Varicose Veins Treatments

Treatment Options

Leg veins have leaflet valves to prevent blood from flowing backward. Leg muscles pump the veins to return blood to the heart, against the effects of gravity. When leg veins become large or the leaflets of the valves get destroyed, the blood starts to flow backward. Traditionally these veins were 'stripped' or taken out surgically. Now there are state of the art minimally invasive treatments available that help close these varicose veins without removing them. This helps improve flow and improves and alleviates symptoms.

To close the veins causing backward flow in the legs, we have to destroy the inner lining of these veins. This can be done by chemical as done with sclerotherapy or by using heat as done by laser (endovenous laser Ablation). At Metro Vein Clinic we specialize in treatment of these state of the art procedures.

There are three types of endovenous procedures: Endovenous laser treatment, Ultrasound guided sclerotherapy (sometimes called echo-sclerotherapy) and visual / cosmetic Sclerotherapy

Endovenous Laser Treatment
Endovenous laser treatment is a minimally invasive, in-office treatment alternative to surgical stripping of the great saphenous vein. Instead of removing the saphenous vein, it is sealed closed in place. The skin on the inside of the knee is anesthetized and a small laser fiber is inserted through a needle stick into the damaged vein. Pulses of laser light are delivered inside the vein, which causes the vein to collapse and seal shut.
This procedure is done in-office under local anesthesia. Following the procedure a bandage or compression hose is placed on the treated leg. Patients are able to walk immediately after the procedure and most individuals are able to return to work the next day. Endovenous Laser Treatment is FDA-approved for the treatment of the greater saphenous vein.

Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy (Echo-Sclerotherapy)
Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy (Echo-Sclerotherapy) is an in-office treatment alternative to surgical stripping. With this technique and based on the clinical judgment of the doctor, sclerotherapy is done with either a liquid or "foamed" sclerosant, while the doctor visually monitors the vein on an ultrasound screen. This enables treatment of veins that can't be seen because they are below the surface of the skin and would otherwise require surgical removal. Ultrasound imaging is used to guide a needle into the abnormal vein and deliver medication to destroy the lining of the blood vessel and seal it shut. Ultrasound guided sclerotherapy is primarily used to treat large veins beneath the surface of the skin.

Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is a common treatment for small (spider veins) and medium size (reticular) veins. A tiny needle is used to inject the veins with a solution (called a sclersant) that irritates the lining of the vein. In response, the veins collapse and are reabsorbed. The surface veins are no longer visible. Depending on the size and location of the veins, different types and strengths of sclerosants are used. With this procedure, veins can be dealt with at an early stage, helping to prevent further complications.
You may need anywhere from one to several sclerotherapy sessions for any vein region. Depending on the type and number of veins being treated you may have one to many injections per session. Generally, normal activities can be resumed after sclerotherapy. Medically prescribed support hose and/or bandages may need to be worn for several days to several weeks to assist in resolution of the veins. The procedure, performed in the doctor's office, usually causes only minimal discomfort. Bruising and pigmentation may occur after sclerotherapy. Bruising typically disappears within 1-2 weeks. Although pigmentation almost always fades, it can last for several months.