Patient Success Stories

Ingalls minimally invasive laser procedure zaps varicose veins without surgery

Fall 2006 — Until recently, Audrey Kozacek of Frankfort was like millions of other Americans living with varicose veins. She suffered uncomfortable leg pain, and was embarrassed to wear dresses or shorts. Not anymore.

Kozacek, 50, underwent a new, minimally invasive varicose vein procedure at Ingalls Family Care Center in Tinley Park this past January, and not only is she painfree, she's wearing shorts and dresses again!

Using the VenaCure™ Laser Venous System, a specially trained team of interventional radiologists at Ingalls are treating patients with varicose veins on an outpatient basis with a minimal amount of discomfort.

"This is a varicose vein treatment that's perfect for today's busy lifestyles," explains Thomas Aquisto, M.D., boardcertified interventional radiologist on staff at Ingalls. "It's a quick, effective outpatient procedure that involves very little discomfort and represents a vast improvement over traditional treatment options. After the procedure, patients can literally walk out of the office and resume normal activities immediately."

Here's how it works: The process begins by mapping out the location of the affected veins with an ultrasound. Then, using the VenaCure™ system, an Ingalls interventional radiologist inserts a thin laser fiber into the vein through a tiny puncture site. The laser energizes the fiber as it is withdrawn from the vein. Energy emitted from the tip of the fiber causes only the treated vein to close, while the body automatically reroutes the blood to healthy veins.

"The entire procedure takes just 45 minutes and requires local anesthesia," Dr. Aquisto added.

"I started developing varicose veins 22 years ago after my third child was born," Kozacek said. "I had ligation surgery in 1993, but the varicose veins came back in five or six years." Besides being unsightly, Kozacek's varicose veins caused considerable itching and burning, making it painful to walk or stand. That was a big problem, since as an instrumental technician at Ingalls, Kozacek spends most of the day on her feet.

After the laser vein procedure at Ingalls, Kozacek took just one day off work and wore compression stockings for two weeks. Today, she feels 100 percent. "I highly recommend the laser treatment at Ingalls."

To assist patients considering laser varicose vein treatment, Ingalls now employs the services of a specially trained program coordinator who answers patient questions, makes referrals, schedules any necessary testing before the procedure and assists with insurance claims.

"This is what makes our program unique from others in the area," explains Kathy Wallace, R.N. "I'm the first point of contact for patients, and I see them through the process every step of the way. It's reassuring to have a familiar person to assist you when you're going through a medical procedure."

The laser treatment is available at the Vein Clinic at Ingalls Family Care Center in Tinley Park. For patient convenience, the ultrasound vein mapping procedure is available at the main hospital campus in Harvey, as well as the Tinley Park and Flossmoor Family Care Centers.

For more information on laser vein treatment, please call the Vein Clinic at 708.915.7518.

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