There are some interesting ways that vein specialists in San Antonio, Texas as well as in other parts of the country treat varicose veins. These veins are often purplish or bluish in color, and bulge from the skin. They can be quite unsightly to many suffering from them, and many patients seek treatment to get rid of the pain and heaviness that often accompanies them. Through several methods vein specialists have helped patients in the community and in other parts of the nation find relief. Radiofrequency occlusion is a procedure that uses sound waves to destroy problem veins.
A local anesthetic and some intravenous sedation is used for patient comfort during the procedure. Once the area is cleaned and the area has been numbed by the local anesthetic, a small tube or catheter is threaded along the problem vein. Ultrasound guidance is used to monitor the treatment, and a local anesthetic is injected along the way as the tube is inserted. Next, sound waves are used to heat the vein, which causes it to collapse from the top down. The vein will eventually turn to a scar tissue and is absorbed by the body.
After treatment, a compression bandage is placed on the leg and should be left in place for a couple of days. Once it is removed, compression stockings should be worn for a few weeks to aid the healing process. Most patients are able to walk after a short recovery period that takes place at the San Antonio vein specialist office or surgery center. Patients are usually able to resume normal activities after a few days as long as they wear their compression stockings and avoid any heavy lifting.
Possible complications associated with varicose veins include a chance of bleeding, infection, or blood clots, just as is possible with many other procedures. However, because of the lack of incisions and trauma with this procedure, long term results are often better than with traditional surgery and vein stripping procedures. One of the unique complications associated with radiofrequency occlusion because of the method of occlusion used is skin burn.
Insurance companies will often cover radiofrequency occlusion as long as the patient first tries conservative treatment methods such as wearing compression stockings, weight loss, and exercise. This procedure, however, does not treat all types of varicose veins and patients may have to combine treatments for optimal results. Those interested should speak with their vein specialist.
Learn more about radiofrequency occlusion in San Antonio, Texas.
