Veins have one-way valves to prevent blood from flowing backward. If valves do not close correctly, blood leaks through the valve and results in pooling in the legs. Over time, this causes enlargement and occasional bulging of veins. Varicose veins are deeper large veins that protrude from the skin and appear rope-like. Not only are they cosmetically unpleasing, but they can also cause aching, swelling and irritation. Spider veins are located just below the surface of the skin. They appear as small red, purple or bluish veins, with a web-like or linear appearance. Spider veins are usually not painful, but a limited number of people may experience itching, burning or throbbing in their legs due to spider veins

What factors lead to varicose and spider veins?

Heredity – This is the most important factor. If your parents and grandparents have varicose veins you are at increased risk.

Gender – Women have a higher incidence of varicose veins. This is partially due to the female hormones weakening the structure of the vein walls.

Pregnancy – Causes a rise in blood pressure and blood volume. Pregnancy also adds to the hormonal effect.

Age – Our tissues loose elasticity with age. Loss of elasticity in the vein walls causes the valve system to work less efficiently.

Other factors that can make varicose veins worse and speed their development include obesity, prolonged standing and physical trauma.

Our interventional radiologists can treat your varicose veins using minimally invasive procedures that provide immediate relief and leave no scar. Treatments are performed quickly—usually in less than an hour—on an outpatient basis in our office. We offer several treatment options, and our providers will discuss the alternatives that are best for you.

• Radiofrequency and laser ablation and Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT): For these vein treatments, our radiologists use heat generated by radiofrequency or laser to seal off varicose veins, which diverts blood flow to nearby healthy veins. The radiologist uses ultrasound to visualize the veins. You will receive a local anesthetic to numb the area so you should feel only slight pressure during the procedure. This is a minimally invasive procedure and you can resume normal activities immediately. You will need to wear gradient compression stockings to help reduce bruising. These procedures have a 97% success rate after the first treatment.
• Ambulatory phlebectomy: This is a minimally invasive procedure used to remove varicose veins on the surface of the leg. It is performed using a local anesthetic and involves making tiny incisions in the skin through which large varicose veins are removed. The incisions are so small that stitches are not required.
• Sclerotherapy (spider vein therapy): Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive treatment used to treat varicose and spider veins. The procedure involves using a tiny needle to inject a solution directly into the affected veins, causing them to close off, shrink and eventually disappear. As the radiologist injects the solution, you will feel small needle sticks and possibly a mild burning sensation. Some patients may need elastic bandages or support stockings during the daytime for a few days after treatment to aid in the closing of the veins.

Do not shave your legs or use lotion or oils on your legs. You may want to wear or bring shorts for comfort during and after the treatment. You may eat and drink normally. You can drive yourself home.

Patients go home the same day. After treatment, you may feel minor soreness and bruising, which you can treat with over-the-counter, non-aspirin pain relievers. You may need to wear gradient compression stockings to help reduce bruising and post-procedural swelling.

While normal activities can typically be resumed quickly, strenuous exercise may be advised to be postponed temporarily. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment and address any concerns. Multiple sessions may be needed for optimal results.

203.386.3164

1055 Post Road, Suite 150
Fairfield, CT 06824
Fax 203.380.3252