While varicose, reticular and spider veins can cause symptoms such as burning, swelling, aching, throbbing and heaviness, they all have different methods of treatment. Untreated, venous disease can progress to bleeding from leg veins, ankle ulcers and superficial blood clots (phlebitis). Deep vein clots (DVT) generally occur independently of varicose veins but can produce venous ulcers, bleeding and advanced chronic skin changes in the legs. Varicose vein disease may also involve the face, torso and hands. FORTUNATELY, all the above conditions can be effectively treated, especially if addressed early in the process.
If varicose veins are diagnosed, treatment recommendations may include:
- Office Based Procedures
Laser ablation, ambulatory phlebectory (microphlebectomy) or endovenous chemical ablation - Compression Hose
Laser Ablation (laser energy) delivers heat to varicose vein walls resulting in closure of these veins avoiding a need for incisions and stripping. STRIPPING remains a third alternative. These techniques are designed to treat varicosities involving the great saphenous veins in the thigh. They can each be combined with Ambulatory Phlebectory (Microphlebectomy) to remove bulging veins of the calves through micro incisions.
Endovenous Chemical Ablation: This office-based procedure utilizes the blending of two technologies, i.e., Duplex/Doppler Ultrasound and modern Sclerotherapy. Sclerotherapy is the treatment of varicose veins using a solution (sclerosant) which, when injected into diseased veins, causes them to close and ultimately disappear. Indications for this procedure are patients who are not candidates for other procedures because of medical reasons or who have residual or recurrent varicose veins.
Compression Therapy: Patients with symptomatic varicose veins can be managed by wearing compression stockings as an alternative to a more definitive procedure. This is a lifetime commitment applicable to patients whose health precludes undertaking a definitive procedure or in patients who solely desire non-interventional treatment.
Sclerotherapy: This procedure is the treatment of choice for medium sized and spider veins. It utilizes an agent (sclerosant) which, when injected into the veins, causes them to ultimately disappear. THIS TREATMENT IS CONSIDERED “COSMETIC” BY ALL INSURANCE COMPANIES AND THEREFORE IS NEVER COVERED, regardless of how much these veins may hurt and cause pain. Consequently, payment is expected at the time treatment is rendered. Sclerotherapy is considered to be the “gold standard” the world over.
