A Gift of Beauty

By Liz Vierheller

Millions of people suffer from unsightly and often painful varicose veins but most people don't seek medical attention, according to Dr. Kyle Hrdlicka, of the Vascular and Vein Laser Center in Claremore. But who could blame them?

For decades the treatment of choice for painful varicose veins has been a procedure called vein stripping. Performed in a hospital under general anesthesia, the procedure requires two incisions, one at the groin and another at the knee. The surgery has a high incidence of minor complications, and requires a long recovery period accompanied by immobility and pain. Not surprisingly, many people chose to forego surgery and live with their symptoms. At least until now.

Today, there is a new laser technique known as E-LAS that replaces the vein stripping procedure that has been traditionally mandated for patients with large varicose veins.

"With E-LAS we can effectively and safely treat vein disease by utilizing a laser and ultrasound to close the vein," said Dr. Hrdlicka.

If that sounds high tech, it is. But the procedure is actually relatively simple. According to Dr. Hrdlicka, a sterile laser fiber is inserted in the vein and positioned using ultrasound guidance. Pulses of laser light are emitted inside the vein, and the vein collapses and seals shut.

"E-LAS is performed in our office under local anesthesia in less than two hours," said Dr. Hrdlicka. "Our patients are awake during the entire procedure." Because the procedure is only minimally invasive, patients experience less discomfort, fewer complications and a shorter recovery time.

Best of all, the procedure provides patients almost immediate relief from symptoms both physical and visual. Relief from pain and leg heaviness and an improvement in general health are obvious outcomes but patients also report a renewed sense of well-being and a new found confidence to bare their legs.

"This procedure is well tolerated by patients and produces good cosmetic results," Dr. Hrdlicka said.

By now, you are probably wondering about the cost. After all, high tech often means a high dollar price tag. But compared to vein stripping surgery, E-LAS is surprisingly affordable.

"Cost is nearly always an issue when it comes to medical treatment," said Dr. Hrdlicka. "Laser procedures may seem expensive at first but with E-LAS you're saving the cost of a hospital stay and the fee to the anesthesiologist." Overall, the cost for E-LAS is about half of what you might expect to pay for traditional vein stripping surgery.

And when you consider the benefits of the E-LAS procedure - no scar, minimal post-operative pain, a quick recovery period, and almost immediate relief from symptoms - the procedure becomes very affordable.

Plus, many insurance companies cover the procedure if it is determined to be medically necessary to treat venous insufficiency or venous disease. For your convenience, The Vascular and Vein Laser Center accepts most insurance plans including Medicare.

Dr. Hrdlicka, a trained general, vascular and endovascular surgeon, and his staff are committed to providing you, the patient, with the highest quality of care in pleasant surroundings.

A graduate of Claremore High School, Dr. Hrdlicka received his medical degree from the OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine in Tulsa. He completed an internship, a residency in general surgery, and a fellowship in vascular surgery, at Ohio University Doctors Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. He also completed a sub-fellowship in endovascular surgery at the Arizona Heart Institute in Phoenix, Arizona.

The Vascular and Vein Laser Center is conveniently located in Doctor's Park at 1220 North Florence in Claremore. Initial consultations are offered free of charge. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. To schedule an appointment, call (918) 341-5311.

If you are tired of hiding your legs, now is the perfect time for E-LAS. Give yourself a gift of beauty this Christmas - a pair of beautiful legs.