For Immediate Release Contact: Jeff Johns
June 16, 2010 570-893-5420
Haven Vascular Center Offers Fast Catheter Technology to Seal Diseased Leg Veins
Dr. Mohammed Islam Uses VNUS® ClosureFAST™ Catheter to Treat Underlying Cause
of Varicose Veins With Minimal Patient Discomfort
Lock Haven, PA – The Haven vascular Center of Lock Haven Hospital, a leading provider of Vascular care for the Lock Haven Community, announced today that Dr. Mohammed Islam is now performing a high-tech procedure that treats the underlying cause of painful, swollen varicose veins. Dr. Islam is one of the first physicians in the Lock Haven area to use the VNUS ClosureFAST catheter, an endovenous radiofrequency (RF) ablation device designed to heat, shrink and close diseased saphenous veins (large leg veins) in approximately three minutes of virtually painless treatment with minimal after affects for the patient. The outpatient procedure is designed to treat the serious medical condition known as venous reflux disease, and is not considered cosmetic surgery.
“Our Haven Vascular Center patients are very happy with ClosureFAST,” said Dr. Islam, a leading vascular surgeon in the Lock Haven area. “They are amazed at how quickly the procedure is completed and how little discomfort they feel, and they are pleased to be able to walk out after the procedure and resume normal activities the next day. And 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.”
Under local anesthetic, the ClosureFAST catheter is threaded into the diseased saphenous vein through a small puncture, and RF 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% 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.
“This is a tremendous technological leap beyond vein stripping, the traumatic general surgery we previously used to remove varicose veins,” said Dr. Islam. “It is enormously gratifying to provide a patient with a resolution to a medical issue they may have struggled with for decades.”
More than 25 million Americans suffer from severe varicose veins, which can cause pain, swelling, fatigue and disfigurement. 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, like nursing and teaching, are the primary risk factors. Complications may include leg ulcers and dangerous blood clots.
ABOUT HAVEN VASCULAR CENTER
The Haven Vascular Center at Lock Haven Hospital, provides diagnosis and treatment of varicose veins, spider veins and venous ulcers. The staff is dedicated to providing the finest care and the most advanced minimally invasive techniques for the treatment of venous disease and its symptoms. For more information, call 570-893-5094 or visit LockHavenHospital.com or www.vnus.com.
###
QUALITY CARE – RIGHT HERE
Hospital Services-
Cardiac, cardiopulmonary/respiratory, cardiovascular services, emergency department, GI/endoscopy lab, hospice/home healthcare, intensive care unit, imaging (CT Scan, MRI, Ultrasound) labor & delivery, nursery, occupational health, outpatient nutrition, extended care rehabilitation, sleep center, surgery and rehabilitation.
LOCKHAVENHOSPITAL.COM
Indication: The VNUS closure treatment is intended to treat blood vessels with superficial venous reflux, the underlying cause of varicose veins.
Contraindications: Patients with thrombus in the vein segment to be treated.
Potential Risks and Complications: As with all medical procedures, there is the potential for complications including vessel perforation, thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, phlebitis, infection, hematoma, arteriovenous fistula, nerve damage, and skin burn.
Consult with a physician to receive more information.