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 The catheter is withdrawn down the great saphenous vein as the radiofrequency occlusion is performed using sound waves to heat the vein to 185 degrees.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 Albert Vein Institute
The Albert Vein Institute provides a full-service, comprehensive approach to treating a variety of vein conditions in a new, state-of-the-art facility. All perspective patients receive a complimentary initial exam to determine if a vein problem, such as spider or varicose veins, is merely cosmetic or if there’s a more severe medical issue.
Once the vein problem and treatment have been determined, the institute staff works with the patient to address all insurance requirements prior to care. All procedures are done in the elegantly appointed and technologically advanced Albert Vein Institute, and follow up care is provided to ensure long term success.
The Albert Vein Institute is the only outpatient center in Colorado providing a full range of state-of-the-art diagnosis and outpatient treatment for varicose and spider veins, using the CoolTouch CTEV™1320 laser to gently close and eliminate varicose veins. With this minimally invasive procedure there is little or no pain, recovery is rapid, and there are no stitches, scarring, or bruising. Since opening the Institute in 2006, Dr. Albert and his staff have cared for nearly 2,000 patients in the Colorado Springs, Denver and Pueblo areas.
