN29074
Dae Lee, MD
1,2,3,4,5,6,7 8