|
Surface spider veins can often be treated in a single office visit that will allow you to walk out and continue your day. Larger, more extensive or deeper varicose veins may require a combination of treatments and perhaps several sessions. At The Vein Center an experienced interventional radiologist will evaluate your symptoms and determine your best course of treatment for cosmetic and long-term health results.
The great news is that each of the techniques we perform is almost painless and can be performed on an outpatient basis. In most cases, patients begin seeing results very soon after treatment and can resume normal activities right away or within just a few days.
Conservative Compression Therapy
Compression therapy is the application of isometric (non-elastic) bandaging. It is very effective because it can improve the function of veins immediately – patients can start to feel better as soon as they start walking.
Compression therapy works by applying controlled pressure to the surface veins, keeping their diameter small and forcing blood back into the deep vein system which in turn pushes the blood uphill towards the heart. This can reduce the pain, swelling and other effects of varicose veins and keep them from growing worse, but it cannot heal a failed vein.
Therefore, compression therapy is often used initially to provide some relief and to make it easier for the doctor to evaluate your vein disease and determine the best course of treatment.
What to Expect
Much like wearing an Ace bandage, compression therapy applies even pressure on your leg and can often provide immediate relief from swelling and pain caused by varicose veins.
Endovenous Laser Ablation
Endovenous Laser Ablation is a non-surgical office procedure that can treat larger and deeper varicose veins. Under ultrasound guidance and with local anesthesia, a small catheter is threaded inside the vein and flashes of laser light are used to treat the inside of the vein walls so that they stick together. Once the flow of new blood to the vein has been blocked, it is gradually reabsorbed by the body. Since this procedure depends on ultrasound imaging and the use of a catheter, an interventional radiologist’s expertise is exactly what is needed to perform it effectively.
What to Expect
Typically, a compression stocking is worn for a week. You are encouraged to walk immediately after the procedure. There is minimal to no pain and virtually no scarring. You can resume normal activity right away, but will likely be asked to avoid vigorous physical activity for about two weeks. You may have some bruising and soreness for a week or so after the treatment. While it may not be necessary, over-the-counter non-aspirin oral pain relieving medication can be taken during this recovery period.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is a non-surgical office procedure that can treat most diseased surface veins. Medication is injected into a vein using an extremely tiny needle. The medication closes down the vein walls so that they stick together and are gradually reabsorbed by the body.
The physician, guided by ultrasound imaging and according to a systematic treatment plan, injects a tiny amount of a special chemical called a sclerosing agent into the varicose veins. Special needles and syringes are used to insure a precise injection.
Treated veins begin to dry up and finally disappear, usually within 6-8 weeks. Simple spider veins often require only one treatment, while deeper reticular and larger varicose veins may require several treatments depending on the severity of the condition.
What to Expect
The procedure causes little discomfort because very small, fine needles are used. The injection of the solution itself is not painful. Patients are advised to take a brisk 15 to 20 minute walk immediately following sclerotherapy, and usually the patient can go right back to work with no interruption of their daily activity schedule.
When larger veins are treated, there is often some redness and soreness (an inflammatory reaction) that may last several days. This is normal and usually indicates a good response. Any discomfort is usually relieved by the use of compression stockings for several days. Even mild pain medication is rarely necessary
Ambulatory Phlebectomy
This technique is used to eliminate larger varicose veins; the type that often cause leg pain. This procedure involves applying a local anesthetic, then making tiny, "micro" incisions so the vein can be removed in small segments. The incisions are so small that they are painless, require no stitches and will heal without scarring.
What to Expect
Ambulatory Phlebectomy can take several hours for each leg. Patients wear an ace bandage for 72 hours and take a mild pain reliever if needed. You'll be back to routine activity the next day in most cases, but will need to avoid impact exercise (jogging, aerobics, tennis, etc.) for two weeks.
Back to top
|
