Vein Care - Minimally Invasive Procedures For Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are not just unsightly, they can be painful. If left untreated, these veins can develop into open sores or ulcerations. They also can cause a feeling of heaviness in the legs and an overall poor quality of life. Despite this, many patients avoid seeking treatment because they feel like it will be a long procedure and they don’t have time to block out an appointment with their busy schedules. I am a vascular and interventional radiology specialist, which means I treat the veins of the body with minimally-invasive techniques. Vein Care Center can treat varicose veins with a laser, radio frequency, or sclerotherapy. This allows me to eliminate the faulty vein and redirect blood to healthy ones.

When you have varicose veins, the walls of your veins weaken over time, causing the vein to swell and twist. This pressure causes your valves to stop working properly, and sluggish blood backs up into the vein. Over time, this can cause the vein to burst or enlarge. Varicose veins are close to the surface of the skin, which makes them easy for healthcare providers to feel during a physical examination. They can also be diagnosed using a duplex ultrasound, which uses sound waves to create images of your veins.

The most common and conservative form of vein treatment is compression therapy, which involves wearing special stockings that apply gentle pressure to the leg. This reduces swelling, pain and discomfort and does not require a prescription. A more advanced procedure is endovenous ablation, which uses either radiofrequency or laser energy to cauterize the faulty vein and divert blood to normal veins.

Sclerotherapy is a less invasive option, in which a health care provider injects a chemical solution into the faulty vein. This solution causes the vein to collapse and eventually be reabsorbed by the body. The procedure is done in your doctor’s office, and is generally completed in an hour or less.

Changing your lifestyle can also help manage vein problems. Avoiding sitting for extended periods of time can decrease the appearance and symptoms of varicose veins. If this is not possible, you can try to change position frequently and elevate your feet. Drinking plenty of fluids can also improve circulation and alleviate symptoms.

A final important step is to see a board-certified vein specialist, or vascular surgeon, who can provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend the best course of treatment for you. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms associated with varicose veins, call us to schedule an evaluation. We will explain your treatment options in plain language and take care of all your insurance paperwork, including obtaining pre-certification for your procedure if needed. We have helped hundreds of patients just like you return to a healthy and active lifestyle!