Vein Care Treatments

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.

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 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.

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.

What type of person do you typically see for these procedures?

We treat both men and women typically between the ages of 30 to 75. Generally, a majority of our patients present with one or more of the following:

• Visible bulging rope-like veins
• Severe leg or ankle pain or swelling; especially towards the end of the day
• Burning or itching of skin on the legs
• Cosmetic vein concerns on the legs

How is vein disease diagnosed?

Call 315-362-VEIN to schedule a consult. At the consult, we will discuss your medical history and concerns. Once we have reviewed your symptoms we may recommend a comprehensive ultrasound to evaluate the blood flow within the veins. If there is identified venous reflux, we will then go over treatment options.

Will insurance or Medicare cover my treatment?

Most insurance companies and Medicare recognize vein disease as a valid medical expense. We recommend that you verify your benefits with your insurance provider.

How do I get started?

First, you have a complete consultation in our office to determine which procedure is best for you.

How much does it cost?

Our staff takes care of all necessary insurance authorizations, so you do not have to. Most procedures are covered by your insurance.

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.

IV clot busters, or thrombolytics, are medications placed directly into the clot during a minimally invasive procedure. They’re designed to quickly dissolve clots and restore blood flow.

Thrombectomy devices are special catheters designed to help break up and physically remove all or portions of the blood clot during a minimally invasive procedure.

An IVC Filter is a small metal device designed to prevent blood clots from traveling to the lungs. The filter is placed in the inferior vena cava (the large vein that takes blood back to the heart) typically just below the kidneys using a catheter type deployment device.

A catheter is inserted through a small incision in your groin or neck into a large vein. The physician uses the catheter to guide the filter into place in the inferior vena cava under x-ray guidance. The vena cava is imaged and sized prior to filter deployment. The catheter is removed, and a small bandage is placed over the insertion site.

IVC Retrieval

For many patients, the need for an IVC filter is only temporary.  To avoid potential long term complications, we advise removing the filter as soon as it is no longer needed. Our team of interventional practitioners will contact the patient and referring physician to coordinate this removal.

For more information please visit https://www.sirweb.org/patient-center/deep-vein-thrombosis/

Ambulatory phlebectomy requires a local anesthetic. It is done using a light source to locate the vein and a surgical hook to remove it. A series of small incisions are made in the leg and the hook pulled through them. Very large veins can be removed with minimal scarring. Patients can return to their normal activities the day after treatment.

Sclerotherapy is a simple procedure performed on superficial veins. Generally these veins are not problematic but unsightly in appearance. Therefore most of these procedures are done for cosmetic reasons. The treatment involves an injection of a solution into the vein that causes the vein walls to swell, stick together and seal shut. Once the vein is shut there is no blood flowing in it and it turns into scar tissue. It usually takes about two weeks for the scar to fade. Sclerotherapy does not require any anesthetic and is performed in our outpatient interventional department.

For an appointment, please call our Vein Line at (315) 362-VEIN (8346), or by emailing [email protected].