Contact:
J. Scott Bowen, M.D.
(425) 251-5183
Jbowen@vrads.com
Rebecca Middleton
(206) 310-1178
Renton, WA -- Valley Radiologists, a leading area medical practice specializing in diagnostic and interventional radiology services, will open the Vanishing Veins Northwest Center in Renton on November 17 to provide alternatives to major surgery for patients with varicose veins, spider veins, and related conditions.
The new Vanishing Veins Northwest center will focus on two treatment methods: Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT) and injection sclerotherapy.
EVLT uses guided medical imaging equipment to target the precise amount of laser energy required to close the affected vein tissue, relieving painful symptoms and restoring a more desirable appearance to the skin.
Sclerotherapy uses the body's natural process of scar tissue formation. A solution injected directly into the vein through a fine needle causes the blood vessel to swell and close. After the procedure, the body reabsorbs the closed blood vessel, relieving symptoms and improving appearance.
Unlike traditional surgery for varicose veins and spider veins, both procedures are virtually painless and conducted on an outpatient basis, under local anesthesia.
Injection treatments for vein problems have actually been available for some time from a variety of providers. But treatment through an established medical provider such as Valley Radiologists offers patients and their family doctors the confidence of care from a licensed medical practitioner, using state-of-the art imaging equipment to guide and apply the treatment precisely.
At Vanishing Veins Northwest, the process begins with a comprehensive evaluation of the specific nature and severity of each patient's condition. The treatment plan, including a decision on whether EVLT or sclerotherapy is best, depends on the patient's individual situation.
Although patients might worry about insurance coverage for procedures that could be misunderstood as strictly cosmetic, many health plans cover varicose vein or spider vein treatment as long as there is a demonstrable medical need, such as relieving pain or other physical symptoms.
"We're pleased to now be able to partner with primary care physicians of vein patients throughout the Renton, Seattle, and Tacoma areas to provide these expanded treatment alternatives,"
Vanishing Veins Northwest is located at 17930 Talbot Road South, Renton, in a building shared with another noted medical practice, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeons, P.C.
For more information about Vanishing Veins Northwest and the variety of other interventional radiology treatments available from Valley Radiologists, visit their Web site at www.vrads.com. In addition to a directory of imaging center locations and practical information for patients and clinicians, the site provides information about more than 20 interventional radiology applications and procedures.
About Valley Radiologists
For more than 35 years, Valley Radiologists have provided patients with high quality imaging services in southern King County. The group formed in 1970 as a partnership between three radiologists. Today, Valley Radiologists service six imaging sites with more than 20 radiologists on staff. Valley Radiologists are committed to providing patients with state-of-the-
