Interventional Radiology

What are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are enlarged veins that can be blue, red or flesh colored. They are often raised above the skin on legs and look like twisted bulging cords. Varicose veins occur when the valves in the veins that regulate blood flow direction from the legs toward the heart no longer function, causing blood to pool. Symptoms of varicose veins include pain, swelling, aching, throbbing, burning, cramping and heaviness.

At our office, patients are examined, and the proper vascular treatment is then prescribed and performed by the interventional team. Recommendations may be as simple as cosmetic improvements. Other patients may require complete endovenous ablation or vein removal (phlebectomy).

Endovenous Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

RFA is a minimally invasive procedure using segmental radiofrequency energy to provide an even and uniform heat to contract the collagen in the vein walls, causing them to collapse and seal the vein closed. Blood flow is then naturally redirected to healthy veins as the recovery process begins. The treated vein becomes scar tissue and is eventually absorbed by the body and blood is then re-routed through healthy veins back towards the heart. We do this without general anesthesia, sutures or down time. Your leg will feel relief within 24 hours.

Ambulatory Phlebectomy

A non-invasive procedure under local anesthesia to remove varicose vein branches by micro-extraction technique. Tiny incisions are made in the skin through which the remaining varicose veins are removed. The incisions are so small they do not require stitches, and often heal without scarring. It is performed as a second stage to the RFA treatment or when there are isolated varicose veins. Patients can return to their normal activities the day after treatment.

After The Treatment

After the treatment, compression stockings can be worn to help with healing and decrease swelling for the following two weeks. You may resume normal activity after the treatment but no strenuous or heavy lifting for up to two weeks. Mild soreness may last up to ten days. A follow-up ultrasound will be scheduled two weeks after treatment.

Prospective patients must complete a survey to determine their eligibility for treatment:

What are Spider Veins?

Spider veins, which often cover the legs, are damaged veins that appear to be similar to varicose veins, only thinner. Appearing red or blue in color and like thin spider webs or branches, these veins are closer to the surface of the skin and can spread over a range of areas. Unlike varicose veins, spider veins are typically not raised above the skin’s surface.

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is a simple procedure performed on superficial spider veins. Generally, these veins are not problematic but unsightly in appearance. Therefore most of these procedures are done for cosmetic reasons. The treatment involves injecting a solution into the vein that causes the vein walls to swell, stick together and seal shut.

After The Treatment

After treatment, you will be able to drive and resume regular activities. There may be minimal pain, bruising, cramping and swelling for the first day after therapy. You will need to wear compression stockings and walk at least one hour a day for the following 2 weeks after treatment.

Deep Vein Thrombosis, or DVT, is a large blood clot that forms in one or more of the deep veins in your body. DVT usually happens in the legs or pelvis, but a clot can form anywhere in your body. This can lead to either partially or completely blocked venous circulation. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, redness, warmness, and enlarged veins near the surface of your skin.

Available Treatments

DVT Therapy

IV clot busters, or thrombolytics, are a DVT therapy method. During a minimally invasive procedure, the interventional radiologist uses a catheter to place medication directly into the clot, which quickly dissolves the clot and restores blood flow.

IVC Filter

Patients with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) are at risk of developing pulmonary embolism (PE), which is a serious condition that occurs when a blood clot travels to the lungs. Interventional radiologists may prevent PE by inserting IVC filters—small, umbrella-like metal devices—into the vein to trap clots before they reach the lungs. These IVC filters are designed for short-term use and can be safely extracted by interventional radiologists.

A safe and effective treatment for the pain associated with vertebral compression fractures can be achieved with a procedure called percutaneous vertebroplasty. The procedure is suitable for patients who have a vertebral fracture that isn’t improving with pain medication or for those who can’t take pain medication because of stomach problems or allergies. Painful fractures due to a metastatic tumor within vertebrae can also be treated with this technique. Performed in the radiology suite, the procedure involves placement of a needle into the fractured bone, then injecting a special cement to stabilize the bone. This results in reduced pain.

For additional information concerning vertebroplasty, visit sirweb.org to learn more.