Vein Surgery
A solution to leg pain and varicose veins
Do you experience swelling in your legs and discomfort? Are varicose veins a problem? Approximately 25 million people in the United States suffer from conditions such as those listed above. We’re here to help those in need of relief by offering a variety of options for vein surgery procedures in many of our clinic locations.
What is Venous Reflux Disease?
Veins in the legs contain valves that open and close to help to return blood back to the heart. In venous reflux disease, the valves that keep blood flowing out of the legs and back to the heart become damaged or diseased. As a result, vein valves will not close properly, leading to symptoms of:
- Varicose veins
- Pain
- Swollen limbs
- Leg heaviness and fatigue
- Skin changes and skin ulcers
Are You a Candidate for a Vein Surgery Procedure?
Many factors contribute to venous reflux disease, and will include:
- Age
- Gender
- Family history
By using an ultrasound to scan your leg(s), your physician will be able to determine if you suffer from venous reflux disease. It is best to discuss options with your physician to see which procedure may suit you best.
Options for Vein Treatment
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is a procedure in which a medicine is directly injected into a vein, causing it to shrink. The medicine causes the blood vessel lining to swell and stick together, and the blood to clot, thus closing off the vein.
Although complications are rare, they can include the following:
- Visual problems
- Allergic reactions
- Blood clot
- Infection
- Ulceration
- Darkening of the skin
Endovenous Laser Treatment
Endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) is the use of laser treatment on a diseased vein. The laser is threaded directly into the vein using ultrasound guidance. The laser then delivers energy through a small laser fiber to treat the vein.
Complications of EVLT are infrequent, but may include the following:
- Deep venous thrombosis
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Scarring
- Recurrent varicose veins
- Spider veins
- Allergic reactions
VNUS Closure® Procedure
The Closure procedure is performed through the use of ultrasound. The surgeon will position the Closure catheter into the diseased vein through a small opening in the skin. The catheter is powered by radio-frequency energy and will deliver heat to the vein wall. This will cause the vein wall to shrink and close shut.
Potential complications are also rare for VNUS Closure, but can include:
- Vessel perforation
- Thrombosis
- Pulmonary embolism
- Phlebitis
- Hematoma
- Infection
- Numbness or tingling
- Skin burn
All of these options are similar in that they are performed as outpatient procedures and are usually painless. Risks are rare and each offers a short recovery period, allowing you to return to your daily routine in no time.