Vein Treatment Information

Microphlebectomy is a treatment that has helped many patients in Santa Rosa, California and other areas of the country find relief from varicose veins. These veins appear bulging from the skin and are usually bluish or purplish in color. They may cause pain and heaviness in the legs, and treatment for the veins is important to a lot of sufferers. Microphlebectomy utilizes tiny incisions made over the problem veins, through which the veins may be removed using vein hooks. It is often used for veins too large for sclerotherapy and too small for other procedures like laser treatments. The procedure is minimally-invasive and has a light recovery period afterwards, making it a convenient option for those with this venous condition.

When the sections of the veins are removed, they clot so that blood can no longer flow through them and symptoms subside. A local anesthetic may be administered prior to the procedure to reduce discomfort throughout the treatment process. Some choose to utilize this procedure in combination with sclerotherapy when treating deeper veins. Most are considered candidates for this procedure, although it is recommended that patients seek consultation with a Santa Rosa vein specialist prior to treatment to ensure they are a good candidate.

The physician will first mark the veins that are being treated using a surgical marker. He or she will mark the areas where the incisions are to be made. The local anesthetic is then applied, and the tiny incisions are made once the treatment area is numb. The vein hooks are used to grab the vein for removal. A dressing is applied to the treatment area, and most are allowed to return to their normal activities right away. Most procedures take about 30 to 45 minutes, although this varies. Patients may wear compression stockings for about a week after the treatment. The specialist may recommend staying away from strenuous activities for about a week.

Results are evident shortly after the procedure is completed, and improve as the bruising goes away. There is virtually no scarring associated with microphlebectomy, although patients should discuss side effects with a Santa Rosa vein specialist. Bruising and discomfort is not uncommon for a couple of days after the treatment, and some experience injury to the tiny nerves under the skin where the vein is removed. Most nerves heal with time, however. Patients will discuss this procedure in greater detail to help them determine if it is right for them. 

Learn more about microphlebectomy in Santa Rosa, California. 

Venous reflux exams are used to test the efficiency of the valves within the veins or to confirm a diagnosis of venous valvular insufficiency by a New Braunsfels, Texas vein specialist. There are two basic types of tests available: one that measures how long it takes blood to go to the heart and return to the ankle; and the other that maps veins using ultrasound to check blood flow. The type of exam used is something that you will discuss with a vein specialist at a clinic in your area.

The first test starts by attaching the sensor to the patient's leg, and then asking the patient to pump their foot up and down. This encourages blood flow towards the heart. The sensor will detect how long it takes the blood to go to the heart and then come back to the ankle. Most are given results a few days after the exam, at which point the patient will discuss the results with a vein specialist. They may discuss treatments or procedures that may be necessary to improve vein function.

The other test utilizes ultrasound technology to map the veins and determine the velocity and direction of the blood flow in the veins. A handheld ultrasound wand is waved over the legs after a conductive gel is applied to the legs. The sound waves sent by the wand will reflect off of the blood and other structures to produce images. This exam takes a bit longer than the first, sometimes lasting up to an hour.

Those who have been diagnosed with venous reflux or venous valvular insufficiency may be encouraged to undergo one of these tests to confirm or exclude the diagnosis. What's more, those with varicose veins, discoloration of the skin, heaviness in the legs, or swelling may be advised to go through this exam as well. Individuals with venous ulcers may also undergo this procedure. Those who are interested in learning more should discuss the exam with a New Braunsfels vein specialist.

There is no recovery required following the procedure, which is completely non-invasive. No downtime is necessary, and patients can resume normal activities right away. There are no risks involved in the procedure, as it is very simple and non-invasive. Insurance may offer coverage of the exam, as it is commonly used to diagnose a condition that may cause medical symptoms.

Learn more about venous reflux exams in New Braunsfels, Texas.

Varicose veins are a problematic condition for a lot of individuals in Wilton, Connecticut as well as other parts of the country, and finding a solution to their symptoms is often a top priority. Varicose veins are the result of inefficiencies in the valves inside of the veins. When the valves, which are supposed to prevent blood from flowing backwards, do not operate correctly, blood may pool in the veins. This leads to the unsightly bulging and the bluish or purplish appearance of the veins. Compression stockings are a common first-line defense against the symptoms of varicose veins.

Compression stockings are tight-fitting and are worn on the legs to encourage blood to flow back towards the heart. They are tightest around the ankle and a tad looser as they get up the calf muscles towards the knees. This essentially 'milks' the blood back up the leg so it does not pool in veins whose valves are not working efficiently. These stockings may help reduce symptoms of varicose veins such as the pain and discomfort that many experience. However, they will not get rid of the varicose veins. The only way to do that is to destroy or remove the problem veins.

Some insurance companies require patients go through a period of wearing compression stockings to determine how effective they are in reducing symptoms. If problems persist, they may undergo certain treatments. Some doctors also recommend compression stockings before undergoing varicose vein procedures designed to remove or destroy them. If compression stockings are ineffective or if the patient desires to get rid of the problem veins, other methods may be used. Following certain procedures, doctors may recommend using compression stockings to aid in the healing process. They promote healthy blood flow, and may be effective in helping restore healthy circulation to the area in the days or weeks following the procedure.  

Compression stockings come in various strengths, and which is right for you may depend on your condition. A Wilton vein specialist will go over this with you in greater detail so you choose a stocking that works best for you. They are available over-the-counter in some cases, although these may not provide the same level of compression as prescription stockings. They also come in various designs, so be sure to pick one that you are comfortable wearing, although some choose to hide them under pants or long dresses.

Learn more about compression stockings in Wilton, Connecticut.

Varicose veins affect many in Wichita, Kansas and in other parts of the country, leading many to feel embarrassed or self-conscious due to the unsightly appearance of the veins. What's more, individuals with varicose veins may feel discomfort and heaviness in the legs as a result of the condition. Endovenous laser ablation is a proven method used to treat many patients who are suffering from varicose veins. The procedure involves using laser energy delivered using a laser fiber to destroy problem veins so that other veins in the area may take over blood flow in the area.

The procedure is performed in a physician's office or clinic, and is minimally-invasive with only a local or topical anesthetic required to numb the treatment area. The procedure provides individuals with a reduced chance of stasis ulcers while achieving relief from the symptoms of varicose veins. It also helps improve blood circulation and can help boost self-image by getting rid of the bulging, bluish veins that are often the source of embarrassment for those with this condition. 

The procedure requires that patients wear protective eye goggles to avoid damage from accidental exposure to the laser. The skin will be numbed with a local or topical anesthetic, and a laser fiber is then inserted into the problem vein. Ultrasound will be used to make sure the vein is properly placed, and then the fiber is slowly heated using low energy. This destroys the vein, causing it to become fibrosed and collapses. Most procedures take about 30 minutes to an hour. 

The fiber is removed following the procedure, and a compression bandage is applied to the treatment area and should be worn for roughly a week. Most are allowed to return home after about an hour at the clinic. There are no scars, and the procedure is associated with just minimal postoperative pain that may be treated using over-the-counter medication. Patients should consult a Wichita vein specialist to make sure that it is okay to take the medication to avoid possible complications. Patients may go to a follow-up appointment about a week after treatment to make sure the procedure is proceeding as planned.

Some of the risks associated with the procedure include numbness, a pulling sensation, phlebitis, deep venous thrombosis, infection, and bruising. For more information about these and other possible complications, patients should speak with a Wichita vein specialist.

Learn more about endovenous laser ablation in Wichita, Kansas.

For those in Fullerton, California and other parts of the country, spider veins can be a troublesome, embarrassing condition. The tangled, discolored appearance of the veins may lead some to feel self-conscious of their veins' appearance. Treatment is often sought in cases of spider veins to provide relief, although the condition is generally not considered a medical concern. Varicose veins, on the other hand, may be considered a medical problem and require treatment. Sclerotherapy is a treatment that has been successful in treating spider veins, although those with varicose veins may be encouraged to explore other treatment methods.

Sclerotherapy involves the injection of a chemical sclerant into the problem area, irritating the vessel lining of the problem veins while leaving other, healthy veins unharmed. This irritation causes the problem veins to collapse and shrink, eventually leading to the closure of the veins. The appearance of the veins will then go away as other veins carry out normal blood flow. The procedure usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes to perform, and most are allowed to resume normal activities right after the treatment process. Some are encouraged to wear compression stockings for a few hours or a few days if leg veins are treated.

The chemical sclerant that is injected is traditionally a liquid formulation, although foam formulations are also available that may provide certain benefits over the traditional liquid formulations. For instance, the foam formulation is usually more effective in displacing blood in the vein, and achieves greater contact with the vessel lining. What's more, foam formulations are usually easier to view on ultrasound when tracking its progress and ensuring it spreads properly throughout the treatment area. The foam formulation typically has a consistency similar to that of shaving cream. 

Patients will discuss their condition with a specialist in the Fullerton area to help them determine which treatment method is right for them, and whether the foam or liquid formulation of the sclerant may work best. Candidates include most individuals who are suffering from spider veins and perhaps even some with small varicose veins. Those with blood disorders or cardiovascular problems may not be considered candidates. Women who are pregnant are generally not considered candidates for this treatment, either. 

Risk factors and possible side effects for sclerotherapy include bruising, itching, redness, and discomfort in the treatment area, which usually goes away within a few hours. Foam sclerotherapy may be associated with a higher risk of microembolisms, which are tiny blood clots that form in the treatment area. For more information about these and other potential complications associated with sclerotherapy and foam sclerotherapy, patients should seek the consultation of a Fullerton vein specialist.

Learn more about foam sclerotherapy in Fullerton, California.