A recent study from the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California analyzed a database of patients at a vein clinic who presented with active venous ulcers. The time period was between March 2007 to May 2014. The study wanted to determine the efficacy of endovenous laser treatments in combination with other vein treatment procedures when treating venous ulcers.
Venous ulcers are common and have few treatment options. They are a result of advanced vein disease. The ulcers happen when the congestion in the veins interferes with the blood’s ability to provide nutrients to the skin. It is also considered the most advanced form of vein disease.
Study Methods and Results
The database of patients and their charts were reviewed with attention to the length of time the patient reported the ulceration, the type of procedure performed, and the healing time. A total of 31 patients were studied. One patient underwent conservative treatment and healed before surgery was necessary. The remaining 30 patients underwent endovenous laser ablation in combination with sclerotherapy and phlebectomy.
The study found that the median healing time was 55 days after the first treatment, with 93% experiencing ulcer healing. It was determined that endovenous laser ablation and the combination of sclerotherapy and phlebectomy proved to be an effect treatment of chronic venous ulcers. The researchers concluded that the patients had experienced failure of other medical procedures, including surgical interventions that included vein stripping and graft placement. The study posits that laser ablation offers an effective, low cost, minimally invasive treatment for patients. Researchers also concluded that the combination treatment should be considered with stage six venous insufficiencies.
Study Implications
Dr. Thomas Wright, medical director at the Laser, Lipo and Vein Center says, “These findings are critical to our effective care of venous ulcers.” He continues, “We understand that advanced stages of vein disease can be difficult to treat and these findings give us an overall effective treatment program that can be considered for our patients suffering from this type of medical condition.”
Dr. Wright and his staff are very experienced at diagnosing and treating vein diseases, from the very early stages to more advanced cases. Says Dr. Wright, “With any vein disease or condition, it is important that you get the earliest possible diagnosis and treatment to prevent the condition from advancing.” If you are concerned or wish to known more about vein disease, we urge you to schedule a consultation where we can discuss your individual case.
Photo By Jonathan Moore – Creating the Ideal Microcosm for Rapid Incorporation of Bioengineered Alternative Tissues Using An Advanced Hydrogel Impregnated Gauze Dressing: A Case Series. The Foot and Ankle Online Journal 1 (9): 2., CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6886410
