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Dr. Charles Greer received a BS degree in aeronautical engineering from the U. S. Naval Academy in 1967, a Master of Mechanical Engineering degree from N. C. State University in 1968, and an MD degree from the Medical University of South Carolina in 1980. He completed his residency in Diagnostic Radiology at MUSC in 1984 and was the Chief Resident his fourth year. Dr. Greer was certified as a NIOSH "B-Reader" for occupational lung diseases in 1985, and was most recently recertified in 2005. He received a Certificate of Added Qualifications in Vascular and Interventional Radiology in 1995 and was recertified in 2005. He completed an Advanced Cardiac MRI Fellowship at Charite Hospital in Berlin, Germany in 2004.
His past awards include Trident Scholar at the U. S. Naval Academy, AOA National Medical Honor Society, and Physician of the Year in the Trident Health System in 2004. Dr. Greer served as a carrier-based attack pilot and weapons-delivery test pilot in the U. S. Navy from 1968 to 1974. His specialty areas include interventional oncology (including chemoembolization and RF ablation of tumors), vertebral augmentation (vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty), cardiac MRI, and occupational lung diseases. Joined 7/84 |
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FREQUENTLY ASKED
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Featuring Gene Phillips, M.D.
Interventional Radiologist with Charleston Radiologists, PA
Medical Director, InvisiVein
Q. What are varicose veins?
A. Varicose veins are abnormal bulging veins below the skin surface that are unsightly and often painful. They frequently cause swelling and discomfort in the legs, especially during periods of prolonged standing. If left untreated, varicose veins can lead to permanent skin changes and sometimes ulceration.
Q. Are varicose veins only a cosmetic concern?
A. The appearance of varicose veins and spider veins (these are the smaller and more common variation of varicose veins) is the concern. However, varicose veins cause aching pain and discomfort. This condition may lead to serious problems if not treated.
Q. What new non-invasive techniques are available to treat varicose veins?
A. Surgery was the traditional treatment for varicose veins, but it’s invasive, moderately painful and has a slightly longer recovery period. Surgery requires the use of anesthesia, leaves a scar and a few incisions.
One of the newest non-invasive techniques in varicose vein removal is endovenous laser treatment (EVLT). The EVLT procedure is performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia, requires no incisions, and usually lasts less than an hour. An interventional radiologist, a doctor specially trained in performing minimally invasive treatments using imaging guidance, can perform EVLT.
Q. How does the EVLT procedure work?
A. With EVLT, laser energy minimizes the vein walls, shrinking them and closing the faulty vein so that the blood cannot flow through it. This eliminates the bulging of the vein at its source. After the treatment, the blood in the faulty veins will be diverted to the many normal veins in the leg.
The procedure leaves no visible scarring. There is minimal postoperative pain, and a quick recovery period gains immediate relief from symptoms. It is well documented that EVLT has a 98% initial success rate with excellent long-term results.
For more information on EVLT and varicose vein removal, visit InvisVein. |
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