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TO KNOW ABOUT:
Varicose
and
Spider Veins
Why do these
There are two main types of veins in the legs: the
deep veins and the superficial veins. The normal
veins occur?
direction of blood flow is upwards from the leg
veins towards the heart. This direction of flow
against the force of gravity is maintained by one-
way valves. The deep veins are essential for normal
circulation in the legs. The superficial veins are not The cause for valve failure and abnormal veins is
needed for this purpose, as long as the deep veins often unknown. Some commonly related factors are:
function normally.
• Heredity
The main superficial vein in the leg is called the • Continuous standing or sitting
saphenous vein. It extends along the inner aspect
of the leg from the ankle to the groin. This vein has • Certain hormones in women (estrogens)
many superficial branches which are normally not • Pregnancy
seen because they are small and collapsed.
• Birth control pills
Varicose veins occur when the one-way valves in • Prior phlebitis (inflammation associated with clots)
the saphenous vein fail and blood is allowed to flow
backwards into the superficial venous branches. • Lack of exercise
When this condition persists for some time, blood
• Obesity
pools in these veins, especially in the standing and
sitting positions. These superficial veins then lose • Direct trauma
their elasticity and become permanently dilated,
or “varicose.”
Treatments Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT®)
Traditional surgery for varicose veins involves the EVLT® is a minimally invasive laser procedure which
stripping, or removal, of the saphenous vein plus direct is performed in the office under local anesthesia.
excision of each varicose vein. General anesthesia This treatment is used to eliminate the main vein
is usually required as well as multiple incisions. In (usually the saphenous vein) which causes the bulging
addition to operative risks the postoperative pain varicose veins. A thin laser fiber is placed into the
and healing can be significant. Patients therefore lose vein through a small puncture wound, usually in
time away from work and other activities. Due to the the thigh. The laser is directed under ultrasound
availability of modern techniques, traditional surgery guidance and Laser energy is applied to seal the vein.
is no longer required. The procedures we perform, A compression stocking is applied at the end of the
including the use of a specialized laser, are performed procedure. Normal activity can be resumed right
in our office under local anesthesia. They take take away with little or no pain.
less than an hour, frequently only 30 minutes, and
allow our patients to return to their normal activities
right away. Injection Sclerotherapy
This technique is used for the treatment of spider
There are several current ways to treat varicose veins. It involves the injection of a special solution
and spider veins, including Laser Treatment, into the veins through tiny needles. A compression
Microphlebectomy, Injection Sclerotherapy and bandage is then applied for a short period of time
Compression Stockings. to keep the veins collapsed. The veins gradually
disappear. Some veins require more than one set of
C ompression S tockings injections for complete elimination. Every patient
is encouraged to be active and engage in normal
The most conservative treatment, and usually the activities. During sclerotherapy, there is minimal to
first attempted method. They should be worn every no pain because of the very fine needles used for
day during waking hours to compress the veins and the injections.
prevent them from bulging while the stockings are on.
The results of laser therapy and injection
Microphlebectomy sclerotherapy are very good to excellent and
are superior to other methods. Patients who
This procedure is also performed under local have had other forms of treatment for their veins
anesthesia. It involves removing the remaining prefer our method. They usually experience the
varicose veins through small puncture wounds with relief of symptoms soon after receiving our
the use of special vein hooks. This treatment is often treatment and
performed at the same time as EVLT® to obtain are very pleased
the best results. It can also be done as a separate with the final
procedure depending on the particular patient and cosmetic result.
the initial evaluation.
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