Varicose Vein Treatment

 Varicose veins are commonly found in both women and men and can be very painful and unsightly.

 In order for a vein doctor to determine the cause of varicose veins, the doctor will use a non-invasive ultrasound, which will help assist the doctor in evaluating the veins that are not visible on the surface of the skin, and help decide the best treatment plan for a patient with varicose veins. Varicose veins are commonly caused by the incompetent valves of the saphenous vein that can lead to venous hypertension, dilatation, chronic venous stasis and then finally chronic inflammation.

 Veins depend on one-way valves that keep blood moving in an upward motion.  Without the correct blood flow, the blood reverses its flow and causes the valves to close improperly.  When a valve fails to close correctly, it can cause a vein to swell and become painful, and bulging varicose veins result. Increased pressure to the vein can cause a person’s legs or ankles to swell and to have severe pain and aching.  Skin changes, and ulceration are a result of the chronic inflammation.   Phlebitis can also occur when suffering from  varicose veins.  The risk of a deep vein thrombosis is also increased in patients with chronic venous insufficiency.

 To help the severity of the symptoms graded compression stockings are highly recommended.  Compression stockings help the fluid out of the legs and help it flow to the heart.  Staying active and minimizing the amount of time a person sits or stands is also very helpful. Compression stockings also reduce the risk of DVT.

 Treatments for varicose veins  have come a long way over the years.  Instead of vein stripping, many doctors use an endovenous laser treatment  that is virtually painless. With using this exciting new technology, patients are able to receive their treatment in a comfortable office atmosphere, instead of visiting a hospital.  Patients receive a local anesthetic that is administered around the vein.

 During the procedure, heat energy, from a laser or radio frequency is released to eliminate the improper flow in the affected vein, which is called Endovenous Ablation of the saphenous vein.  Endovenous laser procedure allows for a virtually painless correction of chronic venous disease.  Now the phlebology specialist can treat serious venous disease in the office setting, all patients are awake without the need for general anesthesia. Laser energy painlessly eliminates the abnormal flow in the vein without incisions, without scaring and with no down time. A compression stocking is worn after the procedure for five days.  The patient is encouraged to walk and even exercise immediately after the procedure.  Most of our patients miss no work.  Normal daily activities can be resumed immediately. 

These procedures are extremely safe and effective procedures. There are risks, as no procedure is risk-free. Severe complications are extremely rare and unlikely.  Endovenous procedures are minimally invasive and much less chance of thrombosis when compared to older methods such as vein stripping.  Endovenous ablation allow for safer, less expensive and superior cosmetic results.

Patients considering treatments should consult with a highly trained phlebologist who is familiar with all aspects of vein disease. Board certification in Phlebology is preferred.  Phlebology is the specialty of venous disease.

At California Vein Specialists, Dr. Michael Leary is board certified in phlebology and is a National Training Physician, training other Doctors from all over the US.