Common Questions Concerning Treatments
Please Choose a Category:GENERAL | SCLEROTHERAPY | VARICOSE VEINS
What treatments are available?How will the blood in my veins get back to my heart after all of the abnormal veins are removed or destroyed?
Do I have to treat both legs?
How does Vein Treatment affect my candidacy for by-pass grafts?
What is a skin ulcer?
What is a duplex ultrasound examination?
What new treatment options exist for patients who have abnormal blood flow in the major vein trunks other than vein stripping?
What are laser and radiofrequency sealing of veins?
Why do doctors recommend graded compression stockings?
What treatments are available?
If you have veins that are cosmetically unappealing or cause pain, you are a prime candidate for treatment to relieve these problems and improve circulation through the remaining veins.
In the past, surgical treatments such as ligation (tying off a vein) and stripping (removing a vein) were the commonly recognized treatments for varicose veins in this country. Today, however, surgery is necessary in a low percentage of patients and is usually used on larger varicose veins. Minimally invasive surgical procedures are now employed when operative approaches are necessary.
Minimally invasive surgery may be performed under local, spinal, or general anesthesia, and generally results in only small scars on the leg or in the groin. Patients can return home the same day as surgery. Surgical techniques to treat varicose veins include ligation, stripping, and the latest technique, ambulatory phlebectomy. Minimally invasive surgery can be complementary to the injection of chemicals (sclerosants) into the veins (sclerotherapy) in treating varicose and spider veins. Please see our Treatment Options page for more information.
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How will the blood in my veins get back to my heart after all of the abnormal veins are removed or destroyed?
The backward flow of blood in varicose veins, the greater saphenous vein (GSV) and lesser saphenous vein (LSV) actually interfere with the normal venous return of blood. Removal of these areas of abnormal circulation actually improves circulation of blood in the treated limb. It is this improvement in limb circulation that causes improvement of symptoms of tiredness and heaviness in the limb.
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Do I have to treat both legs?
The abnormal limb or limbs should be treated thoroughly for best results. They may be treated at the same time or after one another.
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How does Vein Treatment affect my candidacy for by-pass grafts?
Veins that have been stretched, dilated and weakened by varicose vein disease are unsuitable veins for donor purposes for arterial by-pass grafts. In many situations, other segments of veins are left untreated and thus may be suitable for grafting purposes. Alternative surgical procedures such as internal mammary artery grafts and balloon angioplasty are available for coronary artery re-vascularization.
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What is a skin ulcer?
A skin ulcer is caused by a venous reflux disorder that is called a venous stasis ulcer. Early signs that a venous stasis ulcer may develop include darkening of the skin also known as hyper-pigmentation.
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What is a duplex ultrasound examination?
The venous duplex examination permits your physician to see the anatomy and check the flow characteristics of the veins beneath your skin. Useful information is gathered that your physician can use to adequately diagnose your specific vein problem and to plan and guide treatment.
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What new treatment options exist for patients who have abnormal blood flow in the major vein trunks other than vein stripping?
In order to control the backward flow of blood in these large veins, the vein that is the source of the visible varicosities must be sealed shut or removed. The vein may be sealed shut using energy sources such as a laser, or radiofrequency energy electrical energy.
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What are laser and radiofrequency sealing of veins?
Light energy (laser) or electrical energy (radiofrequency) may be used to seal shut abnormal main superficial truck veins. Both treatments involve the application of heat energy to inside the abnormal vein(s). Usually treatment of the greater saphenous vein (GSV) starts at a location in the vein at or below the knee. The GSV is then treated from its junction to the deep system at the level of the groin down to the entry site near the knee. Ultrasound guided injections may also be used to seal the GSV or lesser saphenous vein (LSV).
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Why do doctors recommend graded compression stockings?
The properly fitted gradient compression stocking can temporarily reverse the effects of vein disease and lessen the discomfort as well as skin damage.
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