Answers

Replied on 9/15/2010

By: Vanish Vein and Laser Center  |  Dr. John Landi, FACS, RPVI, RPhS
Medical Director, Diplomate Am. Board of Phlebology
Naples, FL

Spider vein sclerotherapy as well as reticulars do not require ultrasound assistance. There are light sources such as the Vein Lite and the Syrus System that aid in treating these veins without the need for ultrasound. Larger, deeper veins that cannot be seen on the surface would benefit from ulrasound. Also, if varicose or larger reticulars or perforators are the problem then ultrasound guidance would be helpful.

Replied on 10/16/2009

By: Laser Vein Center  |  Thomas Wright, M.D., F.A.C.P., R.V.T.
O'Fallon, MO

For spider veins that wouldn't be necessary (nor feasible). Ultrasound guidance is used for bigger abnormal veins beneath the skin that are not visible. Ultrasound is also useful before treatment to uncover an underlying cause such as saphenous vein reflux. This is especially important if you have any symptoms of venous insufficiency: pain, swelling, aching, heaviness +/- varicose veins. One leading cause for treatment failure of spider veins is that there is an underlying leaking vein (which would be seen with ultrasound).

For larger veins it is often necessary to use ultrasound guidance to confirm the placement of the sclerosant and to help prevent complication.

Replied on 9/24/2009

By: Miller Vein  |  Jeffrey H. Miller, M.D.
Steven K. Wang, M.D.
Michael E. Lulenski, M.D.
Novi, MI

For spider veins that wouldn't be necessary (nor feasible). Ultrasound guidance is used for bigger abnormal veins beneath the skin that are not visible. Ultrasound is however useful before treatment if you have any symptoms of venous insufficiency: pain, swelling, aching, heaviness +/- varicose veins. One leading cause for treatment failure of spider veins is that there is an underlying leaking vein (which would be seen with ultrasound).

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