Spectrum Health Vein Center is First in Michigan to Offer New Treatment for Vericose Vein and Venous Reflux Disease

Minimally invasive VenaSeal™closure system uses adhesive to close diseased vein

The Spectrum Health Vein Center is the first location in Michigan to offer the VenaSeal™ closure system to treat venous reflux disease.

Venous reflux disease affects an estimated 30 million Americans, making it twice as prevalent as coronary heart disease and five times as common as peripheral arterial disease. It occurs when valves in the veins of the lower leg weaken and cease to function properly. This allows blood to flow backward and pool in the veins, resulting in enlarged or varicose veins and other symptoms.

“Varicose veins may be a sign of a more serious condition known as chronic venous insufficiency,” said Jennifer Watson, MD, Spectrum Health Medical Group. “In severe cases, the condition can result in lower leg pain, swelling, skin damage, and ulcerations that may severely impact a patient’s mobility and quality of life.”

The VenaSeal™ closure system is a new, minimally invasive procedure that uses an advanced medical adhesive to close the diseased vein with the goal of improving blood flow in patients with venous reflux disease. It is the only procedure to use adhesive to fasten and close veins, and achieved high closure rates in three clinical trials. Unlike heat based treatments, VenaSeal™ eliminates the risk of burning or nerve injury associated with thermal based procedures. Patients often have minimal to no bruising, and can return quickly to normal activities without the need to wear compression garments.

“Many people worry that treatment for their venous disease will be painful. They remember the treatments of their parents or grandparents,” said Dr. Watson. “I love telling patients that we have new technology that can reduce pain and allow for immediate return to activity. Best of all, it is all done right here, in our office.”

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 40 percent of men and 50 percent of women in the U.S. will experience some type of vein-related leg problem. Risk factors include increasing age, family history, hormonal changes, pregnancy, obesity, leg injury, lack of movement and sun exposure.

The Spectrum Health Vein Center begins treating patients with the VenaSeal™ closure system in November at its IAC-accredited location at 4085 Burton St., SE, in Grand Rapids. For more information, call 616.267.8346.

Accreditation by the IAC (Intersocietal Accreditation Commission) indicates a dedication to achieving the highest standards of patient care and an unmatched commitment to quality healthcare. Spectrum Health Vein Center is one of just two locations in the state to achieve this level of accreditation, joining fewer than 80 sites in 24 states across the nation.

The Spectrum Health Vein Center includes a team of board-certified surgeons and members of Spectrum Health Medical Group dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of vein health. The center specializes in varicose veins, spider veins, and circulatory or vein-related conditions. It is a collaborative, one-stop practice offering consultations and treatments, imaging services, and a full catalog of compression stockings in a single location.

About the VenaSeal™ closure system
The VenaSeal™ closure system is the only non-thermal, non-tumescent, non-sclerosant procedure approved for use in the U.S. that uses an advanced medical adhesive that closes the diseased vein. This unique approach eliminates the risk of nerve injury that is sometimes associated with certain thermal-based procedures. The procedure is administered without the use of tumescent anesthesia, minimizing the need for multiple needle sticks. Patients also report minimal-to-no bruising post procedure.

Spectrum Health is a not-for-profit health system, based in West Michigan, offering a full continuum of care through the Spectrum Health Hospital Group, which is comprised of 12 hospitals, including Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital; 184 ambulatory and service sites; more than 3,400 physicians and advanced practice providers, including nearly 1,400 members of the Spectrum Health Medical Group; and Priority Health, a health plan with about 656,000 members. Spectrum Health is West Michigan’s largest employer, with 23,600 employees. The organization provided $283 million in community benefit during its 2015 fiscal year. Spectrum Health is the only health system in Michigan to be named one of the nation’s 15 Top Health Systems® by Truven Health Analytics for 2015. This is the fourth time the organization has received this recognition.