Patient-oriented treatment
Friedrichstrasse is home to the VenaZiel Vein Center, an institution known for its innovative approach to minimally invasive vein treatment. Under the leadership of Dr. Hamidreza Mahoozi, the VenaZiel Vein Center is known throughout Berlin and beyond
This interview was published in Top Berlin Magazine in January 2024 on pages 44-45.
Dr. Mahoozi, can you give us a few key facts about your career?
My approach is based on the standardization of minimally invasive treatment methods to ensure the highest quality and efficiency. As head physician for many years in the regional clinics (Sana) for West Hamburg, Pinneberg and Elmshorn, an internationally renowned department was established. Thanks to my conviction and passion for my work, the VenaZiel Venenzentrum Berlin was able to position itself as a certified vein competence center (VKZ) and hospitation center within a year.
VenaZiel offers internship opportunities to physicians throughout Germany as part of the Masterclass program, which is organized and sponsored by Metronik. With my vision for the future of medicine, which includes outpatient care, prevention and digitalization, we are putting these ideas into practice at the Vein Competence Centre.
Surgical procedures to remove varicose veins have been around for many decades. Since then, a lot has changed in this field and there is not just one procedure, but several to offer customized treatments. The key to finding individual solutions is a patient consultation. What needs to be clarified?
In a patient consultation, we go beyond the mere medical aspects and also record the individual needs and circumstances of our patients. It is important that varicose veins are not only treated medically, but that we also develop personalized treatment plans that are tailored to each patient. Modern minimally invasive methods have long since overtaken traditional stripping or pulling out varicose veins. This not only achieves maximum effective treatment, but also minimizes possible complications. Our aim is to ensure that patients do not lose their quality of life during and after treatment, but can quickly return to their everyday lives.
Stripping used to be the ultimate. What different procedures are now available?
Modern, gentle treatment options such as laser therapy, radiofrequency ablation, VenaSeal or vein glue, microfoam treatment are available. By developing a customized treatment plan, patients can benefit optimally from these gentle methods.
They are particularly known for the VenaSeal method, a painless treatment that offers many advantages. Which ones specifically?
The VenaSeal treatment is the gentlest method with the fewest complications that does not require heat, sclerotherapy or anesthesia. This minimally invasive treatment is painless. Another plus point is that no compression stockings are required after the VenaSeal treatment. Patients are able to return to sporting activities the very next day after treatment. With a minimally invasive, pain-free procedure lasting around 20 minutes per truncal vein, we achieve complete healing of the varicose vein. No general or local anesthesia, no skin burns or nerve damage.
The biodegradable VenaSeal (vein adhesive) does not cause any allergic reactions and enables rapid recovery without the need for medication or compression stockings. Through a small puncture and a catheter, the VenaSeal is gradually inserted into the varicose vein to ensure permanent healing of the truncal vein. The truncal vein heals in a few weeks and the adhesive is broken down by the body without complications after around 12 months. The benefits include minimal side effects, allowing patients to quickly regain their quality of life.
Are there still side effects?
The VenaSeal treatment has very few complications, although slight redness or muscle soreness may occasionally occur. In most cases, our patients are fit and able to work again the very next day. In about 10% of cases, slight bruising or small hematomas may occur, comparable to the consequences of a blood sample. However, these effects can be effectively minimized by cooling and wearing compression stockings for 2-3 days.
What does the patient still need to consider after an operation?
It is recommended that you do not go to the sauna for the first two weeks after treatment to ensure optimal recovery.
Is it possible to have a procedure all year round?
Specifically, is it now possible to have treatment in the summer and then go on vacation? Thanks to the VenaSeal treatment without compression stockings, summer treatment followed by a vacation is possible.
What about aftercare, does this take place at your center?
A special focus is placed on comprehensive aftercare, which begins the very next day with a detailed check-up of the findings. If necessary, we integrate microfoam treatments for root improvement into the individual planning, which can be carried out from around the third week after the VenaSeal treatment. These targeted microfoam treatments aim to treat knots effectively and ensure that optimal results are achieved.
Do your patients tend to be women or do you also operate on men?
We treat both women and men, because venous diseases affect both sexes almost equally.
What do you see as the secret of your success?
The secret of my success lies in my conviction, which I am happy to share: “Don’t fall short of your potential, on the contrary, get 150 percent out of it.” This principle, inspired by a renowned architect, shows how I approach the challenges of medicine. The future of medicine lies not only in where we go, but also in what we build. We believe that cooperation, not competition, is the key to sustainably improving patients’ health.