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HOUSTON (KHOU) -- Technological advances are making it possible to remove
varicose veins more quickly than ever.
Varicose veins are twisted, rope-like blood vessels that run beneath the surface
of the skin. They develop when small, one-way valves in the veins that prevent
blood from accumulating in the legs and feet malfunction.
Dr. Ralph deAyala injured his leg playing soccer, which caused unsightly
varicose veins. "Over a period of about 15 years it had just become more
uncomfortable and more unsightly," he says.
DeAyala tried wearing support hose, but found them to be uncomfortable. He
looked into other ways to remove the veins, such as surgical stripping and
sclera therapy. Both required too much time away from his practice, so deAyala
opted for laser treatment.
First, an ultrasound map was made of the large saphenous vein in his leg. Then a
topical anesthetic cream was applied to the leg, and a laser run inside the
vein. The heat from the laser destroys the vein.
"You can actually hear the destruction of the vein and you can actually hear it
pop," says Dr. William Berry, who performs the laser surgery in Houston.
The whole procedure takes about 45 minutes, and can be done on an outpatient
basis. It costs around $2,700.
Varicose veins are unsightly, but they also suggest poor circulation and should
be treated. There are many options available. So talk to your doctor to find
out if this procedure is right for you.
For more information, you can contact Dr. William Berry, The Greater Houston
Vein Center, 6655 Travis, Houston, TX 77030; phone 713-622-8346.
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