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 The catheter is withdrawn down the great saphenous vein as the radiofrequency occlusion is performed using sound waves to heat the vein to 185 degrees.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 Vein Center of North JerseyThis Florham Park, New Jersey varicose veins treatment center, the North Jersey Vein Center, offers the latest medical technology used to treat and help ease symptoms related to unsightly and painful spider veins and varicose veins. Dr. Philip Seaver, Jr., MD, FACS is the president of the Vein Center and has been in practice helping those seeking treatments for painful and unsightly veins for over 20 years. With a helpful and experienced staff, this Florham Park varicose veins treatment center offers warm consideration for patients as well as the necessary and effective technology to eliminate vein disorders.
North Jersey Vein Center offers sclerotherapy, laser treatment for spider veins and varicose veins, and the necessary ultra sound and lighting technology to locate the veins under the skin. Dr. Seaver is an active physician, performing all of the major vein treatment procedures, offering his extensive medical experience to each individual patient. This Florham Park varicose veins treatment doctor has received training in vascular and cardiothoracic care, to help find a cure for spider veins and treat those suffering from venous disorders. For spider vein and varicose vein treatment in New Jersey, this clinic offers state-of-the-art medical care with a team of experienced and caring vein and skin care experts seeking to get you on your feet and back to your life in minimal time.
