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 The catheter is withdrawn down the great saphenous vein as the radiofrequency occlusion is performed using sound waves to heat the vein to 185 degrees.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 Via VascularSeeking a Seattle varicose vein center may lead you to Via Vascular, a vein clinic located in Seattle, Washington, offering patients treatment options that have minimal discomfort, if any, and shorter healing periods. Treating varicose and spider veins has seen many changes over time and technology available to those seeking treatment hase been revolutionized to suit the needs of patients. There are a number of treatment options available which this Seattle varicose vein center has incorporated into its services. With Dr. Frederic Joseph, Dr. Ray Jensen and Dr. Stephen Whipple offering their life’s education and expertise within the field of vascular health, Via Vascular has a strong team of medical professionals that are ready and willing to assist with the removal of spider veins.
Sclerotherapy and laser spider vein removal are two Seattle varicose vein center treatment options as well as a treatment for varicose veins. Making patients the number one priority, Via Vascular offers patients the opportunity to treat and remove dysfunctional veins once and for all. Getting back to work and other everyday activities is no problem with medical technology allowing for very short recovery periods as well as minimal treatment discomfort. With technology, these Seattle varicose vein center doctors are able to offer shorter treatment times as well, which supports happier and more comfortable patients.
