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 The catheter is withdrawn down the great saphenous vein as the radiofrequency occlusion is performed using sound waves to heat the vein to 185 degrees.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 Society Hill Vein CenterSociety Hill Vein Center is a vein clinic serving local Philadelphia veins dysfunction sufferers that have varicose or spider veins dysfunction. There are a number of venous disorders that can be treated on an outpatient basis and this clinic offers patients the ability to get back to their obligations. Dr. Matthew Daugherty and Dr. Keith Calligaro work as a team to get patients back to their healthy selves again. By way of sclerotherapy, ultrasound technology, and the VNUS closure procedure, these two doctors are offering minimally invasive techniques out of their vein clinic Philadelphia. Philadelphia veins clinics in the area are benefiting overall by the newest technology available and Society Hill Vein Center utilizes the latest in care options to distinguish themselves.
Since there are different types of vein dysfunction, there are different forms of treatment and through the use of treatments that are minimally invasive, regardless of the vein ailment, there are vein treatment in Philadelphia that can help patients get back to health and confidence. By using the VNUS closure procedure, for example, this Philadelphia vein center offers patients a very minimally invasive treatment that is simple and outpatient. It allows patients to get back to work and other activities where formerly, they would have had a more extensive procedure. It is such benefits that make this team a viable option for those seeking vein doctor Philadelphia.
