Interventional & Vascular Center at Salem Radiology Consultants

Renewed Legs

The Interventional & Vascular Center at Salem Radiology Consultants combines state of the art technology with the precision skills of our interventional and vascular radiologists to provide comprehensive treatment for vein disease.

Over 25 million people in the United States, the majority of whom are women, suffer from symptomatic venous insufficiency, the underlying cause of varicose veins. Varicose veins are often mistakenly thought to be only a cosmetic condition when, in fact, they are usually a symptom of this disease. This condition progressively damages the valves of the saphenous vein and cosmetically disfigures the leg. (Online consult request)

Some common symptoms of venous insufficiency are:

• Varicose veins
  
• Burning or itching of the skin
  
• Color and texture changes of the skin
  
• Aching, tired or weak legs, especially after long periods of standing or sitting
  
• Swollen legs and/or ankles (edema)
  
• Poorly-healing wounds, such as skin ulcers commonly above the medial malleolus or the round shaped bone protruding from the interior of the ankle
  

Varicose veins are not always a cosmetic issue but often can create pain or heavy feeling in the legs. There is a new solution to the discomfort, swelling and appearance of varicose veins that can be performed as an outpatient procedure at Salem Radiology.

To find out more information or to schedule an evaluation appointment with one of our physicians, please contact our Interventional & Vascular Center at (503) 399-1262. You also may email us your questions at renewedlegs@salemradiology.com.

If you are unsure whether you would be a good candidate for the procedure, you may complete the screening evaluation form and fax it to the Center for further review by the doctor.

Download and print Screening Evaluation Form

About Our Physicians

Dr. Ken Hirasaki is the Medical Director for the Interventional & Vascular Center at Salem Radiology. Dr. Hirasaki specializes in the field of medicine known as Interventional and Vascular Radiology which focuses on procedures using small catheters (long, narrow tubular instruments) and needles to navigate the vascular and lymphatic systems within the body for diagnostic and treatment purposes. In performing these procedures, interventional radiologists use various forms of imaging guidance technology to navigate the internal structures of the body. Dr. Hirasaki completed his radiology residency and specialized fellowship training from the prestigious Duke University program after completing medical school at the University of Texas. Dr. Hirasaki joined Salem Radiology Consultants in 2008.

Dr. Hirasaki is a Board Certified Radiologist and a physician member of the American College of Radiology.

Dr. Mike Pass is an accomplished interventional and vascular radiologist that has established a reputation for quality and excellence in interventional care within the community. Dr. Pass grew up in Salem, Oregon and returned to practice medicine in our community after completing his residency at the University of Washington. Dr. Pass attended the internationally recognized, Dotter Institute at the Oregon Health & Sciences University where he completed his specialized fellowship experience in Interventional and Vascular Radiology. Dr. Pass joined SRC in 2004 and has successfully performed thousands of interventional and vascular radiology procedures.

Dr. Pass is a Board Certified Radiologist and a physician member of the American College of Radiology.

What is Superficial Venous Reflux?

Superficial venous reflux is a condition that develops when the valves that usually keep blood flowing out of your legs become damaged or diseased. This causes blood to pool in your legs. Common symptoms of superficial venous reflux include pain, swelling, leg heaviness and fatigue, as well as varicose veins in your legs.

About the Procedure?

The procedure is a minimally invasive treatment for superficial venous reflux. A thin catheter is inserted into the vein through a small opening. The catheter delivers thermal energy to the vein wall, causing it to heat, collapse, and seal shut.

How Does it Work to Treat Superficial Venous Reflux?

Since valves can't be repaired, the only alternative is to re-route blood flow through healthy veins. Traditionally, this has been done by surgically removing (stripping) the troublesome vein from your leg. The Closure procedure provides a less invasive alternative to vein stripping by simply closing the problem vein instead. Once the diseased vein is closed, other healthy veins take over and empty blood from your legs.

How is the Procedure Different from Vein Stripping?

During a stripping procedure, the surgeon makes an incision in your groin and ties off the vein, after which a stripper tool is threaded through the saphenous vein and used to pull the vein out of your leg through a second incision just above your calf.

The Interventional Center at SRC uses a modern approach to the procedure which does not require groin surgery. Instead, the vein remains in place and is closed using a special catheter inserted through a small puncture. This may eliminate the bruising and pain often associated with vein stripping (i.e., that may result from the tearing of side branch veins while the saphenous vein is pulled out). Vein stripping is usually performed in an operating room, under a general anesthetic, while the Closure procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, typically using local or regional anesthesia.

Is the Procedure Painful?

Although some people are more sensitive than others, patients generally report little pain. Some have said they can feel a little heat when the catheter is energized.

Will the Procedure Require Any Anesthesia?

The procedure is performed using localized anesthesia. We will provide you with medications that will keep you both comfortable and awake through the procedure.

How Quickly After Treatment Can I Return to Normal Activities?

Many patients typically return to normal activities within 1-2 days. For a few weeks following the treatment, your doctor may recommend a regular walking regimen and suggest you refrain from very strenuous activities (heavy lifting, for example) or prolonged periods of standing.

Is There Any Scarring, Bruising, or Swelling After the Procedure?

Patients report minimal to no scarring, bruising, or swelling following the procedure.

Are There Any Potential Risks and Complications Associated with the Procedure?

As with any medical intervention, potential risks and complications exist with the procedure. Our physician will review potential complications of the procedure at the consultation, and can be reviewed in the safety summary. Potential complications can include: vessel perforation, thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, phlebitis, hematoma, infection, adjacent nerve injury (tingling or numbness) and/or skin burn.

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