Local medical group offers innovative solution for improper leg veins
By Meagan McGone
mmcgone@hometownnewsol.com
BREVARD -- Healthy leg veins contain valves that open and close, allowing the return of blood back to the heart.
But when an individual suffers from venous reflux disease, and the valves that keep blood flowing out of the legs and to the heart are damaged and diseased, vein valves do not close properly. This can lead to problems such as varicose veins, defined as swollen, twisted and sometimes painful veins that are filled with an abnormal collection of blood, as well as swollen limbs, changes in the skin, leg heaviness, fatigue and ulcers.
However, Quality Medical Care, headed by Dr. Subhash Thareja, who is board certified in cardiovascular disease, can help with these problems, using a minimally invasive approach that requires little to no recovery time afterward.
Called endovenous radiofrequency venous ablation, the procedure involves a catheter being placed into the diseased vein through a small opening in the skin. Powered by radiofrequency energy, the tiny catheter delivers heat to the vein wall. As the thermal energy is delivered, the vein wall shrinks and the vein is sealed closed. Once the diseased vein is closed, blood is re-routed to other healthy veins.
Jeannette Breglio, venous ablations senior manager at Quality Medical Care, said she has seen amazing results from patients who have undergone the procedure.
"We had one gentleman tell us that he used to park in the handicap spots at Walmart," she said. "Now, he parks all the way in the back, walks to the door and walks around the store without getting in a motorized chair. The improvements patients make are phenomenal."
She said the procedure doesn't involve cutting, sutures or the hospital. It is performed in the office, and patients can resume work and go back to their daily routines afterward.
"The only homework is to do an extra ten minutes of walking an hour, and patients cannot let their legs get wet for 24 hours afterward," she said.
Quality Medical Care has nine practitioners that specialize in family practice, endocrinology and cardiovascular fields. There are three offices: 675 S. Babcock St. in Melbourne; 2254 Highway A1A in Indian Harbour Beach; and 5200 S. Babcock St., Suite 106, in Palm Bay.
For more information, visit www.qualitymedicalcare.net or call (321) 951-1010.