By: Christy Means-Smith | Category: Health & Beauty | Issue: February 2007
Dr. Kyle Hrdlicka with his staff (L to R): Tonja Bartley, Kathi Ragsdale, Dee Hildebrand and Beth Ragsdale.
Who gets varicose veins, and why does it happen? There can be several contributing factors, according to Dr. Kyle Hrdlicka of the Vascular and Vein Laser Center in Claremore. Genetics and heredity are common factors, and others include pregnancy, obesity and standing for exceptionally long periods of time, to mention a few.
Varicose veins are not only undesirable for cosmetic reasons, but they are often quite painful. This condition occurs when poor circulation is involved. Blood is allowed to pool in the leg veins, rather than being pumped back up in the body, as is the norm. Varicose veins can cause pain and heaviness in legs, edema, burning and stinging, aching and throbbing. The good news is that varicose veins can be treated and eliminated by Dr. Hrdlicka with a treatment option that is easier than older methods and causes far less discomfort.
“We employ the laser technique, ELAS with ultrasound guidance, which allows us to efficiently treat vein disease. This treatment is performed in our office,” says Dr. Hrdlicka.
Naturally, there are common questions: How is the surgery performed? How long will it take? How soon will I experience relief from the pain of varicose veins and how many treatments will I need?
The procedure is a sterile laser fiber that is inserted in the vein and its position is guided by using ultrasound guidance. Local anesthesia is administered, so patients are awake during the treatment, and since ELAS is minimally invasive, discomfort is minimal. The whole procedure takes under two hours.
“This procedure is very well tolerated by our patients and produces good results,” states Dr. Hrdlicka.
Relief from pain and leg heaviness and also greatly improved appearance are almost immediate. The amount of treatments necessary is variable from patient to patient, and will be determined by Dr. Hrdlicka. Some of the other benefits of the ELAS procedure include no scarring, a quick recovery period and a much more affordable alternative to traditional vein stripping. In addition, many insurance companies cover the procedure if it has been deemed medically necessary.
Dr. Hrdlicka, a trained general, vascular and endovascular surgeon, and his staff are dedicated to giving their patients the highest quality of care in a comfortable, pleasant environment. 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. Other procedures include schlerotherapy, Radio Frequency Ablation therapy for treating venous stasis ulcers and varicose veins. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. To schedule an appointment, call (918) 341-5311.
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