Procedure Description: Laser Treatment of Leg Veins
What To Expect: My
office currently offers treatment of leg veins with the AuraTM with
StarPulseTM laser by Laserscope. It is used for small veins (red and
blue). When treated fine veins may blanch, but larger veins are thicker
and may blanch or turn grayish and flatten. The onset of surrounding
erythema(redness) and edema(swelling) occurs in a few minutes. Erythema
can last a few days, some smaller superficial vessels can form a cat
scratch scab over the vein, and larger veins may take 8 weeks to fade.
Best results are seen in individuals with Type II skin. (These are
generally persons who tan easily and rarely sunburn.) Treatment
sessions last a maximum of 20 minutes, and veins usually require one to
three treatments.
Preprocedure: Topical
anesthetic cream is used. It is applied prior to arriving at the office
and then the legs are wrpped with clear plastic wrap. This makes the
anesthetic more effective.
Postprocedure: There
is very little post-procedure discomfort. Patients are required to wear
support hose or compression stockings immediately after the procedure,
then daily for up to 3 months. No tanning is allowed and sun exposure must be kept at a minimum. Aloe Vera gel is applied to moisten the skin and if deemed necessary, topical anibiotics will also be used.
Endovenous Treatment for Veins - The CLOSURE Procedure
Procedure Description: Endovenous Radiofrequency Treatment for Veins
What To Expect: The CLOSURE procedure is a revolutionary new minimally invasive radiofrequency treatment for varicose veins.
If you suffer from varicose veins, this new method of treatment may mean.. - relief from leg heaviness - an improvement in general health - a sense of well-being - confidence to bare your legs in the summer - confidence and desire to wear shorts / dresses again - desire to renew sporting activities - renewed energy and vigour
The
procedure is done under local, regional or general anesthesia and takes
about 45 minutes. A radiofrequency catheter is threaded under
ultrasound guidance into the vein above the knee. The catheter is then
connected to the radiofrequency generator and slowly withdrawn from the
vein, sealing it and stopping the venous reflux.
Possible
adverse reactions are skin burns, parasthesias (numbness and tingling),
and venous thrombosis (blood clots)in the legs. Patients experience
some bruising and mild pain for up to 4 weeks.
Preprocedure: Patient provides a description of symptoms and rates intensity on a scale of 1 to 10.
The physician carries out a physical examination of the extremities.
Continuous
wave Doppler and duplex ultrasound imaging is performed to determine
the origin of reflux and to map the Great Saphenous Vein(GSV).
The length of vein to be treated is measured and marked.
Photographs are taken of the leg.
Postprocedure: The patient is dressed with a compression bandage that will be worn for up to seven days.
Duplex
ultrasound imaging is performed to look for any complications and to
follow the response of the Great Saphenous Vein(GSV) to treatment.
A compression stocking is worn for 3 months following treatment.
Normal activity can be resumed during this period, but hot baths and vigorous activity such as gym workouts should be avoided. Patients are encouraged to walk daily for 30 minutes.
Post treatment discomfort can usually be treated with over-the-counter non-aspirin analgesics.
What To Expect: Patients having ductal lavage describe some sensations like gentle tugging, a feeling of fullness, and a little pinching, but ductal lavage is not painful.
Gentle suction is used to help draw tiny amounts of fluid from the milk ducts up to the nipple surface. The fluid droplets help locate the milk ducts' natural openings on the surface of the nipple.
Next, a tiny catheter is inserted into a milk duct opening and a small amount of anesthetic is flushed into the duct. Saline is then slowly delivered through the catheter to gently "rinse" the duct and collect cells. The ductal cell fluid is withdrawn through the catheter and put into a collection vial.
Preprocedure: The patient is evaleuated by the physician and if she is a candidate for ductal lavage, informed consent is obtained.
Ductal lavage can be performed either in a doctor's office or an outpatient clinic.
Two hours prior to the ductal lavage, the patient applies anesthetic cream to numb the nipple
Postprocedure: The sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis to determine whether the cells are normal or abnormal.
Results from the laboratory and options for further treatment are discussed at a follow up appointment.
Endovenous Laser Treatment of Varicose Veins
Procedure Description: Endovenous Laser Treatment for Veins
What To Expect: EVLT
is a minimally invasive procedure to treat incompetence of the great
saphenous vein. It has been shown to safely and effectively treat vein
disease by using a laser fiber to close the great saphenous vein.
EVLT
is an outpatient procedure and may be done under local anesthesia. It
takes about 45 minutes. A laser fiber is inserted into the vein under
ultrasound guidance. Next, the vein is anesthetized using local
anesthesia. The fiber is then connected to the laser generator and
slowly withdrawn from the vein, sealing it and stopping the venous
reflux.
Possible adverse reactions are parasthesias (numbness
and tingling) and venous thrombosis (blood clots) in the legs. Patients
may have bruising and mild pain for up to 4 weeks.
Preprocedure: Patient give description of symptoms and the physician carries out a physical examination of the legs.
Duplex doppler ultrasound imaging is performed to determine the origin of reflux and to map the Great Saphenous Vein (GSV).
The length of the vein to be treated is measured and marked.
Photographs are taken of the leg.
Postprocedure: Patients are discharged after a twenty minute walk. They are also required to walk daily for 30 minutes.
A
support stocking is worn for at least one week at all times. It is then
worn during the day for three months. Patients are followed clinically
and with ultrasound examinations.
Procedure Description: SPECIALIZED STUDY FOR YOUR VARICOSE VEINS
What To Expect: This
is a very specialized test which requires a minimum of one hour to
study one leg and two hours to study of both legs. This study is used
to determine what is causing your vein problems and is also used to
assess patients for a deep vein thrombosis (blood clot). The study will
show us if you have any valves that are not functioning properly and if
there are any obstructions in your venous system.
Preprocedure: Please
wear clothing that is easily removed. You will be asked to undress from
the waist down. (You do not have to remove underwear.)
The sonographer will seat you on an exam table with your legs hanging down.
Ultrasound
gel will be applied to to your legs. (It's only cold, it doesn't hurt!)
And a probe (Ultrasound instrument) will be moved on the skin of your
legs to see the veins.
You may be asked to cough, or hold your
breath during parts of the exam. Also the sonographer may squeeze your
thigh and/or calf to check the vein valves.
Please arrive at
least 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment. Every effort will
be made for you to be seen on time, however emergencies may delay your
appointment.
Postprocedure: The
sonographer who performs the study will show the findings to you as he
does the test. Dr. Dickerson will review the findings and discuss them
with you at your next visit.
We appreciate your cooperation with
this test as it will help Dr. Dickerson determine what the correct
treatment should be for your condition.
Colonoscopy
Procedure Description: Colonoscopy
What To Expect: A
colonoscope is a long version of a sigmoidoscope. It is inserted
through the rectum up into the colon and is connected to a video camera
and video display monitor so the doctor can closely examine the inside
of the colon.
Colonoscopy can be uncomfortable. To avoid this,
you will be given medication through a vein to make you feel relaxed
and sleepy during the procedure.
Colonoscopy may be done in a
hospital outpatient department, in a clinic, or in a doctor's office,
and usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, although it may take longer if
polyp removal is involved.
If a small polyp is found, it may be
removed. Polyps, even those that are not cancerous, can eventually
become cancerous. For this reason, they are usually removed.
If
a large polyp or anything else abnormal is seen, a biopsy will be done.
In this procedure, a small piece of tissue is taken out through the
colonoscope.
Preprocedure: If
you have a colonoscopy you will need to take laxatives and an enema to
clean your colon so that there will not be any stool to block the view.
Postprocedure: Patients are observed after the procedure until they are awake enough to go home.
Patients
sometimes experience cramping after the procedure. This is from the air
that is put into the colon to allow the doctor to see the colon lining.
Patients are usually able to resume normal activities after 24 hours.
Biopsy results are discussed with your doctor at a follow up visit.
Colorectal Cancer
The American Cancer Society gives the following guidelines for colorectal cancer screening:
Beginning at age 50, both men and women should follow one of the five screening options below:
*A fecal occult blood test (FOBT) every year, or
*Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years,or
*A fecal occult blood test every year plus flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years, or
*Double-contrast barium enema every 5 to 10 years, or
*Colonoscopy every 10 years
Of these options, the American Cancer Society recommends FOBT every year and flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years
*For FOBT, the take-home multiple sample method should be used.
All positive tests should be followed up with colonoscopy.
You
should begin colorectal cancer screening earlier and/or undergo
screening more often if you have any of the following colorectal cancer
risk factors:
*A strong family history of colorectal cancer or
polyps (cancer or polyps in a first-degree relative younger than 60 or
in two first-degree relatives of any age).
Note: a first degree-relative is defined as a parent, sibling, or child.
*A
known family history of hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes
(familial adenomatous polyposis and hereditary non-polyposis colon
cancer),
*A personal history of colorectal cancer or adenomatous polyps, or
*A personal history of chronic inflammatory bowel disease
Breast Cancer Risk Factors
The National Cancer Institute has identified a number of factors that determine whether a woman is at high-risk. These factors include:
* Personal history of breast cancer
* Mother, daughter, sister, or two or more close relatives with a history of breast cancer
* Evidence of a specific genetic change (BRCA 1/BRCA 2 mutation)
* Gail Index score of at least 1.7 * The Gail Index is a statistical model that computes your risk of developing breast cancer in the next 5 years. You can learn more about the Gail Index from this website at the National Cancer Institute.
High-risk women of any age may be good candidates for ductal lavage.
Breast Cancer Risk Factors
About Ductal Lavage
Ductal lavage is a way to collect cells from inside the milk ducts, where most breast cancers begin. The cells are sent to a laboratory to determine whether they are normal or abnormal. If abnormal cells are found, they indicate an increased risk of developing breast cancer.
Information from ductal lavage should be discussed with your doctor.
Using Ductal Lavage to Assess Risk
Assessing your risk of breast cancer means figuring out whether you have any factors that increase your chance of developing the disease within a certain number of years. Using ductal lavage to help assess your breast cancer risk is similar to using a cholesterol test to assess whether you are at greater risk for heart disease.For example, consider a woman who is at higher risk for a heart attack because of family history. A cholesterol test might be used to look for a high cholesterol level which also increses her risk of heart attack.Ductal lavage is used in a similar way. High-risk women can use ductal lavage to look for atypical cells, which signal an increased risk of developing breast cancer.
What are Atypical Cells?
"Atypical" is another word for abnormal. If cells are atypical, it does not mean they are destined to become cancerous. It is unknown how frequently atypical cells progress to cancer. So, why look for atypical cells? Because we do know that atypical cells indicate which women are more likely to develop breast cancer. Finding atypical cells increases a woman's risk of breast cancer by 4-5 times compared to a woman who does not have atypical cells. If she also has a family history of breast cancer, atypical cells increase her risk even further compared to a woman who does not have a family history and atypical cells.
What Next?
If ductal lavage finds atypical cells, there are steps a woman can take to reduce her risk. These options include closer monitoring and using drug therapy.
Deciding whether the potential benefits of drug therapy outweigh the potential risks can be a difficult decision. Ductal lavage results provide additional information to consider during the process.
Surgery for Venous Stasis Ulcers
Chronic
venous disease affects almost 50 percent of the adult population. The
effects of chronic venous ulcers, which occur near the ankle of a
person with venous hypertension, can cause non-healing wounds,
darkening of the skin, and even loss of feeling in the foot. Until
recently there was little that could be done for persons with chronic
venous ulcers. Common treatments include compression wraps and
stockings, occlusive dressings, skin grafting, and in some cases,
special shoes or crutches. The fact that there are new treatments for
venous ulcers is not commonly known to Americans.
Dr. Dickerson
is the only physician in Lubbock to offer subfascial endoscopic
perforator surgery (SEPS), a new treatment to help heal chronic venous
stasis ulcers. SEPS is a minimally invasive procedure for the ablation
of incompetent perforator veins in the lower leg. These veins are often
the source of the venous hypertension which causes the ulcers. By
ablating these perforators, many patients see healing of their ulcers
and a decrease in ulcer recurrence.
SEPS is an advance over
the older open surgical procedure. The old procedure, which involved a
large incision on the leg, often caused problems with healing after
surgery. With SEPS, patients have fewer problems with wound healing as
the incisions for SEPS are very small.
Venous Leg Ulcers
Venous Leg Ulcers
A COMMON BUT NEGLECTED PROBLEM
Studies
have found that about 1-2% of the adult population has either active or
healed leg ulcers. The majority of leg ulcer patients have venous
disease. It is estimated that chronic venous insufficiency is 10 times
more common than arterial insufficiency.
Venous ulcers are
often neglected or managed inadequately. Patients may walk around for
months or even years with just a local dressing over an ulcer.
RECOGNIZING A VENOUS ULCER
A
venous leg ulcer is an irregularly-shaped wound with well-defined
borders, surrounded by red or dark and thickened skin (acute or chronic
lipodermatosclerosis). Venous ulcers vary in size and location, but are usually found on the inside of the lower leg ("gaiter" area).
Varicose
veins are often present in the venous ulcer patient. Edema of the ankle
area is common, although in some patients the skin is brown, thickened
and the ankle circumference is actually narrowed.
WHAT CAUSES A VENOUS ULCER?
The
calf muscle pump of the leg is the primary mechanism the body has to
return blood from the leg to the heart. The calf pump consists of the
calf muscles, the veins connecting the superficial veins to the deep
veins, and an outflow tract (popliteal vein).
During calf
muscle contraction blood moves toward the heart through the deep veins.
During calf muscle relaxation blood fills the deep veins with flow from
the superficial veins and from veins in the foot. Normal vein valves
permit only one-way flow from superficial to deep and from the foot
toward the heart.
Calf pump dysfunction may occur because of
malfunctioning valves or clots in the veins. The result of calf pump
dysfunction is a condition referred to as "ambulatory venous
hypertension." This is high pressure in the veins of the legs.
Venous
hypertension is associated with a number of abnormalities. These
include leakage of proteins and other substances into the skin of the
leg. This causes the leg to swell. The fluids may also cause the
tissues of the leg to be starved for oxygen. The lack of oxygen may be
a cause of venous ulcers.
Another cause for venous ulcers may
be the white blood cells that leak out into the skin of the leg along
with the fluids and proteins. The proteins can cause the white blood
cells to become active and release their enzymes. These enzymes may
cause venous ulcers.
HOW ARE VENOUS ULCERS EVALUATED?
In
addition to a history and physical, tests should be used to obtain a
complete picture of the abnormal veins. Duplex ultrasound is a
non-invasive approach that yields information about the venous system
of the legs.
Investigation of the great saphenous vein, small
saphenous vein, perforating veins, femoral vein, popliteal vein and
deep veins of the calf should be done.
COMPRESSION IS THE CORNERSTONE
Patients
with uninfected venous ulcers need compression treatment. Compression
leads to increased venous flow, which leads to decreased swelling. In
order to achieve maximum benefit from compression the patient needs to
walk. Walking increases the action of the calf muscle pump, this also
decreases swelling and edema.
Bandages, stockings and
compression devices have been used for compression treatment. Bandaging
is used short term to reduce swelling and stockings are used long term
to keep swelling at a minimum. Compression devices are often worn at
night. Bandages may be left on for several days or up to a week. Early
in treatment, it may be necessary to re-apply the bandages more
frequently.
Prescription compression stockings are used in the maintenance phase of treatment. Generally calf length stockings are used.
WOUND CARE
Removal
of dead tissue can be accomplished with surgical instruments, topical
enzymatic agents and by occlusive dressings. Normal saline (salt water)
can be used for wound cleansing. Wounds should be covered with a
semipermeable dressing or nonadherent gauze. Topical antibiotics are
generally not used.
Bland moisturizers can be used on
surrounding dry skin. If true tissue infection is suspected, cultures
should be taken and treatment begun with antibiotics.
INDIVIDUAL TREATMENT
If
a patient has significant superficial venous disease, improvement can
be obtained by treating the varicose veins. Treatment may include
surgery.
The significance of perforators in chronic venous
insufficiency remains controversial. Nonetheless, the recent
development of subfascial endoscopic ligation (SEPS) has significantly
improved the surgical treatment of incompetent perforators.
Ulcer healing or recurrence of ulceration after endoscopic perforator ligation has ranged from 2.5% to 22%.
OTHER MEASURES
Patients
should maintain a normal weight and avoid smoking. Regular brisk
walking, 3-4 times per week for at least 30 minutes per walk, should be
done. Long periods of sitting and standing and hot baths should be
avoided. It's helpful to have patients periodically elevate their leg
and to raise the foot of their bed with 6" blocks.
Manual
lymphatic drainage, performed by trained therapists, can reduce the
edema. Physical therapy can improve ankle joint mobility.
Information on Varicose Veins
Phlebology: The Treatment of Leg Veins
INTRODUCTION If
you suffer from problems related to varicose and spider veins, you are
not alone. It is estimated that more than 80 million Americans suffer
from some form of venous disorder. While some people seek treatment for cosmetic improvement, many seek relief from pain. Help is available.
HOW PHLEBOLOGY CAN HELP Phlebology
is the field of medicine that deals with vein diseases. It has been an
established medical specialty in Europe for 50 years; serious interest
in phlebology has developed over the last 15 years in the United States. The
American College of Phlebology was founded in 1985 and is the largest
phlebology society in the United States. It was established to improve
the standard of care related to disorders of the veins. Its members are
physicians and other health care professionals with backgrounds in a
variety of medical specialties who share a common interest and
expertise in vein diseases and disorders.
WHAT ARE VARICOSE VEINS? Arteries
bring blood from the heart to the extremities, veins, which have
one-way valves, channel blood back to the heart. If the valves don't
function well, blood doesn't flow efficiently. The veins become
enlarged because they are filled with blood. These enlarged veins are
commonly called spider veins or varicose veins. Spider veins are small
red, blue or purple veins on the surface of the skin. Varicose veins
are larger distended veins that are located deeper than spider veins. Pain
in the legs is frequently related to abnormal leg veins. Symptoms,
often made worse by prolonged standing, include feelings of fatigue,
heaviness, aching, burning, throbbing, itching, cramping, and
restlessness of the legs. Leg swelling can occur. Severe varicose veins
can compromise the nutrition of the skin and lead to eczema,
inflammation or even ulceration of the lower leg. Vein disorders are
not always visible; diagnostic techniques are important tools in
determining the cause and severity of the problem. In addition to a
physical examination, ultrasound is often used.
WHAT CAUSES VARICOSE VEINS? Heredity
is the number one contributing factor causing varicose and spider
veins. Women are more likely to suffer from abnormal leg veins. Up to
50% of American women may be affected. Hormonal factors including
puberty, pregnancy, menopause, the use of birth control pills,
estrogen, and progesterone affect the disease. It is very common for
pregnant women to develop varicose veins during the first trimester.
Pregnancy causes increases in hormone levels and blood volume which in
turn cause veins to enlarge. In addition, the enlarged uterus causes
increased pressure on the veins. Varicose veins due to pregnancy often
improve within 3 months after delivery. However, with successive
pregnancies, abnormal veins are more likely to remain. Other
predisposing factors include aging, standing occupations, obesity and
leg injury.
WHEN AND HOW ARE VEINS TREATED? The most
commonly asked questions are: Do veins require treatment and what
treatment is best? Veins that are cosmetically unappealing or cause
pain or other symptoms are prime candidates for treatment. There are
two general treatment options: conservative measures, such as
compression stockings, and "corrective" methods such as sclerotherapy,
surgery and laser treatment. In some cases, a combination of treatment
methods works best.
LASER TREATMENT A variety of laser
treatments are available today. A light beam is pulsed onto the veins
in order to seal them off and cause them to dissolve. External laser
treatment is used only to treat small veins. Multiple treatments are
usually required. You may need anywhere from one to several
treatment sessions for any vein region. Generally, normal activities
can be resumed after sclerotherapy. Medically prescribed support hose
and/or bandages may need to be worn for several days to several weeks
to assist in resolution of the veins. The procedure, performed in the
doctor's office, usually causes only minimal discomfort. Bruising and
pigmentation may occur.
SURGERY Surgical techniques to treat
varicose veins include ligation (tying off of a vein), stripping
(removal of a long segment of vein by pulling it out with a special
instrument), ambulatory phlebectomy (removal of veins through tiny
incisions), and endovenous treament (EVLT and the CLOSURE Procedure).
Surgery may be performed using local, spinal or general anesthesia.
Most patients return home the same day as the procedure. Surgery is
generally used to treat large varicose veins.
RADIOFREQUENCY OCCLUSION (CLOSURE® PROCEDURE) The
Closure® procedure is a treatment alternative to surgical stripping of
the great saphenous vein. A small catheter is inserted, usually through
a needle stick in the skin, into the damaged vein. The catheter
delivers radiofrequency energy to the vein wall, causing it to heat. As
the vein warms, it collapses and seals shut. The procedure is generally
done in an outpatient. Following the procedure, the catheter is removed
and a bandage or compression stocking is placed on the treated leg. The
Closure® procedure is FDA approved for the treatment of the great
saphenous vein.
ENDOVENOUS LASER TREATMENT Endovenous Laser
Treatment (EVLT) is a treatment alternative to surgical stripping of
the great saphenous vein. A small laser fiber is inserted, usually
through a needle stick in the skin, into the damaged vein. Pulses of
laser light are delivered inside the vein, which causes the vein to
collapse and seal shut. The procedure is done in-office under local
anesthesia. Following the procedure a bandage or compression hose is
placed on the treated leg. Endovenous Laser Treatment is FDA-approved
for the treatment of the great saphenous vein.
AMBULATORY PHLEBECTOMY Ambulatory
phlebectomy is a method of surgical removal of surface varicose veins.
Incisions are tiny (stitches are generally not necessary) and typically
leave nearly imperceptible puncture mark scars. After the vein has been
removed by phlebectomy, a bandage and/or compression stocking is worn
for a short period.
WHAT RESULTS CAN YOU EXPECT? With the
evaluation and treatment methods available today, spider and varicose
veins can be treated at a level of effectiveness and safety previously
unattainable. Regardless which treatment method is used, its success
depends in part on careful assessment of the problem by a knowledgeable
phlebologist.
Dr. Dickerson is a member of the American College of Phlebology.
Sclerotherapy of Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are very thin-walled, dilated veins that have become elongated and tortuous. Those in the skin have a spider web-like appearance and are known by various names, including spider veins, web veins, reticular networks, and venous stars.
Sclerotherapy has been part of the treatment of these veins for more than 50 years and the results of therapy as well as the complications of the treatments are well known.
The principle of the injection is to fill the vein being treated with a solution that will empty the vein of blood and cause the wall to become inflamed. As a result, the walls of the vein scar together and the vein will no longer be visible. Because the veins of the lower extremities are under high pressure, there is a tendency for recurrence of the spider veins. Either new ones develop or those that have been injected reoccur. This requires that an individual understand the need to return to the doctor for rechecks and minor additional treatments on a yearly basis.
Various chemical substances are utilized in injection treatment of spider veins. Perhaps the most common of these is a detergent called sodium tetradecyl. Another is polidocanol, which is not FDA approved in the United States. Concentrated glycerin solutions are also used.
The needles used for injections are extremely small and cause little pain. Pain, if any, lasts a few seconds. Redness produced by the injection is essential to the process of the obliteration of veins. After treatment, pads and compression stockings are applied to the area so that the veins will remain empty of blood. This will relieve itching and congestion in the skin. If an intense inflammatory reaction develops around the vein and in the skin, the skin may break down and ulcerate; such ulceration will heal under treatment but will leave a scar.
Almost always, multiple treatment sessions are required based on the severity of the venous problem. The usual number is three treatments for each blemish. In each treatment session, nearly all blemishes will be treated each time. This is done to minimize the number of treatments required. Following treatment, you can go about your activities as desired.
It should be understood that sclerotherapy is not a miracle cure. Neither injection therapy nor anything else will return the skin of the lower extremities to the way it was as a teenager. Most of the objectionable veins can be obliterated, and the legs can be brought to a point where they will appear acceptable. Nevertheless, small blemishes inevitably remain that are visible to the naked eye. The AuraTM laser can then be used to minimize the appearance of the tiny remaining vessels. The process is slow and tedious and requires a great deal of patience on the part of the patient.
Potential side effects to sclerotherapy include:
Allergic reaction to the Sclerosant -- Serious reactions are possible but rare.
Injection of Sclerosant into an artery
Discoloration of the Injection Site
Leg swelling, redness, pain
Headache
Nausea
Vomiting
Breathing problems
Scar Formation
Ulceration of the Skin
Blood Clot ? in the treated vein with possible extension to larger veins
Infection of the Injection Site
Cellulitis (More Widespread Infection of the Leg Tissues)
Formation of spider vein ?bursts?
Fortunately side effects are infrequent when an experienced physician performs the procedure.
Please consider this information to be an introduction to the subject. Questions and discussion about treatment of your particular vein problem are welcome.
Varicose Veins: Questions and Answers
Question: What are varicose veins?
Answer Varicose
veins are raised, ropey, enlarged veins. They usually appear on the
legs and can cause the leg to swell, itch, ache, and in severe cases,
can cause ulcers. Normal vein valves close after blood travels up the
vein, preventing blood from moving backwards (refluxing) down the vein.
Varicose veins form when valves in the vein fail (become incompetent).
Valves become incompetent for a variety of reasons, including trauma
and pregnancy. Once a valve becomes incompetent, the vein below the
valve is exposed to higher pressure and becomes dilated. This causes
other valves to fail and other veins to dilate.
Question: What are the symptoms of varicose veins?
Answer Varicose
veins are dark blue in color and commonly appear on the backs of the
calves or on the inside of the legs. But they can form anywhere on your
legs, from your groin to your ankle. They protrude or bulge from under
the skin and feel ropey. Varicose veins cause an achy or heavy feeling
in the legs, and burning, itching, throbbing, muscle cramping and
swelling in your legs. Prolonged sitting or standing makes your legs
feel worse while elevating your legs make them feel better. Varicose
veins can also cause skin ulcers near your ankle.
Question: How are varicose veins treated?
Answer Both
invasive and non-invasive methods are available to treat varicose
veins. Non-invasive methods include wearing compression stockings,
exercising, leg elevation, loosing weight, not wearing tight clothes,
avoiding long periods of standing or sitting and not crossing your legs
while seated. Invasive treatments include endovenous therapy, ligation,
and phlebectomy. Endovenous therapy is treatment from inside the vein
using heat generated by lasers, radiofrequency devices or chemicals to
irritate the vein walls and cause the vein to clot and then be
reabsorbed by the body. Ligation is tying off a vein to cause it to
shrink. Phlebectomy is removal of varicose veins.
Varicose Veins: Questions and Answers
Question: What are varicose veins?
Answer Varicose
veins are raised, ropey, enlarged veins. They usually appear on the
legs and can cause the leg to swell, itch, ache, and in severe cases,
can cause ulcers. Normal vein valves close after blood travels up the
vein, preventing blood from moving backwards (refluxing) down the vein.
Varicose veins form when valves in the vein fail (become incompetent).
Valves become incompetent for a variety of reasons, including trauma
and pregnancy. Once a valve becomes incompetent, the vein below the
valve is exposed to higher pressure and becomes dilated. This causes
other valves to fail and other veins to dilate.
Question: What are the symptoms of varicose veins?
Answer Varicose
veins are dark blue in color and commonly appear on the backs of the
calves or on the inside of the legs. But they can form anywhere on your
legs, from your groin to your ankle. They protrude or bulge from under
the skin and feel ropey. Varicose veins cause an achy or heavy feeling
in the legs, and burning, itching, throbbing, muscle cramping and
swelling in your legs. Prolonged sitting or standing makes your legs
feel worse while elevating your legs make them feel better. Varicose
veins can also cause skin ulcers near your ankle.
Question: How are varicose veins treated?
Answer Both
invasive and non-invasive methods are available to treat varicose
veins. Non-invasive methods include wearing compression stockings,
exercising, leg elevation, loosing weight, not wearing tight clothes,
avoiding long periods of standing or sitting and not crossing your legs
while seated. Invasive treatments include endovenous therapy, ligation,
and phlebectomy. Endovenous therapy is treatment from inside the vein
using heat generated by lasers, radiofrequency devices or chemicals to
irritate the vein walls and cause the vein to clot and then be
reabsorbed by the body. Ligation is tying off a vein to cause it to
shrink. Phlebectomy is removal of varicose veins.
Information for Patients
Please
bring your insurance card and some form of photo identification with
you to your appointment. The receptionist will make a copy of these
doucuments for out records.
If you have x-rays or blood tests from your referring physician, please bring those too.
Co-pays and deductibles will be collected at the time of service.
Patients
who are scheduled for surgery will be asked to pre-register at the
hospital or surgery center. This saves time on the day of surgery and
makes it more conveinent for you!
