Dr. Robert Cutchen Albuquerque & Santa Fe

Meet Dr. Robert Cutchen

In 2009, Dr. Cutchen founded Albuquerque Vein & Laser Institute, a clinic dedicated solely to the diagnosis and treatment of venous disease. His goal was to provide the most advanced diagnostic and treatment options all in the comfort of his office without the need for hospitalization. Our goal is to treat every patient the way we ourselves would hope to be treated.

Read Dr. Cutchen’s full bio here

Vein Treatments Albuquerque & Santa Fe

Vein Treatments

We provide our patients with the most advanced and comprehensive vein treatments. See the difference between before and after.

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Aesthetic Treatments Albuquerque & Santa Fe

Aesthetic Treatments

We utilize the power of advanced laser technology to treat a multitude of cosmetic concerns. See what a difference our treatments can make.

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Patient Resources Albuquerque & Santa FeDo you have a question?

Discover our FAQ pages to find your answers. If you still have a question, please call us at (505) 848-8346 and we will be happy to assist you.

Venous Stasis Ulcers
Venous Ulcers Albuquerque & Santa Fe

Venous Stasis Ulcers

Venous Stasis Ulcers are wounds or open sores in the lower extremities, which are slow to heal and often recur. They affect over 500,000 people in the United States and account for approximately 75% of all leg ulcers.

What are Venous Stasis Ulcers?

What Treatments are Available for Venous Stasis Ulcers?

Am I a Good Candidate?

What Results Can I Expect?

Venous Stasis Ulcers are open sores on the lower leg typically associated with untreated venous insufficiency or may be a complication of post-thrombotic syndrome (blood clots). The wounds generally start with skin discoloration and other skin changes the ultimately yield an open wound. Generally located around the ankles, patients may suffer from pain, infection, and disfigurement. Many patients will seek treatment with a wound center only to find that the ulcers will not improve despite wound care. Typically, venous insufficiency is the culprit, and the ulcers will not improve until this underlying vein problem is corrected.

Treatment of the underlying vein disease is critical to successfully treating the ulcer. Recent advances in minimally invasive vein treatment offer long-lasting cures without the need for endless wraps and wound care. Because of the difficulty in healing ulcers and their propensity to recur, venous ulcers should be prevented at all costs and should be evaluated immediately. A duplex ultrasound test will be utilized to establish the presence of reflux (abnormal blood flow) in the veins, which distinguishes venous stasis ulcers from other types of ulcers, such as ischemic and diabetic ulcers.

In most cases, patients will utilize more than one treatment modality to address the underlying vein problem.  This will often include endovenous laser ablation, ambulatory phlebectomy and endovenous chemical ablation.

Compression therapy is also critical in helping wounds close.

If you present with open wounds located on the lower leg and present with venous reflux during your ultrasound study, you are a good candidate for treatment and you should not delay treatment as the wounds will often get worse over time. Many patients will also experience, along with the actual ulcer(s), heavy, achy legs, visible bulging varicose veins and/or swelling at the end of the day. Venous stasis ulcers are a medical – and not cosmetic – issue, most insurance providers will cover treatment.

Immediately following the procedure, you may have some bruising, which will gradually disappear over the course of two weeks. Patients take ibuprofen as needed for pain after treatments. Patients are required to wear prescription compression stockings until the wound heals and likely beyond to maintain wound closure.  Almost all wounds heal after appropriate treatment with wound healing typically occurring from 3 weeks to 3 months after treatment. Patients walk for 30 minutes daily after treatment, but heavy lifting and pounding exercise should be avoided for 2 weeks.  Most patients resume normal day-to-day activity immediately, and the vast majority of patients notice a significant improvement of symptoms.

Venous Stasis Ulcers are open sores on the lower leg typically associated with untreated venous insufficiency or may be a complication of post-thrombotic syndrome (blood clots). The wounds generally start with skin discoloration and other skin changes the ultimately yield an open wound. Generally located around the ankles, patients may suffer from pain, infection, and disfigurement. Many patients will seek treatment with a wound center only to find that the ulcers will not improve despite wound care. Typically, venous insufficiency is the culprit, and the ulcers will not improve until this underlying vein problem is corrected.

Treatment of the underlying vein disease is critical to successfully treating the ulcer. Recent advances in minimally invasive vein treatment offer long-lasting cures without the need for endless wraps and wound care. Because of the difficulty in healing ulcers and their propensity to recur, venous ulcers should be prevented at all costs and should be evaluated immediately. A duplex ultrasound test will be utilized to establish the presence of reflux (abnormal blood flow) in the veins, which distinguishes venous stasis ulcers from other types of ulcers, such as ischemic and diabetic ulcers.

In most cases, patients will utilize more than one treatment modality to address the underlying vein problem.  This will often include endovenous laser ablation, ambulatory phlebectomy and endovenous chemical ablation.

Compression therapy is also critical in helping wounds close.

If you present with open wounds located on the lower leg and present with venous reflux during your ultrasound study, you are a good candidate for treatment and you should not delay treatment as the wounds will often get worse over time. Many patients will also experience, along with the actual ulcer(s), heavy, achy legs, visible bulging varicose veins and/or swelling at the end of the day. Venous stasis ulcers are a medical – and not cosmetic – issue, most insurance providers will cover treatment.

Immediately following the procedure, you may have some bruising, which will gradually disappear over the course of two weeks. Patients take ibuprofen as needed for pain after treatments. Patients are required to wear prescription compression stockings until the wound heals and likely beyond to maintain wound closure.  Almost all wounds heal after appropriate treatment with wound healing typically occurring from 3 weeks to 3 months after treatment. Patients walk for 30 minutes daily after treatment, but heavy lifting and pounding exercise should be avoided for 2 weeks.  Most patients resume normal day-to-day activity immediately, and the vast majority of patients notice a significant improvement of symptoms.

If you would like to learn more about treatment for Venous Stasis Ulcers, please call our office at (505) 848-8346 today to schedule a consultation or fill out the form on this page and one of our trusted staff members will reach out to you promptly.