About one third of the adult population is affected by varicose veins. These swollen, often painful veins in the legs are due primarily to incompetence of the valves in the femoral and great saphenous veins. The results are swollen vessels that are both painful and unsightly. Previously, vein stripping, or surgically removing these large veins under general anesthesia through small incisions, was the preferred treatment. Now, newer techniques like radiofrequency occlusion allow for minimally invasive treatment in an outpatient or office setting with only local anesthesia and intravenous sedation.
Radiofrequency occlusion can easily be performed in an office setting with one small puncture site. Following injection of a local anesthetic at the site of insertion, a catheter or small tube is threaded through the great saphenous vein using sonographic guidance. Local anesthetic is injected along the vein while the patient is also given IV sedation to make the procedure more comfortable. The catheter is withdrawn down the great saphenous vein as the radiofrequency occlusion is performed using sound waves to heat the vein to 185 degrees. The heating process collapses the vein forming scar tissue which will later be absorbed by the body as healing takes place.
Following the radiofrequency occlusion procedure, the leg is wrapped in a tight compression bandage and compression hose are worn for two to three weeks while healing occurs. After a short recovery time due to the mild sedation, the patient is able to return home. Most patients are able to walk and resume normal activities immediately following the procedure. Minor side effects such as numbness and skin discoloration can occur or the procedure may not fully occlude the vein. Studies have shown this procedure is comparable to vein stripping with less pain, no incisions, and faster return to normal function while effectively relieving the symptoms of varicose veins.
About Morrison Vein InstituteAt Morrison Vein Institute, a Scottsdale veins center, there are a number of experienced doctors on staff to treat and alleviate any symptoms related to vein dysfunction. Dr. Nick Morrison, MD, FACS, FACPh is a trained and caring Scottsdale veins doctor who is concerned with the wellbeing and comfort of his patients. As a co-founder of this Scottsdale veins clinic, Dr. Morrison brings his life’s education and work as a medical doctor to those seeking treatment from varicose and spider veins. Also on staff are Dr. Charles Rogers, MD, DABA, and Dr. James McEown, MD, FACEP. With a team such as this, virtually every venous health emergency or dysfunction is treatable. This team of Scottsdale veins doctors offers sclerotherapy, laser treatment spider veins, VNUS closure, emergency treatment for painful and dysfunctional veins, and many other treatment options.
By focusing on the latest and most minimally invasive treatment techniques, this Scottsdale veins clinic is able to provide a stunning level of care for patients from all over the Arizona area. Since there is always more to learn, these Arizona vein doctors offer their patients the time and energy necessary to seek out newer and more effective forms of treatment, so that their patients are always being offered the most current options. This ensures that the level of care and awareness at the Morrison Vein Institute remains cutting edge and compassionate at the same time.
