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WHAT
ARE VARICOSE VEINS?
When blood "backs up" in veins due to a failure in the one way valves
in these vessels which return blood to the heart, the resultant
congestion in the veins below creates abnormal and dilated veins we
refer to as Varicose Veins. The mildest form is "spider veins" and the
more significant and larger dilated veins are called "varicose
veins." Varicose veins can actually be part of a disease state
referred to as venous insufficiency and can cause pain , burning,
throbbing, leg restlessness and skin changes such as eczema and ulcers.
These can at times create a life-threatening condition with bleeding
and non-healing sores. It is estimated that over 80 million Americans
suffer from Varicose veins.
The causes of Varicose Veins are multiple and at times poorly
understood but heredity seems to play a large role. Injury may also be
involved as a contributing event and certain hormones such as those
produced in pregnancy and in certain medications may also contribute.
TREATMENT
OF VARICOSE VEINS
Varicose
vein treatment is
often a medical procedure and requires some diagnostic investigation
prior to therapy. At the VTC we perform a thorough evaluation both by
physical examination and additionally by utilizing Ultrasound and
Doppler studies. Our physicians have over 20 years of experience with
Ultrasound use and these evaluation techniques are important in
establishing the site of the abnormality thus allowing us to arrive at
the best and safest recommendation for treatment.
The once used Stripping Procedure is rarely if ever needed in today's
treatment armamentarium. Instead of lengthy and painful hospatilization
and recovery, our treatment options are essentially pain free,
performed in the office and require little or no patient "down time". The EVLT or
endovascular LASER closure procedure is often utilized in place of the
antiquated "stripping procedure". A small fiber is introduced into the
offending vein with Ultrasound guidance. Once the fiber is in the
correct position, pulses of laser light are delivered to the inside of
the vessel to cause the vein to collapse and seal shut. This procedure
is FDA approved and often covered by Medicare and many insurance
companies.
Ambulatory
Phlebectomy is
also used as a treatment modality for bulging varicose veins. With this
procedure, very tiny "stab" incisions are made and the varicose veins
are either ligated (tied off) or disrupted or removed. This procedure
can be used in conjunction with the EVLT or at times is the sole method
of treatment. Again, this procedure is virtually painless, requires no
stitches and does not usually require patient "down time".
Sclerotherapy can be used to treat both varicose and spider
veins. A tiny needle is used to inject the veins with a medication that
irritates the lining of the vein. In response, the veins collapse and
are reabsorbed. The surface veins are no longer visible. Sclerotherapy
relieves symptoms due to varicose and spider veins in most patients.
With this procedure, veins can be dealt with at an early stage, helping
to prevent further complications. You may need anywhere from one to
several sclerotherapy sessions for any vein region. Generally, normal activities can be resumed after
sclerotherapy. Medically prescribed support hose and/or bandages may
need to be worn for several days to several weeks to assist in
resolution of the veins. The procedure, performed in the office,
usually causes only minimal, if any, discomfort. Bruising and
pigmentation may occur after sclerotherapy. Bruising typically
disappears within 1-2 weeks. Although pigmentation almost always fades,
it can last for several months. Scarring and other complications are
rare.
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