The IR

Prof. Levent Oguzkurt spoke to IQ about the particular strengths of interventional radiologists, which enable them to provide excellent treatment for symptomatic varicose veins:

 “Our hospital is one of the biggest centres in Turkey for laser ablation of varicose veins. Since 2007, when we started providing IR treatments for this condition, we have performed more than 1,500 thermal ablation pro - cedures. This popular procedure is carried out via the hospital’s outpatient clinic for varicose veins.

 “The most important advantage of IR techniques in this field is the combination of expert ultrasonography and percutaneous minimally invasive therapy methods. The two of these together are necessary for really excellent treatment of varicose veins. IR is ideally suited to the treatment of varicose veins since both of these diag nostic and treatment steps are well within the skills portfolio of the interventional radiologist.

 “To begin with, excellence in ultrasonography underpins a familiarity with variable anatomy and allows correct diagnosis of the problem. Then, ultrasound technique is vital for the orientation of the treatment (puncture and tumescent anaesthesia guidance) and for examination and evaluation of the patient at follow-up.

 “IR has become a strong presence in the field of varicose vein treatments and this is set to continue. Our use of modern imaging techniques allows an excellent depiction of anatomy, so we can see the pathophysio - logy in more detail and understand its association with the symptomatic complaints, which can impact so strongly upon a patient’s quality of life.

 “As doctors with experience and know-how in both ultrasonography and minimally invasive therapies, interventional radiologists are well equipped for the effective treatment of varicose veins.”

 With very special thanks to Feraye Kılıç A.M.