Varicose Vein Therapy

• Definition of Varicose Veins
• Treatment
• Common Questions
• Before and After Photos

Prevelence
Varicose and spider veins are common and cause a variety of symptoms in both men and women. It is estimated that 80 million Americans are affected by either spider or varicose veins. For women age 40-50, approximately 41% are affected and this percentage increases with age.

Symptoms
The symptoms caused by varicose veins range from a cosmetic nuisance to an aching, heavy sensation, to a painful condition which limits enjoyable activities and even the ability to work. The most severe cases can lead to ulcer formation on the legs.

Definition of Varicose Veins
Veins normally function to return blood to the heart. Valves in the veins close after blood travels up the vein, preventing blood from backing up (refluxing) down the vein. Valves can become abnormal, or incompetent for a variety of reasons, including trauma, pregnancy, or hereditary factors.

Once a valve becomes incompetent, the vein below the valve is exposed to higher pressure, and can become larger (dilate). Other valves and veins nearby are exposed to the higher pressure and can also dilate. Varicose veins commonly appear on the legs as raised, often ropy, enlarged veins. They can cause the legs to swell, throb, and in severe cases, can lead to inflammation, ulcers and blood clots.

Treatment of Varicose Veins
There are many new and exciting treatments for varicose veins. These include laser ablation of large veins, injection sclerotherapy and minimally invasive surgical treatments. These can almost always be performed in our office under local anesthesia.

Drs. Ellis and Huffman use the revolutionary Dornier™ D940nm and the Diomed 810nm laser to close problem veins right in their office. Local anesthesia is used to numb the treatment area, where safe and effective laser energy is delivered into the vein wall, causing it to collapse and seal shut. Once the diseased vein is sealed, healthy veins take over and redirect the blood flow. Best of all, this technique requires no stitches and offers minimal or no scaring. Patients can even walk out of the office after treatment and resume their normal routine in just a few days.

Preoperative Investigation
For the great majority of patients a single history and physical exam by our experienced surgeons is all that is necessary to establish the cause of the varicose veins.

At this initial consultation the doctor will perform a venous duplex ultrasound examination which will provide a detailed "road map" of the superficial and deep veins in the leg and can aid in the planning of the best course of treatment.

Our on-site operating room

Common Questions

What is vein ablation by laser?
This an exciting new laser procedure that involves placing a thin laser filament into the vein through a needle puncture in the lower thigh and uses laser energy to heat the vein from inside, causing it to close down. Closure by laser has a 97% rate of completely closing down the vein. The laser procedure can be performed on most patients whose varicose veins are due to an incompetent saphenous vein. Each patient will be evaluated by a surgeon to determine which treatment is best for him or her.

Does this replace vein stripping ?
Yes. Surgically removing the great saphenous vein, or "vein stripping", is rarely needed. An ambulatory phlebectomy procedure is done under local anesthesia in our office for removal of the bulging varicose veins.  It is much less traumatic to the leg than traditional varicose vein removal. Patients walk comfortably out of the office; most are able to go back to work within a few days.

What about just injecting all the veins?
That method alone results in a higher chance of varicose veins returning. We do not use injection sclerotherapy for very large veins. We will offer the best treatment for each individual's vein problem, which typically requires minor surgery to get the best long-term result.

Before and After