Tuesday March 27, 2001

Vericose Veins

Legs. We work them, wax them, even lather them with lotion, but none of that will get rid of varicose veins. Big, blue and bulging, they're not just ugly, they can be deadly.

Former Russian tennis pro Viktoria Belinski's veins were so swollen, that doctors warned her she could develop a life-threatening blood clot. That's when Viktoria decided to have a new surgery that promised to vanish her veins with no pain. It's called the V-nus closure procedure.

Dr. Mitchell Goldman tells "Extra," "We close the vein from the inside. The patient's literally get up from the table and resume all their normal activities."

Dr. Goldman is the director of the La Jolla Skin and Laser Center. He successfully removed the roadmap from Viktoria's right leg, and her left leg is next.

Our Rxtra unit explains how its done: An ultrasound, x-ray, and luminescent light locate the vein. Then a small incision is made in the vein and a catheter inserted. The vein is zapped with heat causing it to collapse and seal shut. An hour later Viktoria is back on her feet and varicose free.

Varicose veins like Viktoria's are usually inherited. Other risks include being overweight, multiple pregnancies, and not enough exercise. As for Viktoria, the next day she's running around with her kids and back in the game. She says, "I feel great. I can keep doing what I'm doing. I don't have to be limited in my physical abilities. I don't have to be limited in any abilities."

For Viktoria, that's an advantage both on and off the court!