Ted King, national medical director of Vein Clinics of America, Chicago in the US, said, 'In the US, 85 percent of our patients are usually women but men are also equally prone to this disease. They do not come to doctors due to ignorance as many times they consider it only a cosmetic disorder.

'We are happy to see the enthusiasm among Indian doctors about the treatment of varicose veins. In America no medical school is showing so much concern towards this field. We should understand that if this disease is not treated in time then it will also lead to amputation of the leg or foot.'

Talking about the laser technique, King said: 'The treatment involves puncture of a vein under ultrasound guidance and burning it using diode laser. It is very safe and painless. Patients can return home the same day compared to conventional surgery where they are hospitalized for four-five days.'