OLATHE, KAN. (Dec. 2, 2011) – The new Vein Care Center at Olathe Medical Center offers patients relief from tired, painful or swollen legs using state-of-the-art, minimally invasive treatment called radio frequency ablation.

The procedure is quick, safe, effective and allows a short recovery time. It is performed with local anesthesia in our comfortable outpatient center and is covered by most insurance plans.

Two experienced cardiothoracic surgeons, Richard S. Downey, MD, and James E. Miller, MD, evaluate and treat our patients. The procedure typically takes about an hour, and there is virtually no downtime. Most people immediately return to normal activities. Following the procedure, a compression wrap is placed on the treated leg for approximately 24 hours. Recovery is typically rapid and any mild discomfort is managed by over-the-counter medications.  

Leg pain and unsightly leg veins are caused by pressure building up in the veins. Veins carry blood from the body back to the heart. One-way valves keep blood flowing in that direction. When the valves are damaged, the blood flows backwards and pressure builds up in the veins. The veins become enlarged and twisted because they are congested with blood. These enlarged veins are called varicose veins. 

For some people, varicose veins cause no pain. They are simply unsightly blue or purple twisted bulges beneath the skin. For others, varicose veins can cause problems ranging from pain, fatigue and swelling to more serious skin and tissue problems. 

Symptoms of varicose veins can include pain, swelling, fatigue, heaviness, aching, burning, itching, restlessness, skin discoloration, rash, ulcers and non-healing sores. These symptoms occur when the veins are not functioning correctly. 

“Varicose veins are one of the most common chronic conditions in the country,” cardiothoracic surgeon Richard S. Downey, MD, said. “Symptoms are generally worse after standing for long periods. If left untreated, symptoms can worsen over time.”

Visible varicose veins affect about 25 percent of women and 15 percent of men, typically between the age of 30 and 70. Women are more likely to develop them, mainly due to hormonal influences and other effects of pregnancy including increased blood flow and pressure in the veins. 

In addition to age and gender, other factors may lead to the development of varicose veins including:

• Heredity

• Inactivity (sitting or standing for long periods of time)

• Obesity

• Leg injury

• Smoking

Click here or call 913-768-3104 to learn more or to schedule an appointment at the Vein Care Center.