Vein Clinics Of America Offers Newest Available Technology In The Treatment Of Varicose Veins
The CoolTouch CTEV laser system received approval in late 2004 from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of reflux of the great saphenous vein (GSV) associated with varicose veins.
With the CoolTouch CTEV, a small single needle incision is made in the leg and a fiber is inserted into the varicose vein. The laser is activated and as the fiber is moved through the vein it gently heats and safely closes the vein. Once the vein is closed, the blood that was circulating through this vein is simply rerouted to other healthy veins and the varicose vein is absorbed by the body.
"The CoolTouch laser system is a significant advancement in the treatment of vein disease," said Aaron Cohen, M.D., VCA. "In addition, its positive insurance coverage has allowed us to treat more patients."
Unlike other endovenous laser treatment (ELT) systems, CoolTouch targets water, which is the main component of the collagen in the vein wall. Other ELT systems directly target blood, specifically hemoglobin. As a result CoolTouch has a shorter absorption length than other ELT lasers. Gentle, controlled heating is used to contract the vein leading to closure. By doing this patients experience little, if any, pain, bruising and swelling.
CoolTouch is accepted by many insurance companies. This allows many patients who may not have been able to afford treatment before to now seek relief from their condition.
VCA offers the CoolTouch procedure at their clinics located in: Kansas City; Knoxville; Milwaukee; Naperville, Ill.; Northbrook Ill.; Oak Brook, Ill., Orland Park, Ill.; Owings Mills, Md.; Raleigh; Rockville, Md. and Vienna, Va.