Varicose Vein Therapy
If left untreated, severe varicose veins can lead to chronic ankle swelling, skin color changes, eczema type symptoms and finally to ulcerations that will not heal until the veins are taken care of.
Varicose veins affect approximately 30% of the U.S. population, with 70% being female and 30% being male. Varicose and spider veins are not just a cosmetic problem, but can cause a variety of symptoms including aching, fatigue, heaviness, burning, throbbing, itching, cramping, ankle swelling, as well as ulceration. The causes of varicose veins include heredity, pregnancy, obesity, prolonged standing and hormonal influences.
Varicose veins are those superficial veins that have become enlarged and have lost their ability to effectively transport blood. 90% of all blood volume is carried by the deep system therefore, the varicose veins are not effectively contributing to your overall circulation. If the blood doesn' t flow efficiently, the veins become enlarged because they are congested with blood. They appear distended and ropey-looking. Once a vein has become varicosed it will not go back to normal size and must be treated. If left untreated, severe varicose veins can lead to chronic ankle swelling, skin color changes, eczema type symptoms and finally to ulcerations that will not heal until the veins are taken care of.
After the doctor examines your legs, he may perform an ultrasound. Venous ultrasound is a painless, non-invasive test used to evaluate blood flow.
Normal veins in the legs carry blood back to the heart with the help of one-way valves. Due to heredity and gravity these valves sometimes stop working properly allowing blood to fall back down the leg. The ultrasound will enable thedoctor to recommend a customized treatment plan designed to treat your specific venous disorder.
The following methods are used to treat varicose veins and your doctor will decide which is the best method or combination of methods for you.
Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA)-
A laser fiber is inserted into the vein through a small incision and heats the vein to close off any blood from going through it. Endovenous laser ablation takes the place of a traditional vein stripping and can be performed in the doctor' s office under local anesthetic with sedation. This procedure takes about 30-60 minutes and usually requires 1-2 days off work.
Ambulatory Phlebectomy-
(also known as a "micro" phlebectomy) is the micro-extraction of bulging varicose veins through very small incisions. These small incisions, 2mm, usually heal completely without any scarring. This procedure is performed in the doctor' s office under local anesthesia with sedation and usually takes about 60 minutes. Immediately after this procedure you will need to wear a compression bandage. This procedure can be done in conjunction with the endovenous ablation at the same time.
Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy (Chemical Ablation)-This procedure is used to treat varicose veins that are below the skin' s surface. The vein has to be deep within the leg and not visible to the naked eye, so few patients are candidates for this type of treatment. An FDA-approved medication is injected into the diseased veins using an ultrasound to guide the placement. This ensures that the medication gets placed accurately into the vein. This requires no anesthesia or sedation and you can return back to work immediately.
Conservative Therapy- Prescription strength compression stockings are the most conservative way to treat vein disease. Compression stockings will help lessen the symptoms caused by varicose veins but they do not to treat the underlying problem. These stockings must be worn on a daily basis indefinitely since they do nothing to treat the venous disease. Most insurance companies are now requiring a trial of compression stockings before considering covering the treatment of varicose veins.
Just imagine how good your legs will feel and look once you have visited one of our Vein Centers for Excellence physicians!
Post Surgical Instructions
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