Avoiding Hysterectomy: Major Interventional Radiology E-collection Info Available

FAIRFAX, Va., July 14 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- For the first time, the Society of Interventional Radiology has assembled a major electronic collection of professional articles about uterine artery embolization, a treatment directed toward a number of conditions involving the uterus -- most often adverse health effects that may occur due to the presence of uterine fibroids. The Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology "virtual" collection allows health care providers and the public to view the abstracts on current research on this topic in one place, eliminating the need to search topics individually.

Uterine fibroids are very common noncancerous growths that develop in the muscular wall of the uterus. Hysterectomy, surgical removal of the uterus performed by a gynecologist, is the most common treatment for symptomatic uterine fibroids. In fact, more than 200,000 women in the United States have hysterectomies for fibroids each year; it is the second most common surgery among women. However, most women are candidates for uterine artery embolization (also called uterine fibroid embolization). "Uterine artery embolization is a treatment method for fibroids that is relatively noninvasive and has high success rates. Women with fibroids and their health care providers should be aware of this therapy. This collection assembles relevant information about the interventional radiology treatment in one convenient place," explained Albert A. Nemcek Jr., M.D., FSIR, editor of JVIR, a peer-reviewed, monthly publication long recognized for its exceptional quality and influence as an academic and professional resource.

source: PR Newswire

Next Generation VenaCure EVLT Varicose Vein Treatment Now Provided By Bay Area Interventional Radiology

San Francisco, Calif. (PRWEB) July 13, 2009 -- Bay Area Interventional Radiology announces the introduction of the VenaCure EVLT laser varicose veins treatment.

"Varicose veins are an issue for 25% of women as well as 15% of men," said Dr. Kok Chong of Bay Area Interventional Radiology, located at 815 Hyde Street, Suite 100A, San Francisco. "If they're not properly treated they can lead to greater problems. Fortunately for those who've backed away from the traditional method of treating varicose veins - called vein stripping - it is now being eclipsed by a new laser procedure called VenaCure EVLT."

If varicose veins are left untreated or are ignored as largely cosmetic problem spots, ulcers can result from long-term fluid buildup and the increased pressure of blood within affected veins. A brown colored spot on the skin usually appears before an ulcer forms. Blood clots, especially in less visible veins deeper in the leg, can also pose problems.

Doctor Juan Esteva of Bay Area Interventional Radiology said, "VenaCure EVLT takes less than an hour in our office. The patient has no need for a stay in the hospital. Problematic symptoms show near immediate relief. Patients find there is practically no scarring and no tedious recovery time, nor significant side effects. The procedure has a reported 98% success rate according to recent clinical evidence. It's the new standard of care."

source: PR Web