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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 8, 2008
MID ILLINI SURGICAL ASSOCIATES TO HOST
FREE SCREENINGS FOR VARICOSE VEINS
(Peoria) – Dr. Scott Reid and Dr. Brian Heywood, two vascular surgeons from Mid Illini Surgical Associates (MISA), will offer FREE screenings for varicose vein (See schedule for dates) in the Methodist Atrium Building on Main Street in Peoria. Each event will run from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. Although appointments are preferred, walk-ins will be welcomed on a
first-come, first-served basis.
“If you are one of the many who suffer from the discomfort of varicose veins,” Dr. Reid said, “then we encourage you to call us to schedule an appointment on one of these days to be sure to get your 15-minute screening. It’s free, easy and painless, so you can’t lose!” He added that those who want to be screened should come in shorts or a dress so that their legs are exposed for the screening.
Raising Awareness
An estimated 25 million people in the United States have varicose veins. A leading cause is attributed to venous reflux disease, often occurring from “incompetent” or “leaky” valves in the large vein running from the ankle to the groin in each leg. In addition to varicose veins, other symptoms may include leg pain, fatigue, swelling and skin ulceration. This condition can be progressive if left untreated, and symptoms may worsen with time.
- About 72% of women and 42% of men in America will experience varicose veins by the time they are in their 60s.
- Peak incidence of venous insufficiency occurs in women aged 40-49 years and in men aged 70-79 years.
- Common risk factors include multiple pregnancies, family history, obesity and professions where long periods of standing are required.
MISA is hosting the FREE screening events to help educate the community about the dangers of venous and vascular disease, along with risk factors, prevention and treatment options. As part of the program, they will introduce their newest treatment – the VNUS Closure® procedure by VNUS Medical Technologies, Inc.
VNUS Closure® Procedure
“Patients with venous reflux disease can now be treated with the VNUS Closure procedure, a minimally invasive treatment alternative,” Dr. Reid, explained. “In fact, patients treated with this procedure can typically resume regular activities in a day. That’s significant because vein stripping surgery has been the most traditional treatment in the past, and it has often often resulted in a much longer recovery time. As many people who have varicose veins know, they can be quite painful, so VNUS Closure may be the best answer for many of those who have been putting off treatment.”
Patient satisfaction with the VNUS procedure has been high, due both to shorter recovery and less pain. In fact, reports indicate 95% of VNUS Closure patients refer their friends for the procedure. VNUS Closure is also widely embraced by physicians and covered by most insurance companies.
For more information or to schedule an appointment for a FREE screening, contact MISA at 309-672-5975 or 800-706-MISA (6472).
Effective January 1, 2007, Medicare began funding a minimally invasive screening that detects abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) as part of their “Welcome to Medicare” physical. The program offers free, one-time AAA screenings to qualified patients enrolling in the Medicare system.
Why Is This Important?
Every year 200,000 Americans are diagnosed with AAA – often with no symptoms or warning signs. AAA refers to a weakening in the wall of the large artery that takes the blood from the heart to the body (aorta). Caught early, there are a number of treatment options, but if the AAA ruptures, it can be fatal. AAAs claim the lives of 15,000 people annually. The decision to fund these screenings may save thousands of lives every year.
Who Is At Risk?
AAA affects 6 to 9% of men over 65 and is the 10th leading cause of death for men over 55. In addition, smokers are at risk. Although most know that smoking can contribute to lung and heart disease, few smokers know they are damaging their aorta. AAAs give patients little to no warning that the pressure is building, which can lead to a rupture and internal bleeding that is often fatal. Risk factors also include family history, heart disease, high blood pressure and poor diet.
Who Is Eligible?
Medicare will pay for one-time only preventive ultrasound AAA screenings for at-risk beneficiaries including:
- 1) men ages 65 to 75 who have smoked at least 100 cigarettes in their lifetime
- 2) individuals with a family history of AAAs
- 3) any other individuals recommended for screening by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.
What Is Involved?
AAA can be painlessly detected using an ultrasound or CT scan. When the aneurysm is detected before it ruptures, patients can be treated with a high rate of success using either open surgery or endovascular aneurysm repair, a minimally invasive procedure in which a tube-like sleeve called an “endovascular stent graft” is placed inside the aorta. The blood flows through the sleeve, thereby decreasing pressure on the aneurysm.
What Are The Symptoms?
Many people do not experience any symptoms, but pain may be reported, often occurring in the abdomen, back or chest area. If you are concerned about AAA or are experiencing this type of pain, contact your doctor for an evaluation. If you have already been diagnosed with AAA, contact Mid Illini Surgical Associates to learn more about the available treatments.
How Is It Treated?
One new treatment option offered by MISA is the EXCLUDER Bifurcated Endoprosthesis. This endovascular repair seals off the aneurysm by placing an endovascular graft inside the diseased aorta, creating a new path for blood flow. The endovascular graft then remains inside the aorta permanently.Thus, the blood stops putting pressure on the aneurysm, and the risk for rupture is diminished.
Scott Reid,D.O., and Brian Heywood, M.D., F.A.C.S., specialize in vascular, endovascular and general surgery.
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