Vim & Vigor - Winter 2011 - Gwinnett Medical Center - (Page 56)

TRANSFORMING HEALTHCARE Transforming Unsightly Veins Lasers o er quick and e ective treatment N early 40 percent of women and 25 percent of men suffer from uncomfortable and unsightly varicose veins. Because this affects so many, Gwinnett Medical Center–Duluth offers a technologically advanced, minimally invasive treatment option called endovenous laser treatment (EVLT). Endovenous laser treatment for varicose veins has up to a 98 percent success rate. WHAT CAUSES VARICOSE VEINS? Varicose veins are enlarged and twisted ropelike veins that appear near the surface of the skin. Although they can develop anywhere in the body, they are most commonly found in the legs and ankles because standing and walking increase pressure in the lower extremities. Unavoidable, underlying causes of chronic venous insufﬁciency that can lead to varicose veins include an inherited genetic predisposition and the normal aging process. Any condition that puts more pressure on leg veins—including standing for long periods, being overweight or being pregnant—can also cause varicose veins or spider veins. Women are at greater risk than men because of hormonal changes that relax vein walls during pregnancy, premenstruation and menopause. Other factors include previous venous surgery, trauma or injury. “Venous insufﬁciency or varicose veins are not just cosmetic issues,” says Brandon Kang, M.D., a pioneer in vein treatment at GMC–Duluth. “If not properly treated, symptoms can progress and cause more serious medical problems.” WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS? Symptoms may include pain, leg heaviness, burning and throbbing, cramping, swelling, skin discoloration and ulcerations. Symptoms are typically worse with prolonged periods of standing or sitting. In more serious cases, ulcerations can develop and may become infected. Spontaneous bleeding may also occur. Other serious symptoms may include thrombosis, or clotting, in the varicose veins that may lead to life-threatening clots in the lungs. WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR VARICOSE VEINS? The EVLT system uses targeted laser energy to seal the vein shut and help you look and feel better fast. Beneﬁts of this procedure, which is covered by most insurance plans, include: • Treatment completed in about 30 minutes • Up to 98 percent success rate • Immediate relief of symptoms • Return to normal activity immediately with little or no pain • No general anesthesia or hospitalization • Minimal or no scarring “Laser treatment of varicose veins has revolutionized vein treatment and is quickly becoming the standard of care,” Dr. Kang says. “This procedure is safe, quick, very effective and virtually painless, and requires minimal recovery time. There is no large incision, so there is no scarring.” CALL Get a Referral for Treatment With these new treatment options, you no longer have to suffer with varicose veins. For a physician referral, call 678-312-5000. 56 Vim & Vigor · W I N TER 2 011

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Winter 2011 - Gwinnett Medical Center

Vim & Vigor - Winter 2011 - Gwinnett Medical Center
Contents
Phil's Feature
New Hip, New Life
Building Better Heart Care
Back in Action
Supplementary Knowledge
Keys to Survival
Clearing the Air
Mark Harmon of NCIS fame makes 60 look good
This One's For the Girls
Life After a Loss
Do Your Diabetes Homework
Healthy Returns
Prime Time Health
The Future of Breast Health
Growing Generosity
Out of the White Coat
Transforming Healthcare

Vim & Vigor - Winter 2011 - Gwinnett Medical Center