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Since opening at Newton Corner in January, BWH's Comprehensive Vein Care Center has received rave reviews and a rapidly growing list of satisfied patients. There, the BWH Interventional Radiology team provides comprehensive services for the treatment of symptomatic varicose veins from diagnostics, laser ablation and follow-up treatment.
BWH quickly became a regional leader in using laser ablation in treating varicose veins as an alternative to surgery when the laser technology and techniques became an accepted practice a few years ago. The success and demand for BWH's Interventional Radiology services quickly outgrew Francis Street after it was launched in 2003, and within two years, the service moved to Newton Corner.
“The Newton Corner site has been a win-win for patients and our staff to meet the incredible demand for this efficient and effective procedure,” said Richard A. Baum, MD, medical director of Angiography/Interventional Radiology in the Department of Radiology.
In addition to being available at an accessible office location with ample parking, the one-hour procedure is in high demand because it involves less recovery time. The relatively new laser procedure arrived with a massive pool of candidates waiting for an alternative to surgery, according to Baum.
“Prior to this procedure, patients would have to undergo day surgery with three days for recovery. With the laser ablation, a patient can return to work that afternoon,” he said.