VEIN TREATMENT - West U VEIN Clinic
Prevention: Once vein problems start, they will not disappear, but only become worse with time. The most common form of preventive treatment is with compression from graduated compression stockings. Those who stand all day benefit from graduated compression stockings the most. Once spider veins or varicose veins exist, compression stockings can alleviate the symptoms of aching pain, cramping, or swelling. They can also deter the progression of more serious venous changes.
Non-Surgical Treatments: The objective of the conservative approach in treating varicose veins is to help support the venous circulation of the legs in order to slow the development of new veins and to minimize symptoms. Conservative treatment methods will not cure or eliminate existing vein problems. However, they will help slow the progression of the disease and alleviate symptoms such as swelling, aching, and cramping. As a result, they are viable alternatives to medical treatment for people who are sick, elderly, or pregnant.
The most popular conservative treatment modality is graduated compression stockings. Certain lifestyle changes can also help you manage some of the painful or uncomfortable symptoms associated with varicose veins.
The goal of medical treatment is to restore proper venous blood flow by eliminating varicose and spider veins from the venous circulation. Treatment methods range from collapsing the veins by sclerotherapy to physically removing the problem veins.
The choice of medical treatment depends on the type, size, location, and depth of the vein problem as determined by various non-invasive diagnostic tests, such as venous Doppler, and color duplex ultrasound. All necessary diagnostic testing is performed in the office. Through physical examination and diagnostic testing, we choose one or more treatment methods to achieve the desired cosmetic results. We will track your progress with digital imaging throughout your course of treatment.
ENDOVENOUS LASER ABLATION (EVLA)
Endovenous laser ablation is a non-invasive laser procedure that can be performed at the WEST-U VEIN CLINIC in about one hour. After the procedure, you can walk out and resume normal activities. This technique treats the underlying causes of varicose veins and has a 98% success rate AFTER A SINGLE VISIT! The newest technology available, our CoolTouch® laser uses light waves to eliminate varicose veins. Due to the technology used, endovenous medical lasers are able to treat a large range of vein sizes. The procedure can be done in our office or in an outpatient ambulatory facility.
The CoolTouch® CTEV laser has a 1320 nm wavelength, which has been found to be the most comfortable and EFFECTIVE laser treatment for varicose veins. The 1320 nm wavelength requires less heat to closet the vein than Diode lasers, which have 810, 940 or 980 wavelengths. The high heat generated by Diode lasers can actually rupture the vein causing significant pain swelling and bruising. With the CoolTouch® CTEV, you will receive the best result available. You will experience minimal, if any, pain, bruising or post-op complications and the success rate is 98-100%.
Our goal is for you to walk in with Varicose veins and leave them behind.
The key benefits of EVLA
- A simple procedure
- Performed under local anesthetic
- Minimally invasive, so minimal risk of scarring and postoperative infection
- Less than one hour total examination and treatment time
- Rapid recovery with reduced postoperative pain
- Normal activities can be resumed immediately
- Excellent clinical and aesthetic results
THE CLOSURE® PROCEDURE
The VNUS® Closure procedure is an alternative treatment option to traditional vein stripping surgery. It brings state-of-the-art technology to an age-old disease.
The Closure procedure is performed on an outpatient basis. Using ultrasound, your physician will position the Closure catheter into the diseased vein, through a small opening in the skin. The tiny catheter delivers radiofrequency (RF) energy to the vein wall. As the RF energy is delivered and the catheter is withdrawn, the vein wall is heated, causing the collagen in the wall to shrink and the vein to close. Once the diseased vein is closed, blood is re-routed to other healthy veins.
Following the procedure, a simple bandage is placed over the insertion site, and additional compression may be provided to aid healing. Your doctor may encourage you to walk, and to refrain from extended standing and strenuous activities for a period of time.
The key benefits of EVLT®
- Relief of symptoms - Closure procedure works by closing the diseased vein using radiofrequency energy. Once other healthy veins thrive, your symptoms should improve noticeably.
- Convenience - You will be in and out on the same day, and may require only local or regional anesthesia to numb the treatment area.
- Short recovery time - You should be able to resume your normal activities within 1-2 days.
- Good cosmetic outcome - Patients report minimal to no scarring, bruising or swelling following the Closure procedure.
SCLEROTHERAPY
Pregnancy, prolonged standing, and heredity are the primary causes of unsightly and often painful varicose and spider veins. As we age, visible leg veins frequently emerge and our existing veins become increasingly noticeable. Spider veins most commonly show up on the legs but can also appear on the face. There is a simple solution to this problem. A sclerosing solution and a cosmetic procedure called Sclerotherapy!
Sclerotherapy was developed over 75 years ago and at present is one of the most prevalent treatments for spider and varicose veins. During the treatment, a sclerosing agent is injected into the vein through a tiny needle. Treatment can last from 15 minutes to 45 minutes, depending on the number of veins treated in a particular session. Upon injection, the solution replaces the blood in the vein, triggering irritation and corrosion to the walls of the vessel. The body then initiates the natural healing process and the vein begins to decompose, shrink and eventually disappear.
ULTRASONIC GUIDED FOAM SCLEROTHERAPY
This is a new advancement in the treatment of difficult venous problems. Veins that are not amenable to EVLA® or to Closure® can be eliminated with Duplex Doppler Ultrasound guidance of a small needle that injects a FOAM Sclerotherapy. The FOAM acts to close the vein. It is safe and takes a few minutes to perform.
MICROPHLEBECTOMY
The classic vein stripping is no longer used. Instead, the remaining or persistent Varicose veins are removed with a small crochet hook through tiny incisions. The resulting improved cosmetic effect and quick recovery are the result of the latest advances in phlebology.
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