Vein Treatment Options

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy can be used to treat both varicose and spider veins. With minimal to no discomfort (reported by most patients), a tiny needle is inserted into the vein to inject small amounts of sclerosing solution. The solution causes the injected vein to close up or sclerose. Typically these closed veins will gradually be reabsorbed by the body and disappear. Sclerotherapy relieves symptoms due to varicose and spider veins in most patients. The procedure is performed in the office, in sessions that last approximately 15-20 minutes. The number of sessions required will depend on the extent of veins present. Slight bruising and some pigmentation may occur, but usually resolve within a few weeks.

 

 

 

 

 

 Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy 

This form of sclerotherapy is done under visualization with an ultrasound system.  It gives the physician access to veins which are difficult to locate, while keeping the procedure non-surgical.

 

 

 

 

 


Minimally Invasive Surgery and Microsurgery

The largest varicose veins associated with extensive valvular dysfunction and multiple points of reflux occasionally require surgical intervention.  Fortunately, with the development of an advanced microsurgical technique called ambulatory phlebectomy, this can be performed in a minimally invasive fashion.  This is done through tiny incisions that generally do not require stitches, allowing for a very fast recovery and early return to normal activities.  It does not require hospitalization and is performed at the adjacent ambulatory Surgicare Center.

 

 

 

 

 

 

ELVT - EndoLaser Venous Therapy

Closure of incompetent vein by ELVT
Click above to view a larger image.

 

 Therapy of the greater saphenous vein

Click above to view a larger image.

We are pleased to provide the most recent technology for the treatment of varicose veins.  An alternative to surgery, ELVT, is a minimally invasive laser closure.  Valve failure in this large vein ascending from the knee to the upper inner thigh is largely responsible for the formation of the bulging varicosities frequently seen in the lower leg.

The procedure can be done in the office under local anesthesia.  A special laser-tipped fiber is passed through a small catheter inserted into the greater saphenous vein.  As the laser is activated, the resulting heat at the tip causes a reaction in the walls of the vein causing them to stick together.  The varicosities associated with this vein then disappear as blood from the lower leg reroutes through the deeper circulation.

At most, a small incision of only a few millimeters length is made to insert the catheter.  Because there are no large incisions or general anesthesia to recover from, normal activities can be resumed soon after ELVT, including driving and exercise.  A consultation with our doctors will determine whether ELVT right for you.

 

VNUS Radio Frequency Closure®

VNUS Closure® is a minimally invasive alternative to vein stripping for the treatment of varicose veins and its common underlying cause, venous reflux. Instead of surgically removing the diseased vein, the closure procedure delivers radio frequency (RF) energy via a catheter to the clogged vein, which shrinks in the heat and eventually closes. Anesthetic saline solution is also injected to numb the area, squeeze blood from the vein and protect surrounding tissue. Ultrasound imaging is used to locate the treatment site, guide the catheter and confirm that the vein has been fully closed.

After the procedure, blood is naturally re-routed through other healthier veins in the body. Closure offers benefits such as faster treatment and recovery time, less discomfort during and after the procedure, and little or no scarring, bruising or swelling. Closure can be performed under local or general anesthesia in as little as 45-60 minutes.

 

 

 

 

 


Laser Treatment

Technologically advanced laser treatment is available at the Center. Laser is used to treat the smaller veins called telangiectasias that occur in the face and legs. The light energy is specifically absorbed by the vein which is being treated, "erasing" it. Treatment may be combined with sclerotherapy for best results.

 

 

 

 

 

  

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