Dr. Paul Collier, a vascular surgeon in practice at Greater Pittsburgh Surgical Alliance and The Sewickley Vein Center, has done research and lectures on chronic venous disease and peripheral artery disease.

In January 2008, he presented the results of his work at the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medicine Association in Nemacolin, Pa., and he lectured the medical staff at The Medical Center in Beaver about the advanced treatments for those suffering from venous disease. A presentation was also given to the staff at Sewickley Valley Hospital last February. Dr. Collier also spoke in San Antonio, Texas, about venous disorders.

Dr. Collier’s belief is that chronic venous disease and its symptoms have been overlooked by the medical community for two reasons. The first reason is that veins, unlike arteries, are felt to be passive conduits for blood. Dr. Collier stresses the venous physiology and pathology are much more complex than the arterial system and should be treated by true vein specialists.

The second reason is that until recently, there were not as many effective treatments for venous problems. This has changed dramatically in the past few years.

Unlike arteries, veins have fine valves that allow the blood to flow in one direction only, back to the heart. When these valves no longer function properly, high venous pressure occurs in the legs. This leads to a myriad of symptoms including swelling, heaviness of the legs, itching, burning and tingling, and varicose veins. These same symptoms can occur if a clot blocks the flow of blood through the veins.

According to Dr. Collier, the past treatment of most venous problems consisted of blood thinners and compression stockings. Now, as with arterial disease, there are clot busters, balloons and stents that can treat the clots before the problem becomes permanent. Dr. Collier leads a team at Sewickley Valley Hospital that is active in treating venous clots.

“Everyone knows the old barbaric treatment methods of varicose veins. Just ask your mom or your aunt,” Dr. Collier said.

Painful vein stripping is a thing of the past. Now varicose veins can be treated nonoperatively with lasers, radio frequency energy, or foam sclerotherapy. Each of these has advantages, and which one will be most beneficial to each patient is decided with a consultation by a physician and an ultrasound exam. Dr. Collier said, “Most vein treatment centers offer only one type of treatment to patients, but by offering three different treatment modalities, we can ensure individualized treatment to meet our patients’ needs.”

According to Alison Blake, the group’s physician’s assistant, all of these treatments are done in the office using only Novocain for anesthesia, and most patients are back to work the next day.

Perforator vein disorders can also lead to large, indolent ulcers that usually occur near the ankle. Perforator veins are the connection between the superficial and deep vein systems. Prior treatment of perforator veins required long incisions and scopes in the operating room. Technology has improved and these veins can now be treated with catheters inserted through small needles.

“Compared to the old treatments, these percutaneous perforator treatments are amazing,” says Dr. Collier.

The Sewickley Vein Center is in Sewickley Valley Hospital, and appointments can be made by calling 412-741-0480.

This article was provided by the Sewickley Vein Center.