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Photo Archive
Treatment
Options
Whereas the Closure procedure (and other alternative treatments) are
used to treat the underlying condition of venous reflux, other
procedures are often used to treat visible spider and varicose veins
and provide temporary relief. Spider veins are small, thin veins that
lie close to the surface of the skin.
VNUS Closure® Procedure
The
VNUS® Closure procedure, an alternative
treatment option to traditional vein stripping surgery, brings state-of-the-art
technology to an age-old disease.
The Closure procedure is performed on an
outpatient basis. Using ultrasound, your
physician will position the Closure catheter into the diseased vein, through a
small opening in the skin. The tiny
catheter delivers radiofrequency (RF) energy to the vein wall. As the RF energy is delivered and the
catheter is withdrawn, the vein wall is heated, causing the collagen in the
wall to shrink and the vein to close.
Once the diseased vein is closed, blood is re-routed to other healthy
veins.
Following the procedure, a simple bandage
is placed over the insertion site, and additional compression may be provided
to aid healing. Your doctor may encourage you to walk, and to refrain from
extended standing and strenuous activities for a period of time.
Patients who undergo the Closure
procedure typically resume normal activities within a day.(top)
Click here to learn more.
Compression Stockings. Initial
therapy may involve the use of compression stockings or leg elevation.
Compression stockings squeeze the leg from the ankle to the upper calf
or thigh, applying greater pressure to the lower leg than the upper
leg, thereby reducing blood pooling, swelling and pain. Both leg
elevation and compression stockings involve inconvenient lifestyle
modifications and, as a result, independent studies have shown that
patient compliance is poor.(top)
Ligation and Stripping
This technique was previously the "gold standard" in the treatment of
saphenous vein reflux. Under general anesthesia or IV Sedation in the
operating room, small incisions are made at the knee and groin and the
junction between the saphenous vein and the femoral vein is ligated and
divided. A stripping device or catheter is then passed through the vein
and attached to the end of the vein. The vein and stripping device are
then pulled out through the other incision and the small branch
tributary vessels are bluntly snapped off. Bleeding is controlled with
compressive wraps and typical return to normal activity is 2-3 weeks.(top)
Laser Treatment
Laser energy can be applied to the inside of the saphenous vein via a
laser fiber inserted into the vein from a small stab incision at the
knee level. Superheated blood and steam cause thermal injury and
destruction of the vein wall with subsequent thrombotic occlusion.(top)
Click here
for a comparison of Laser versus Closure RF ablation.
Micro Phlebectomy
A modification of the traditional ligation and stripping technique,
phlebectomy
involves surgically removing medium to larger varicose veins near the
skin surface by inserting a surgical instrument with a hook into small
incisions in the skin and pulling veins out in segments. The procedure
is often repeated 10 to 20 times per leg until all visible varicose
veins have been removed. Phlebectomy is performed either as a stand
alone procedure or in conjunction with saphenous vein treatment. This procedure can be performed under local
anesthesia in the office or with sedation in the operating
room setting. Typically this is recommended for varicosities that are
too large to respond to injection sclerotherapy.(top)
Sclerotherapy
In
sclerotherapy, a chemical solution is injected into small or
medium-sized veins near the skin surface causing them to become
inflamed and eventually close. Various
techniques and sclerosing agents have been used historically for this
procedure, which is most effective in the treatment of minor
varicosities and "spider veins". Treatment often requires multiple
injections per visit to the doctor and several visits may be necessary
before the veins disappear.
At the Columbia Vein Center
we use the only sclerosant currently approved by the FDA: Sotradecol.(top)
Cosmetic Laser Treatment
This technique is used for treatment of tiny "spider veins" or
telangiectasia as an adjunct or instead of injection sclerotherapy. A
focused beam of intense light is used to heat the blood within the tiny
skin vessels and cause them to close so they can no longer be seen. Similar techniques
are used by plastic and dermatologic surgeons for skin resurfacing,
tattoo removal, and other cosmetic procedures. The Columbia Vein center
does not offer cosmetic laser procedures.(top)
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TO FIND A VARICOSE VEINS OR SPIDER VEINS CENTER AND DOCTOR NEAR YOU, VISIT VEINSonline.COM
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