10 Signs Of Vein Disease | Vein Doctor in Ardsley NY Explains
Mar 20, 2022
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Best Vein Treatment For Spider and Varicose Veins
FIND YOUR VEIN CLINIC
Introduction
Tip #1: Sclerotherapy Is Not Always The First Choice For Spider Veins
Tip #2: A Vein Doctor Should Ask These Important Questions
Tip #3: A Good Physical Exam Pinpoints Vein Disease
6 Reasons Your Leg Veins Pop Out
Introduction
In this article, we will review a recent case to help illustrate a common presentation for patients with symptomatic varicose veins. You might even find some of the details and images consistent with your own experience. We hope our illustrated case will help inform you on best practices for vein disease evaluation and treatment. Primarily, our purpose is to draw attention to the importance of a complete evaluation to improve both healthy living and cosmetic appearances.
Tip #1: Sclerotherapy Is Not Always The First Choice For Spider Veins
A 48 year old female with a history of hypertension presented to our clinic with spider and varicose veins on her legs.
The spider veins were clustered around the knee both on the inside and lateral side of her legs. There was a large varicose vein that started on the front of her right leg and wrapped to the side disappearing below the knee.
She had symptoms of leg heaviness, cramps and restless legs at night. This persisted despite using compression stockings advised by her primary care physician years ago.
She was advised by a local dermatologist that sclerotherapy alone was insufficient to treat her veins and that she needed to consult with our Ardsley vein specialist.
Tip #2: A Vein Doctor Should Ask These Important Questions
- What are the primary goals with treatment? Is it cosmetic, medical or both (most common)
- Have compression stockings been used in the past?
- Any prior treatments? What effect did it have?
- Any history of blood clots?
- Family history and other relevant past medical history
Tip #3: A Good Physical Exam Pinpoints Vein Disease
On the physical exam, our focus is on the overall health of the patient and the condition of the legs. This includes the distribution and size of spider and varicose veins. Characterizing the visible veins will help inform a proper ultrasound examination to see where pressure is building up inside the legs. This condition is referred to as venous insufficiency. Feeder veins generally underlie the larger visible veins on the surface of the legs. Any skin discoloration, leg swelling, skin eczema or ulceration is also described.
6 Reasons Your Leg Veins Pop Out
Varicose veins – Vаrісоѕе vеіnѕ, аlѕо known as “vаrісоѕіtіеѕ”, are еnlаrgеd and unhealthy veins that usually arise due to high pressure in veins slightly deeper within the leg. They may be large or twisted, and may bulge from under the skin. You’ll find that they can be red or purple in color. Varicose veins can appear anywhere on the body; however, they are most commonly found on the legs.
Venous Insufficiency – Inside the superficial veins in the legs are a series of valves, that are essentially one-way doors that prevent blood from falling back down towards the feet. If the valves stop working properly, blood leaks downwards and the veins below the valves become full of excess blood. The increased pressure in these veins can lead to spider veins and varicose veins over time.
Phlebitis – Inflammation of a vein. When caused by a superficial blood clot, it is called thrombophlebitis sensed as warm, painful lumps or redness.
Age – As we age our veins and valves weaken and are more likely to form varicose veins.
Pregnancy – During pregnancy the blood flow to the legs and feets can decrease from the pressure on the pelvis causing varicose veins.
Temperature Regulation – Our veins help cool our bodies with dilation. For this reason, during exercise or warm weather, it is common to see more prominent veins
Do you know how to pick a vein treatment clinic for the best results?
1. Leg Pain
Our experience shows that leg pain due to vein disease is one of the most important issues from the patient’s perspective. Treating leg pain resulting from venous insufficiency is associated with a high level of patient satisfaction. The first step is to understand that leg pain can be secondary to circulatory or vein issues and seeking proper evaluation from a vein clinic.
2. Spider and Varicose Veins
It’s quite common for patients to ignore the visible signs of vein disease. Spider veins and varicose veins are disregarded as cosmetic. Furthemore, many primary care physicians (PCPs) are not familiar with early signs of vein disease or the reduced quality of life patients suffer from with varicose veins. It’s no surprise then, most individuals seek out care for vein disease on their own. Unfortunately, for many older patients, the presentation is often at later stages of vein disease when some irreversible changes have already occurred. .
3. Leg Heaviness
For most people, standing for an extended period of time should not cause your legs to feel heavy, weak, or tired. If you notice this happening regularly, a simple ultrasound can test the circulation in your legs for venous insufficiency.
4. Restless Legs or Charley Horses
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) can be described as a persistent urge to move your legs. The symptoms are uncomfortable and in some cases can be described as repeat charley horses. The symptoms are often experienced most in the evening hours when you’re sitting or lying down.
Many of the symptoms of RLS are also associated with varicose veins and venous insufficiency. It is strongly recommended that individuals with RLS should be examined for venous insufficiency. Underlying vein disease can be easily diagnosed and treated by a vein specialist.
5. Varicose Vein Eczema
Venous eczema is a common form of dermatitis that affects one or both lower legs in association with venous insufficiency. Most commonly seen in older patients, it affects nearly 20% of those over 70 years. It is caused by long-standing, untreated leg swelling and venous pooling that activates the immune response resulting in inflammation and leg discoloration. Early diagnosis and treatment by a qualified vein center is important to stop the progressive condition.
6. Genetic Disease
The most important relationship in the development of vein disease is a family history of varicose veins. Talk to a vein clinic to get an accurate assessment of your risks and what lifestyle changes you can make to minimize the risk of developing symptomatic veins.
7. Skin Discoloration
Slow healing ulcers or leg discoloration are clear signs of a serious vein problem. Skin discoloration can be a result of other vascular diseases aside from varicose veins and spider veins. Skin discoloration changes associated with vein disease include:
- Discoloration over the shins and ankles
- Dry, itchy skin
- Leg Swelling
- Leg ulcers
8. Ortho-venous disease
Venous insufficiency and orthopedic issues often co-exist in the same patient. In our experience and working closely with our orthopedic surgeon colleagues at One Oak Medical Group, the same population of patients are at risk for vein disease and knee problems. More importantly, immobility is significantly linked to increased leg pain from varicose veins. Orthopedic patients are particularly prone to immobility from musculoskeletal pain, muscle injury and orthotics. Patients considering orthopedic procedures are encouraged to seek out a qualified vein doctor to evaluate for vein disease. This is particularly true for patients with long standing leg swelling as this can be improved in the post-operative setting with early vein treatment.
9. Bleeding Veins
An uncommon but serious condition associated with thin, fragile skin that can overly varicose veins. These veins can be particularly vulnerable to bleeding with trauma, shaving, or small cuts. Prompt attention to any history of bleeding varicose veins is recommended.
10. Leg Swelling
Edema has numerous causes including venous insufficiency. A complete evaluation includes exclusion of cardiac and renal causes for leg swelling. Untreated venous insufficiency can lead to lymphedema, varicose eczema, and persistent leg pain. A varicose vein specialist can help with the diagnosis and treatment of leg swelling due to venous insufficiency, lymphedema or lipedema.
Vein Specialist Centers
Our Vein Treatment Clinic in Ardsley has unparalleled experience with a team of board-certified vascular experts in spider and varicose vein treatment. Our approach is patient-centered and goal-oriented for the highest level of patient satisfaction. We welcome potential patients to review our online patient testimonials on google, zoc doc and healthgrades. Using modern, minimally-invasive tools to address both the surface veins and the underlying veins, our treatments provide quick recoveries and long lasting health. For more information, visit us at www.veinspecialistcenters.com.
How To Get Rid of Abnormal Veins
Our vein treatment guide provides valuable information into the best practices for spider and varicose vein treatment. It summarizes up to date literature on vein treatment and our own experience in treating patients. Interested patients can use this guide to advance their knowledge on vein disease and make the best decisions on their vein treatment.
Do you know how to pick a vein treatment clinic for the best results?
Vein Treatment Overview
“Each patient has to be evaluated individually to establish a vein treatment plan tailored to the individual patient using the best combinations possible as proven by our experience and current guidelines.”
Varicose Vein Treatment: Endovenous Radiofrequency Vein Ablation (EVRFA)
By Dr. Faisal Siddiqi
Introduction
Is it safe?
How well does it work?
What Are The Benefits of RF Vein Ablation?
Limitations of RF Vein Ablation
Do Varicose Veins Recur?
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER BEFORE VEIN ABLATION
Physician’s Synopsis
Introduction
Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive treatment for varicose veins. During ablation, thermal energy is used to heat tissue and create scars that collapse unhealthy veins. This technique uses radiofrequency energy (instead of laser energy) to heat up and damage the wall inside a vein. RF vein ablation is now the gold-standard of varicose vein treatment replacing surgical stripping.
To treat a varicose vein, radiofrequency energy is applied from a small catheter inserted through a leg vein. Most highly skilled vein specialists can do this with a simple needle puncture under local anesthesia. It can be done in an office setting or ambulatory surgical center (ASC) and the entire procedure can take 30 minutes in skilled hands. You will be able to resume your normal activities shortly after the treatment.
After treatment, you will wear compression stockings until your follow-up with the treating doctor. An ultrasound is performed at the follow up visit to ensure adequate treatment.
Is it safe?
An experienced vein specialist can safely perform an ablation with minimal risks. Possible side effects of radiofrequency ablation include:
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Skin burn (rare)
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Nerve irritation or skin sensory disturbance (usually temporary)
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Phlebitis
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DVT (rare with a trained vascular doctor)
These side effects are rare and should be discussed ahead of time with your vein specialist.
How well does it work?
Radiofrequency ablation is the gold standard for treating venous insufficiency and has a success rate equal to 95%.
In the rare instances, a vein does not collapse with vein ablation, repeat treatment can be offered versus an alternative treatment like VenaSeal or foam sclerotherapy.
What Are The Benefits of RF Vein Ablation?
- Gold-standard of vein disease treatment for underlying venous insufficiency
- Local Anesthesia only
- No downtime, No sutures, No scars
Covered by medical insurances for medical necessity
Limitations of RF Vein Ablation
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RF vein ablation is not intended for spider veins or visible veins directly on the surface.
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Sclerotherapy is often performed in conjunction with RF vein ablation to target large varicose veins on the skin and spider veins.
Do Varicose Veins Recur?
The simple answer is yes. However, there are many contributing factors to the development of recurrent varicose veins.
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New sites of venous insufficiency
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Incomplete treatment of varicose veins
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Incomplete preoperative planning
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Perforator disease
Despite many years of experience, there is still a disappointingly high rate of varicose vein recurrences. Being selective about your vein doctor and having a complete examination before treatment is critically important towards minimizing risks of recurrences. Inadequate investigation before vein treatment and high rates of recurrences are linked to inexperienced vein clinics. The vein doctor must have accurate information using duplex ultrasound to identify all sites of incompetence to plan successful individualized treatments.
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER BEFORE VEIN ABLATION
If you are considering a procedure or surgery for varicose veins, ask the following questions before proceeding:
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How much does the exam and treatment cost?
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How many treatments does the doctor think you will need?
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What are the risks of each specific vein treatment?
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What are the expected results with varicose vein treatment and how soon can you see symptomatic improvement?
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What are my alternative options to vein ablation?
For additional reading on selecting the best vein clinic, click here
Physician’s Synopsis
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Vein Ablation is the gold standard for treatment of venous insufficiency
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Vein Ablation is minimally-invasive and can be performed with local anesthetic
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Recurrence rates can be unacceptably high with inexperience vein centers
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Complete ultrasound examination and interpretation are critically important to planning successful vein treatments
Do you know how to pick a vein treatment clinic for the best results?
VenaSeal Vein Glue
By Dr. Simon Smith
Introduction
How does VenaSeal work?
How effective is the VenaSeal procedure?
What is VenaSeal made of?
Physician’s Synopsis
Introduction
The most recent innovation in the treatment of varicose veins is VenaSeal, otherwise known as vein glue.
VenaSeal is developed by Medtronic and used to seal saphenous veins in the thigh or calf region. Once the vein has been treated, it will harden and gradually be absorbed by the body. The procedure is minimally invasive similar to endovenous vein ablation.
How does VenaSeal work?
The VenaSeal procedure involves the percutaneous placement of a small catheter through the skin using minimally invasive techniques. In place of heat energy, the catheter delivers small amounts of vein glue to the targeted segments of the saphenous vein under ultrasound guidance. Once the affected vein is closed, blood is immediately re-routed through other healthy veins in the leg. Because VenaSeal does not use any heat energy, there is minimal need for even local anesthesia during the procedure. Stockings are usually not necessary after VenaSeal treatment. This provides an added comfort for patients and sooner returns to normal activities.
How effective is the VenaSeal procedure?
The published success of the VenaSeal closure procedure is equal to other endovenous procedures including laser ablation (EVLA).
VenaSeal has been independently studied in the United States and Europe over the last decade. In addition to effective treatment of saphenous veins, published results show a low risk of complications.
What is VenaSeal made of?
VenaSeal is a treatment that involves the implant of cyanoacrylate, a medical-grade glue. It is a quick, minimally invasive procedure that takes approximately 30 minutes in experienced hands.
Interesting properties of VenaSeal that make it particularly useful in vein treatment include:
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It rapidly polymerizes on contact with blood resulting in an immediate effect on the vein walls.
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The glue displaces the blood inside the vein and seals the walls shut. As a result, compression stockings are not required after vein treatment.
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Has an “anti-microbial” effect against bacteria on the skin
Physician’s Synopsis
Advantages of VenaSeal
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Treatment is performed without any delivery of heat energy eliminating risk of injury to skin or nerves
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Increased comfort for procedure versus traditional surgery and endovenous ablation
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No need for compression stockings after vein treatment
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Quick recovery with no downtime
Disadvantages of VenaSeal
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Small, rare intolerance to the adhesive
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Implant lacks long term data for efficacy
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VenaSeal has limited insurance coverage at this time
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Do you know how to pick a vein treatment clinic for the best results?
Sclerotherapy
By Dr. Claudia Rios-Datta
Introduction
What is Sclerotherapy?
What to expect from Sclerotherapy
Instructions Prior To Sclerotherapy
What happens during Sclerotherapy?
After Treatment
What are the possible complications from Sclerotherapy?
What symptoms can you expect after Sclerotherapy?
Physician Synopsis
Introduction
The gold standard treatment of spider veins is sclerotherapy, which can treat a large variety of small and large veins. Laser vein removal is limited to facial veins or very fine veins on the legs or particularly feet.
Sclerotherapy is used to treat and remove spider veins and varicose veins on the legs, ankles, and feet. Sclerotherapy can also be used for some facial veins, breast veins and hand veins.
What is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy involves the injection of a medicated solution, called a sclerosant, into spider veins. The sclerosant irritates the lining of the blood vessels and causes them to collapse. Over subsequent weeks and months, the body gradually absorbs the vein. Each treatment can be associated with 50-60% improvement with multiple treatments required for 80-90% improvement.
Sclerotherapy can be augmented with several advanced techniques including:
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Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy
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Veinlite enhanced sclerotherapy
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Augmented Reality
Cryosclerotherapy is an additional measure to enhance patient comfort. The whole procedure is done using a cryo unit that produces a continuous flow of cold air to the sites of application of sclerotherapy injections. The result is the cold air anesthetizes the skin so the treatment is relatively painless. This is especially helpful for the treatment of spider veins in sensitive areas like the behind the knees and thighs.
What to expect from Sclerotherapy
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All patients with spider veins are assessed for underlying venous insufficiency. In some instances, a reflux ultrasound may be requested by your vein specialist to identify any abnormal veins beneath the skin contributing to symptoms and spider veins.
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Any underlying venous insufficiency is considered for vein treatment prior to sclerotherapy.
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Foam sclerotherapy is often reserved for large surface varicose veins or patients with residual vein disease from prior vein treatment.
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The most effective sclerosants include polidocanol and sodium tetradecyl sulfate (STS). Hypertonic saline is an older technique associated with increased risks for hyperpigmentation and skin injury.
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The concentration of sclerotherapy is planned by your vein specialist based on the size of target veins.
Instructions Prior To Sclerotherapy
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Your usual medications can be continued prior to treatment (hormonal therapy, birth control, iron supplementation should be discussed ahead of time)
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Do not apply lotions on the day of treatment
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Do not shave your legs immediately prior to your treatment
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Any travel plans should be discussed ahead of time with your physician
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Patients who smoke should consider stopping before any treatment
What happens during Sclerotherapy?
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Understandably, some patients are anxious about spider vein treatment and needle pricks. We can assure you that most patients have very little discomfort from sclerotherapy.
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A typical procedure lasts between 15 minutes to 30 minutes
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Multiple sessions may be planned depending on the condition of your veins
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Larger veins are addressed first down to the smaller veins
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Specialized equipment including vein-lites, magnification and cooling techniques may be utilized
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A topical steroid can be immediately applied post-treatment for any skin irritation at the discretion of the vein doctor.
After Treatment
Following each treatment session, patients may benefit from compression stockings. Sun exposure after treatment should be avoided for at least 4 weeks or until bruising has subsided. Read more about sclerotherapy aftercare.
What are the possible complications from Sclerotherapy?
Complications can occur even with the best possible technique and attention to detail.
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Deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Clots are a recognized complication of vein treatment, however rare inexperienced vein clinics. Increasing pain or leg swelling after treatment deserves immediate attention.
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Allergic reaction. The most common reaction is a skin wheal similar to mosquito bites. No treatment is required however topical cortisone may alleviate any itching. More serious reactions are extremely rare and immediately recognized as difficulty breathing or a change in health status. On-site treatment with steroids or epinephrine is required.
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Skin ulceration or tissue necrosis is another rare complication, especially with newer sclerosants. It occurs mainly because of inadvertent injection into the dermal capillaries and arterioles. In our experience, most injection ulcers are small and will heal without scarring, however early attention is warranted for optimal resolution.
What symptoms can you expect after Sclerotherapy?
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Mild Discomfort after sclerotherapy is more often related to compression stockings. The stockings can be removed for periods of time to provide some ease.
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Darkening of Spider Veins. Some treated spider veins may darken in the initial weeks after treatment due to trapped blood. This is a sign of successful spider vein treatment and the area will gradually fade with time.
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Bruising is seen more often with treatment of larger veins with ablation or phlebectomy.
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Hardened, Lumpy Veins are another sign of successful vein treatment. The hardened veins do not require any further sclerotherapy and will be gradually reabsorbed by the body. Trapped blood can be removed with a few needle pricks.
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Hyperpigmentation represents hemosiderin deposits released from the treated veins. Prevention is the best course of action with meticulous technique and using the lowest concentration of sclerosant for effective results. Early evacuation of trapped blood is recommended. Most hyperpigmentation resolves spontaneously by 6-12 months.
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Telangiectatic Matting occurs 4-6 weeks after treatment and resolves spontaneously. They appear as tiny, fine new capillaries on the surface of the skin particularly near sites of injections. Spontaneous resolution is expected, however, identification of any larger refluxing veins is recommended. For most patients undergoing cosmetic sclerotherapy, very few symptoms are expected with treatment.
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Phlebitis. Inflammation of the treated veins can occur during the healing process. It will appear as redness and tenderness over treated veins. Treatment goals are comfort provided by compression stockings, warm compresses, and NSAIDs. Regions of associated coagulum can be removed with simple needle drainage.
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Physician Synopsis
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Sclerotherapy is the preferred treatment for spider veins in comparison to laser vein removal
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Many patients require staged treatments with the expectation of 80-85% improvement
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Several enhanced techniques can enhance the effectiveness of treatment
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Side effects are rare
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Do you know how to pick a vein treatment clinic for the best results?
Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy
By Dr. Claudia Rios-Datta
Introduction
How does Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy work?
What happens during Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy?
What Happens After Treatment?
How Effective is Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy?
What are the possible complications from Sclerotherapy?
What are common symptoms after Sclerotherapy?
Physician Synopsis
Introduction
Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy (UGS) is a highly specialized procedure for treating varicose veins that are hidden beneath the skin.
Not all varicose veins are visible and some feed directly into the spider veins on the surface of the skin. In these cases, ultrasound is used to identify the target vein and the medication is injected into the desired segment. Vein doctors adept at ultrasound technique are best suited to perform this advanced technique for vein removal.
How does Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy work?
A detailed ultrasound examination is performed prior to sclerotherapy to create a road map of the lower leg veins. This map precisely displays all abnormal veins and helps the vein doctor identify the root cause of the visible spider veins and varicose veins.
Using ultrasound guidance, the doctor can accurately guide the needle and inject the sub-surface veins underlying visible ones. The ultrasound also helps identify regions of deep venous connections (perforator veins) that are carefully monitored during treatment. Once injected, the treated vessel will collapse and gradually be absorbed by the body, disappearing with time.
Foam sclerotherapy is well visualized on ultrasound and allows for real time monitoring of treatment. The foam is better suited for larger varicose veins than liquid sclerotherapy as it maintains better contact with the vessel walls. Additional safety enhancements include pre-formulated compounds with O2:CO2 mixtures that micronize bubbles leading to more uniform treatment.
In our vein clinic, we routinely perform ultrasound guided sclerotherapy for large visible varicose veins, neovascularization, and residual segments of saphenous veins that are tortuous or in close proximity to vulnerable structures like skin and nerves. It is used in conjunction with vein ablation for the best results.
What happens during Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy?
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The target vein segments are mapped with ultrasound. Entry sites and perforator veins are marked on the skin for special attention.
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The target vein(s) is accessed using ultrasound guidance and the sclerosant is injected into the vein
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Foam sclerotherapy is visualized in real-time to monitor treatment response. Additional injections are given based on this information. The leg is often elevated during the injection to increase the treatment response
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Smaller spider veins may be treated during the same session or during follow up for cosmetic sclerotherapy
What Happens After Treatment?
The treatment usually takes half an hour with some additional time allotted for ultrasound examination, patient preparation, and discussion. Following the procedure, patients are fitted with grade 2 graduated compression stockings and foam padding. Most routine activities can be immediately resumed after treatment.
Patients return to the vein clinic in one week following the UGS procedure. At this follow-up appointment, focused ultrasound is performed to ensure that the treatment was successful.
How Effective is Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy?
A randomized controlled trial comparing foam sclerotherapy to laser ablation and surgery found that laser ablation and surgery had better outcomes, and that laser had the fewest procedural complications.
We reserve the use of foam sclerotherapy for necessary adjunctive treatment of saphenous vein segments following vein ablation or prior surgical therapy, large surface varicose veins, and segments of neovascularization. In our practice, vein ablation is the preferred treatment for most vein segments.
What are the possible complications from Sclerotherapy?
Complications can occur even with the best possible technique and attention to detail.
-
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Clots are a recognized complication of vein treatment, however rare in experienced vein clinics. Increasing pain or leg swelling after treatment deserves immediate attention.
-
Allergic reaction. The most common reaction is a skin wheal similar to mosquito bites. No treatment is required however topical cortisone may alleviate any itching. More serious reactions are extremely rare and immediately recognized with symptoms of difficulty breathing or change in health status. On site treatment with steroids or epinephrine is required.
-
Skin ulceration or tissue necrosis is another rare complication especially with newer sclerosants. It occurs mainly because of inadvertent injection into the dermal capillaries and arterioles. In our experience, most injection ulcers are small and will heal without scarring, however early attention is warranted for optimal resolution.
What are common symptoms after Sclerotherapy?
For most patients undergoing ultrasound guided sclerotherapy, few common symptoms can be expected and are good to know ahead of time.
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Mild Discomfort can be related to the normal healing process after vein treatment. Our vein clinic will monitor your treatment with an ultrasound 1 week after the injection.
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Bruising is not uncommon after vein treatment
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Lumps and bumps are another sign of successful vein treatment. The hardened veins do not require any further sclerotherapy and will be gradually reabsorbed by the body. Trapped blood can be released with needle drainage if appropriate.
-
Hyperpigmentation represents hemosiderin deposits released from the treated veins. Prevention is the best course of action with meticulous technique and using the lowest concentration of sclerosant for effective results. Early evacuation of trapped blood is recommended. Most hyperpigmentation resolves spontaneously by 6-12 months.
-
Telangiectatic Matting occurs 4-6 weeks after treatment and resolves spontaneously. They appear as tiny, fine new capillaries on the surface of the skin particularly near sites of injections. Spontaneous resolution is expected, however identification of any additional refluxing vein segments should be treated.
-
Phlebitis: During the healing process, the treated vein segment can become inflamed and tender to touch. Treatment goals are comfort provided by compression stockings, warm compresses and NSAIDs. Regions of associated coagulum can be removed with simple needle drainage.
Physician Synopsis
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Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy or Foam Sclerotherapy is an effective vein treatment for subsurface varicose veins
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Best used in conjunction with vein ablation
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Reduced risks of injury to skin or nerves
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A smooth and successful procedure is dependent on having a vein specialist experienced in vascular ultrasound technique (RPVI, RVS or RPhS credentials)
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Do you know how to pick a vein treatment clinic for the best results?
Ambulatory Phlebectomy
By Dr. Alissa Brotman-O’Neill
Introduction
What Is The Advantage of Phlebectomy?
Will I need stitches?
Am I a good candidate for ambulatory phlebectomy?
Do I Need Surgery for Varicose Veins?
Physician Synopsis
Introduction
Ambulatory Phlebectomy is the surgical removal of bulky, large varicose veins on the skin surface, through tiny incisions. It is a minimally invasive procedure with patients returning to many of their normal activities the following day. Ambulatory phlebectomy should not be confused with vein stripping or surgical stripping procedures.
The procedure eliminates varicose veins through a series of tiny incisions directly over the varicose vein segments, removing them in a single setting. Before phlebectomy is performed, any underlying reflux should be identified and treated first with vein ablation or ultrasound guided sclerotherapy.
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Ambulatory phlebectomy is performed on an outpatient basis under local anaesthesia
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The procedure can be performed in 30-60 minutes depending on the location and severity of varicose veins.
What Is The Advantage of Phlebectomy?
Phlebectomies are carefully evaluated against sclerotherapy and generally reserved for larger veins. While sclerotherapy is more simple, it can be associated with longer recovery periods as it takes time for the veins to absorb. Not all large varicose veins are suited for foam sclerotherapy. Ambulatory phlebectomy is notable for more immediate results and higher levels of patient satisfaction in the right settings.
In our vein clinics, both Dr Alissa Brotman and Dr Claudia Rios perform ambulatory phlebectomies in select cases.
Will I need stitches?
No, in most instances the phlebectomy incisions are so small that no stitches are required. For the very same reason, scarring is much less likely, however, certain skin types may be more vulnerable.
Am I a good candidate for ambulatory phlebectomy?
Ambulatory phlebectomy is a safe and effective therapy for many patients with large visible varicose veins. The procedure is best managed by vein specialists who also routinely perform ultrasound guided sclerotherapy to weigh the pros and cons of each treatment choice. In some cases, a hybrid approach is appropriate for obtaining the best results.
Do I Need Surgery for Varicose Veins?
Absolutely not! Modern spider vein and varicose vein treatments have completely revolutionized. This means no cuts, no sutures and no downtime.
The Vein Specialist Centers utilize cutting-edge tools including RF vein ablation, VenaSeal, phlebectomy and advanced sclerotherapy techniques to heal even the most difficult veins.
Your vein doctor will customize a treatment plan based on your symptoms and personal goals.
Physician Synopsis
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Ambulatory Phlebectomy is a useful tool to treat large, bulky varicose veins on the surface of the skin
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Most varicose veins will be treated with a combination of ablation and sclerotherapy
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In our experience, phlebectomy is a reserved tool associated with high patient satisfaction in the right setting
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The Future of Vein Treatment
ECHOTHERAPY
The surgery-free treatment using therapeutic ultrasound
Discover the only non-invasive “vein treatment”: No scars and no incisions.
TREATING VARICOSE VEINS WITHOUT SURGERY
SONOVEIN® is currently available in select European countries after receiving CE-mark approval. It was recently approved by the FDA for clinical trials in the United States.[8] These studies are ongoing and will provide the necessary safety and efficacy data before approval in the US. SONOVEIN® represents the first robotic solution for a 100% non-invasive treatment of varicose veins. Unlike current endovenous procedures, the treatment is performed completely outside the body. There are no catheters, incisions or post procedure scars. SONOVEIN® is directly operated by the vein specialist without any significant preparation. Patients can resume their normal daily activities immediately after treatment.
HOW ECHOTHERAPY WORKS
Vein ablation by echotherapy and radiofrequency have identical tasks – the elimination of source (feeder) veins into symptomatic varicose veins. The main benefit of echotherapy over current therapies available in the US is being completely non-invasive.
The high-intensity ultrasound beam (HIFU) is focused on the vein. A pulse of therapeutic ultrasound is then delivered for a few seconds at the target segments of the diseased vein. As the thermal energy is delivered, the vein shrinks and is sealed closed, similar to other endothermal methods – but non-invasively. Pulses are provided until the complete target area is treated.
What Is The Best Vein Treatment For Me?
A consultation with experienced vein specialists at the Vein Specialist Centers will provide insights to help you decide on the best vein treatment plan.
It’s important to have a treatment plan tailored to your specific condition. Varicose veins and spider veins do not fit just one pattern. Conservative measures such as compression stockings and exercise continue to be important tools in treatment. For individuals with persistent symptoms or more advanced disease, minimally-invasive treatments are available and preferred.
Do you know how to pick a vein treatment clinic for the best results?
References
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