What Is It?
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 and back-pressure. Over time this causes enlargement and occasional bulging of veins. Varicose veins are large veins located deep under the skin but can protrude from the skin and appear rope-like. Not only are they cosmetically unpleasing, they can cause aching, swelling and irritation.
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.
Factors that can make varicose veins worse and speed their development include obesity, prolonged standing and physical trauma.
How Is It Treated?
Advanced Radiology 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 radiologists 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.
How Do I Prep For The Procedure?
- Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT)
- Radiofrequency and laser ablation
- Ambulatory phlebectomy
No aspirin or blood thinners to be taken 5 days prior to the procedure.
What Happens After The Procedure?
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.
