7, 6, 2021

How Laser Vein Ablation Works to Treat Varicose Veins

2021-06-07T13:47:35-07:00

The VenaCure EVLT procedure is minimally-invasive and can be performed in a doctor’s office. It addresses both the cosmetic and medical issues associated with varicose veins.

A laser light emitted through a thin fiber inserted into the damaged vein delivers just a small amount of energy, causing the malfunctioning vein to close and seal shut.
Veins that are treatable with the VenaCure EVLT system are superficial veins. Laser therapy with the VenaCure EVLT system is indicated for varicose veins and varicosities with superficial reflux of the Greater Saphenous Vein, and in the treatment of incompetent refluxing veins in the superficial venous system in the lower limb.
After the VenaCure EVLT procedure, your body will naturally route blood flow to other veins.
Bulging and pain in the damaged and now-sealed vein will subside after the procedure.
Because VenaCure EVLT vein treatment eliminates varicose veins where they start, the results can be obvious right away.

Before undergoing any treatment, it is important to discuss with your physician the risks, benefits and alternatives to the procedure.
Complications with vein treatments are rare, but you should be aware of Potential Complications:

Potential complications include, but are not limited to the following: vessel perforation, thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, phlebitis, hematoma, infection, skin pigmentation alteration, neovascularization, paresthesia due to thermal damage of adjacent sensory nerves, anesthetic tumescence, non-target irradiation, hemorrhage, necrosis, DEHP exposure, skin burns and pain.

To read more about the VenaCure EVLT procedure that we perform at La Jolla Vein Care, click here. To schedule a consultation or telemedicine visit with one of our physicians to further discuss laser treatment and alternatives to laser, call us at 858-550-0330.

How Laser Vein Ablation Works to Treat Varicose Veins2021-06-07T13:47:35-07:00

28, 6, 2020

3-Stage Approach to Vein Treatment

2020-09-17T17:58:02-07:00

When visible signs of venous disease such as spider veins, varicose veins, or skin changes are present, this is usually the tip of the iceberg, and an underlying vein problem is present. An underlying vein condition (venous reflux disease) can be detected with ultrasound. A treatment plan is focused on treating the underlying vein problems first, then working outwards.

image of an Iceberg as a metaphor for the hidden dangers of vein disease

Iceberg, a metaphor for the hidden dangers of vein disease

How Is Venous Reflux Disease Treated?

Step 1: The Underlying ProblemThe first step is to treat the underlying problem, the venous reflux. The specific pattern of venous reflux was detected by ultrasound. Venous reflux usually starts in the saphenous veins. The saphenous veins are most effectively treated with vein ablation procedures. This involves placing a small catheter within the vein and using heat or a solution to produce injury and eventual closure of the vein. The most commonly used treatments for the saphenous veins are radiofrequency ablation (RFA), laser ablation, mechanico-chemical ablation (MOCA or Clarivein), and in some cases Varithena Foam. The treatment recommendation is customized, based on where reflux is present and other clinical factors.

Step 2: Varicose Veins

After the underlying saphenous vein reflux is corrected, the bulging veins (varicose veins) can be treated by injecting a foamed medication that will cause them to scar and eventually dissolve (foam sclerotherapy), or to remove them using tiny incisions. The most common method is foam sclerotherapy.  This is also known as ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy (UGFS).

Step 3: Spider Veins

Spider vein treatment is always considered a cosmetic procedure. If improved cosmesis is a goal of treatment, make sure to discuss this with your doctor and plan on having cosmetic treatment as the last step. Spider vein treatment is accomplished by sclerotherapy, which is an injection of a liquid medication into the spider veins. Most patients use 3 vials, and have an average of 3 treatment sessions.  Ask your provider for an estimate about how many treatment sessions/ vials are necessary to get the results you want.

 

3-Stage Approach to Vein Treatment2020-09-17T17:58:02-07:00

Do I Need Surgery for Varicose Veins?

2020-09-17T19:01:32-07:00

Non-surgical treatment alternatives for eliminating varicose veins

No! We’ve performed thousands of surgery-free treatments. 

Surgery is rarely performed these days to eliminate varicose veins. Modern endovenous procedures, which were first introduced around the year 2000, have replaced surgery for most patients. Endovenous became the standard of care over vein stripping surgery in 2007.  Treatment can be done in a doctor’s office, without general anesthesia, thereby reducing risks. At our facility, we offer multiple non-surgical treatment options so that vein care is individualized and based on what is best for the patient rather than on what is available. There are multiple non-surgical treatment options, including radiofrequency ablation (RFA), clarivein, laser vein ablation, endovenous laser therapy (EVLA), varithena foam, microfoam, ultrasound guided foam sclerohterapy, ambulatory phlebectomy.

go to our treatments page for more information

 

Do I Need Surgery for Varicose Veins?2020-09-17T19:01:32-07:00

What to Expect After Saphenous Vein Ablation

2021-11-05T10:57:18-07:00

After a vein ablation procedure, such as radiofrequency or laser ablation, it is normal for your leg to feel swollen. The swelling is the fluid that was placed around the vein called a tumescent anesthetic. You will feel the swelling in the location where the vein was treated. If the vein in the thigh was treated, your thigh will feel swollen. If the vein on the back of your calf was treated,  the calf will feel swollen. The tumescent will slowly be absorbed by the evening or the next morning.

Applying gauze inside of your stocking

Apply Gauze Inside of Your Stocking

Sometimes, the tumescent will leak out from the tiny needle puncture sites. For this reason, we will apply gauze inside of your stocking. At night before going to bed, reach in and pull out the gauze and throw it away. It only takes one drop of blood to make the gauze look blood-tinged. This is also normal and nothing to worry about.

Before going to bed, remove the ace bandage that overlies your stocking. You will wear the stockings overnight (for 72 hours to be exact). If your stocking causes foot pain or leg pain, or numbness in the toes, please remove your stocking during the night and sleep without it. It may be too tight. Call us in the morning so we can further advise.

What to do when the leg feels sore and achy?

leg feels sore and achy

On the evening of the procedure, your leg may also feel sore and achy. When it starts to throb, get up and walk. This usually helps it to feel better. Ibuprofen or Tylenol are helpful to reduce discomfort. You can also apply ice, by placing ice in a zip lock bag and applying the cold to the sore areas on the leg. You do not need to sleep with your legs elevated, but may do so if this is more comfortable.

When you are sitting for longer periods, such as watching a movie at night, elevate your legs.

To avoid blood clots, walk frequently throughout the day. A rule of thumb is to walk at least 30 minutes, twice a day. There is no limit to walking. After your procedure, you will be asked to walk 30 minutes around campus prior to getting into your car. This will help get the blood circulating and stimulate the tumescent to be absorbed.

What to Expect After Saphenous Vein Ablation2021-11-05T10:57:18-07:00
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