What are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are known for their distinctive blue color and bulging appearance under the skin. Normally, one-way valves in the veins keep blood flowing toward the heart, against the force of gravity. When the valves become weak and don't close properly, they allow blood to leak back in to the leg and pool in the veins. The increased pressure from the pooling stretches the vein, causing enlarged, twisted blood vessels. This creates the bumpy, rope-like veins called varicose veins.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of varicose veins are aching, pain, easy fatigue, and heaviness, all of which worsen as the day progresses. Often, the skin surrounding the varicose veins will itch and burn. They usually appear bumpy and rope-like on the inside of the leg or on the backs of calves. If left untreated, varicose veins can lead to swelling, fatigue, throbbing or cramping, increased pain, skin discoloration, and ulcerations of the lower legs. Ulcerations are difficult to treat and can become painful and easily infected. Many of these symptoms can be prevented with early detection.

It can take years for them to develop. While varicose veins are commonly inherited, anyone can get them. Hormonal changes brought on by puberty, pregnancy, and menopause can trigger the onset of varicose veins.

Diagnosis

People can still experience the symptoms of varicose veins without the unsightly appearance. Since vein disorders are not always visible, modern diagnostic techniques are important tools in determining the cause and severity of the problem. Depending on the results of the screening examination, your doctor may recommend additional tests such as diagnostic ultrasound to identify where the problem is and how badly your veins are damaged. The ultrasound examination is designed to evaluate the blood flow through the veins in your legs to determine problem areas.

Ultrasound being used to diagnose varicose veins.

Treatment

VenaCure EVLT™ (Endovenous Laser Treatment) is the primary treatment for varicose veins. It is a minimally invasive procedure that uses targeted laser energy to seal the vein shut and provide immediate relief of symptoms. This procedure is performed in-office, which means no hospital stay and no general anesthesia. This safe, fast, and effective procedure produces little-to-no scarring, no lengthy recovery, and little-to-no side effects. Walking immediately after the procedure is encouraged and normal daily activity can be resumed immediately; just avoid rigorous activities such as gym workouts.

With EVLT, your physician uses a laser that produces
concentrated heat to close off the varicose veins.

Treatment of varicose veins normally takes less than an hour and only requires local anesthesia. Your physician inserts a sheath into the vein and then exposes the vein to a thin laser fiber which emits heat. By delivering the right wavelength of laser energy to the correct tissue, the incompetent veins (varicose veins) will close. Your body automatically routes the blood to other healthy veins.

Ambulatory Phlebectomy is an alternative treatment option available for those suffering from certain forms of varicose veins. This minimally invasive surgical technique removes the affected varicose veins through small incisions. It requires only local anesthesia and usually takes less than an hour. With ambulatory phlebectomy, you will experience minimal scarring and very little down time. Treatment can be used independently or in conjunction with EVLT (Endovenous Laser Treatment) depending on the severity and type of the venous disease.

Varicose veins before and after ambulatory phlebectomy. Individual results can vary.
Photos courtesy of S. Zimmet, MD

For both EVLT and Ambulatory Phlebectomy, the affected leg must be supported by compression bandages or graduated support stockings for 1-3 weeks after the procedure.

For more information on what treatment is best for you, please call today to schedule your consultation.