WICHITA, Kansas, July 25, 2008 – For many men and women, showing off their legs is just plain embarrassing. The problem: varicose veins, which aren’t only unsightly, but can also be painful. But new technology could get rid of them.

At Dr. Stephanie Oberhelman’s Wichita office, the treatment begins with mapping out the problem.

Nurses mark the varicose veins on Sistie Morrison’s legs before she undergoes a procedure called “Closure Fast.”

Closure Fast is done under local anesthesia. A catheter is injected into the vein and then heated with radio frequency. That causes the vein to collapse and seal shut; fixing the problem. The procedure is done within minutes.

“I tell patients to go shopping afterward,” Oberhelman said. “I tell them they're back to their normal activities the next day.”

Along with a short recovery time, there’s virtually no bruising or pain because the Closure-Fast is minimally invasive. But other varicose vein treatments, like laser or vein stripping, can leave bruises than can last for days.

“The success is remarkable and is why I continue to treat veinus insufficiency,” Oberhelman said. “Our patients come to us with a multitude of complaints and they literally are, for some, have been a life-saving experience.”

In many people, varicose veins cause no symptoms other than the appearance of the bulging twisted vein beneath the skin. However, in some people, symptoms can include pain in the affected area, complaints of restless leg syndrome and in the worst cases, ulcers.

“So, this is something that is medically necessary and in most cases okay by insurance,” Oberhelman said.

More than 100,000 patients nationwide have undergone the Closure Fast procedure. If you’re interested, click on News Links or more information.