UKIAH, Calif. – A new minimally invasive procedure for treating a serious medical condition known as venous reflux disease, better known as severe varicose veins has been introduced to the Advanced Wound Center (AWC) at Ukiah Valley Medical Center (UVMC).

An estimated 25 million Americans suffer from severe and diseased varicose veins which cause pain, swellingand disfigurement.

William F. Cress, M.D., laparoscopic and general surgeon will be spearheading the program at the AWC.

Dr. Cress has nine years of experience in using this procedure called endovenous radiofrequency ablation.

“My patients are amazed at how quick the procedure is and how little discomfort they feel,” he said. “It only takes a matter of minutes to work on the diseased vein. 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.”

This outpatient procedure is performed under local anesthetic, the ClosureFAST catheter is then threaded into the diseased vein through a small puncture, and radiofrequency 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 percent effective at the one year followup 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 great technological leap beyond alternative vein procedures,” said Gwen Matthews, chief executive officer of UVMC. “It is so gratifying to provide a patient with a resolution to a medical issue they may have struggled with for decades.”

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.

To learn more about the minimally invasive vein procedure and other services offered at the Advanced Wound Center please call 707-467-5230 or visit www.uvmc.org/wound .