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 The catheter is withdrawn down the great saphenous vein as the radiofrequency occlusion is performed using sound waves to heat the vein to 185 degrees.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.

At the Charles Town vein center of Capitol Vein & Laser Center, Paul McNeill, MD, FACS and Garth Rosenberg, MD, FACS offer patients treatment options for varicose and spider veins.  Getting patients the treatment they need and deserve in little time and with minimal side effects has long been the goal and achievement of vascular treatment technology such as sclerotherapy and laser treatments.  As the advent of medical technology hit an all time high within the last 15 years or so, this Charles Town vein center has made it their priority to implement the greatest vascular care possible through the use of medical technology that is impressive to say the least.

Charles Town vein center care is made simple with the latest vein technology in house, and thus patients are able to receive all treatments in house in little time and are free to leave after treatments in minimal time.  Sclerotherapy is a treatment option that is widely used to treat varicose and spider veins, assisting with the removal of the unsightly vein and the discomfort that often accompanies the vein.  This option, in addition to others, is geared toward the comfort of patients and the effectiveness of treatment.