New treatment for varicose veins performed in Saint Lucia
Friday, March 15, 2019
RADIOFREQUENCY ABLATION, A MORE MODERN TECHNIQUE, IS LESS INVASIVE.

On March 14, surgeons carried out a procedure which up to this time had never been performed in Saint Lucia. The procedure is called radiofrequency ablation of the saphenous vein and is used in the treatment of varicose veins.

Many people are familiar with varicose veins and the symptoms of venous disease which include pain, swelling, and ulceration. Treatment of this condition often includes dealing with the saphenous vein.

The usual method is called stripping. This requires a cutting operation performed under general anesthetic with at least one night spent in hospital and several days to a few weeks of recuperation.

However, radiofrequency ablation, a more modern technique allows the procedure to be carried out under local anesthetic and is performed as a day case. The technology uses a simple injection and the passage of a wire which can then deal with the saphenous vein.

As the process is less invasive the pain, swelling and recovery is much quicker and easier. The procedure was performed as part of a training workshop at St Jude Hospital by Dr. Dave Harnanan and Nurse Azyadeth Contreras with support from Medtronic and Bryden Pi out of Trinidad. Surgeons from Saint Lucia and other islands in the OECS participated in the training workshop.