DGMC now treating vericose veins

  • Published
  • By Capt. Rodney Martens
  • 60th Diagnostic and Therapeutics Squadron
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  As times change, so does treatment in medicine. Interventional radiology is one of the fastest growing areas in providing minimally invasive treatment for patients. 

Here at David Grant USAF Medical Center, the 60th Diagnostic and Therapeutics Squadron’s interventional radiology department is involved in providing these services, such as the treatment of varicose veins. 

Varicose veins are gnarled, enlarged veins. The word varicose comes from the Latin root varix, which means "twisted." Any vein may become varicose, but the veins most commonly affected are those in a person’s legs and feet. That's because people stand and walk upright, which increases the pressure in the veins in their lower body. 

Varicose veins are a common condition in the United States, affecting up to 80 million Americans. Women, especially older women, are more likely to have this problem than men. Treatment may involve self-help measures such as anti-inflammatory medication using aspirin or ibuprofen, or regular exercise which includes vein gymnastics, wading through water and going barefoot, or procedures by a doctor to close or remove the affected veins. 

For many people, varicose veins and spider veins -- another common, mild and medically insignificant variation of varicose veins -- are simply a cosmetic concern. For some, however, varicose veins can cause aching pain and discomfort. Sometimes the condition can lead to more serious problems. Varicose veins may also signal a higher risk of other disorders of the circulatory system. 

“For years the treatment for varicose veins was through a surgical procedure called vein stripping,” explained Dr. [Maj.] Ezell Askew, 60th MDTS interventional radiologist element chief. “Surgeons made cuts in the leg and using hook-like devices, pulled out sections of the vein. However, approximately 10 to 20 percent of veins can be duplicated. This is old technology.” 

Since the fastest growing treatment of varicose veins is EndoVenous Laser Therapy, DGMC’s interventional radiology department recently purchased a $33,000 Angiodynamics laser for the treatment of this condition. 

“EVLT is a relatively new process that uses some method of ablation [laser or radio frequency] to remove unsightly or painful veins,” said Dr. [Maj.] David Gover, 60th MDTS interventional radiologist. “The vein most frequently treated is the greater saphenous vein. Women are more frequently affected and most note that there is some hereditary component or that the problem worsens with child bearing.” 

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, the most common reason for needing EVLT is venous reflux. 

“Many women locally are having spider veins treated and it has become quite the money making venture for many private medical practices,” said Major Askew. “However, unless the underlying reflux is treated, they are simply throwing their money away, because like a properly thrown boomerang they will most surely return.” 

According to Major Askew, the answer is a properly performed and interpreted ultrasound looking for several key features. 

When certain criteria are met, the patient can be counseled and offered the appropriate treatment for venous reflux and spider vein ablation. Today, the process is performed in nearly 45 minutes by board certified interventional radiologists at DGMC. 

“A recent patient was to be treated in a local outpatient facility with a charge to DGMC of nearly $8,100,” said Staff Sgt. Ashley Hammonds, 60th MDTS interventional radiology NCO in charge. “The procedure was performed using our new Angiodynamics laser for approximately $600, a considerable savings for both Tricare as well as DGMC.” 

Currently more than 20 patients have been treated with subsequent spider vein ablation. According to Maj. Gover, spider vein ablation runs from $300 per 15 minute session to $3,000 per total treatment. “But remember,” said Maj. Gover, “if you have reflux, that money spent will most certainly be spent again and again and again.” 

For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact DGMC’s interventional radiology department at 423-7244.