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 The catheter is withdrawn down the great saphenous vein as the radiofrequency occlusion is performed using sound waves to heat the vein to 185 degrees.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 Triangle Interventional ServicesTriangle Interventional Services is a fully equipped Cary vein clinic offering some of the most proven and advanced treatments in the industry. Patients have found success through the procedures and treatments offered at this facility. The medical professionals on staff are fully committed to helping patients still suffering from varicose veins and spider veins to find relief. Patients should discuss their treatment options with a medical professional on staff at this Cary vein clinic to determine which option may provide the best results.
Among the treatments offered at this Cary vein clinic are endovenous laser ablation, microphlebectomy, sclerotherapy, venous reflux exams and VNUS. Patients with questions about these and other treatments should speak with a medical professional on staff for more information and to determine which may be options for their condition. While varicose veins may cause heaviness and discomfort in the legs, spider veins may be of an aesthetic concern. This has led many patients to seek the services offered at facility.
