The Duke Vein Clinic’s specially trained team believes in a systematic and comprehensive approach to the science, treatment, and research of all venous conditions.

By focusing solely on the care and treatments of venous disease, the Duke Vein Clinic can provide a systematic approach with a customized care plan that combines effective treatments to meet individualized needs.

Using our comprehensive care approach, our experts use a wide variety of the latest non-surgical advancements in a safe and comfortable environment.

Our commitment and efforts are solely aimed at improving the quality of life for our patients.

Eric Mowatt-Larssen, MD
Department / Division:
Surgery / General Surgery

Training:

* MD, Medical College of Virginia/Virginia Commonwealth University, 1998

Residency:

* Emergency Medicine, Geisinger Medical Center (Pennsylvania), 2001

Clinical Interests:
Endovenous laser ablation, sclerotherapy techniques for the treatment of vein disease

Cynthia E. K. Shortell, MD
 Chief, Vascular Surgery

Department / Division:
Surgery / General Surgery

Training:

* MD, Weill Cornell Medical College (New York), 1984

Residency:

* General Surgery, University of Rochester (New York), 1984-1989

Fellowship:

* Vascular Surgery, University of Rochester (New York), 1989-1993

Clinical Interests:
Open and endovascular aortic repair, thrombolytic therapy for acute arterial and venous occlusions, endovascular and minimally invasive therapies for venous disorders (medical and cosmetic), percutaneous interventions for lower extremity occlusive disease, vascular anomalies

Many treatments are available for conditions resulting from venous disease. Treatments range from conservative therapy (compression stockings, elevation, over the counter pain medication) to minor outpatient procedures.  Generally, conservative therapy is attempted first, and if this does not provide adequate relief, more definitive treatments are advised.

In most cases, smaller veins are usually treated by injections (sclerotherapy) while larger veins are sealed closed with a laser (endovenous laser ablation) or removed, but your Duke Vein Center doctor will tailor a treatment plan specifically for your veins.

A number of new techniques and devices have made treatment simpler, are more effective, and have expanded the treatment options for patients with venous disease. Almost all the treatments for venous disease are minimally invasive and are performed in the office setting without general anesthesia. New techniques include: sclerotherapy, endovenous laser ablation, radiofrequency ablation, and CoolTouch cutaneous laser -- all of which are performed at the Duke Vein Clinic.

Almost all of the new techniques are aimed at sealing the vein closed. Because there is a chance after any treatment that the treated vein may reopen, pressure is always applied to the treated vein, either by a small ball of gauze and tape or a compression stocking.

The optimal time of post treatment compression depends on the size and length of the vein treated. This extra post-treatment pressure helps the vein remain compressed closed until it permanently seals closed with scar.

After treatment, veins may become slightly inflamed, may be tender for a few days, may bruise a few days, however after a few months are eventually absorbed by the body.
More Than One Treatment Type

Because most people have more than one type of varicose vein, they usually require more than one type of treatment for satisfactory results. For instances, someone may require both endovenous ablation and sclerotherapy.
More Than One Clinic Visit

Because only a few veins can be treated at one time, most people require several clinic visits for a series of treatments, each spaced several weeks apart.
Patience Is a Virtue

Most varicose veins take years to form, so for more advanced cases, it may take months to effectively treat them.

Since most insurance companies (see insurance) require a trial of compression stockings before they will approve treatment, and since the insurance companies then allow one to three months for their approval process, it may be three to six months before definitive treatment is even started.

Since multiple treatment types, usually in series, are frequently required, once treatment has started, it may take several months before treatment is completed (several weeks are sometimes needed between treatments).