A: Varicose veins are raised, enlarged veins. Which usually appear on the skin surface and can cause the leg to swell, burn, fatigue, itch, or ache. In severe cases, they can bleed, lead to skin discoloration or 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 heredity, 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.
The symptoms of varicose veins can include:
A: Along with your initial physical exam further testing is often required which includes duplex Doppler ultrasound exams of the legs. This non-invasive test uses sound waves to evaluate the function of the valves in the veins of the leg. This test is very important in diagnosis, and can improve the effectiveness of any treatment.
A: Both invasive and non-invasive methods are available for varicose vein treatment. Non-invasive methods include wearing compression stockings, exercising, losing weight, elevating the legs, avoiding long periods of standing or sitting. Invasive varicose vein treatment include endovenous therapy, ligation, and phlebectomy. Endovenous therapy is treatment from inside the vein using heat generated by lasers, or chemicals to irritate the vein walls and cause the vein to shrink and then be reabsorbed by the body.
A: A Laser is a highly concentrated beam of light. These lasers work by delivering just the right wavelength of laser energy to the right tissue, causing the incompetent vein to close while your body automatically routes the blood to other healthy veins. Laser treatments are very effective in vein removal.
A: The procedure takes place right in our office in Flower Mound with no general anesthesia required. The vein doctor will insert a thin laser fiber into the vein through a sheath and the laser light is emitted through the fiber. While you might feel some unfamiliar sensation it is not painful.
A: There is no anesthesia, minimal pain, and one can return to normal activities the next day. There is minimal to no scarring, bruising, or swelling.
A: The vein treatment procedure takes 45-60 minutes, though patients might spend 2 hours at our office due to normal pre and post treatment procedures.
A: Varicose vein laser treatment success rate is greater than 95%.
A: Normal activities can typically be resumed within a day. For a few weeks following vein treatment, Dr. Handley may recommend regular walking and refrain from very strenuous activity or prolonged standing for 2 weeks.
A: The vein becomes fibrous tissue after treatment. Overtime the vein will gradually be reabsorbed by the body.
A: As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks and complications, which can occur. Dr. Handley will review potential complications at your consultations, which can include vessel perforation, thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, phlebitis, hematoma, infection, paresthesia (numbness or tingling) and or skin burn.
A: 98% of all procedures are covered by insurance.
A: A skin ulcer, caused by a venous reflux disorder is called a venous stasis ulcer. It is an irregularly shaped wound with well-defined borders, surrounded by red or dark and thickened skin. Venous ulcers vary in size and location, but are usually found on the inside of the lower leg.
A: Patients with venous ulcers need compression treatment. 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 sometimes used as well. These are often worn at night. 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.
A: Compression stockings or socks, which are now available in a variety of styles and fashion colors, are recommended for early treatment of venous insufficiency. They compress the lower leg and decrease the swelling and the other symptoms of varicose veins. They come in various strengths and are fitted by a trained person. They are worn as treatment of varicose veins and after treatment to assist in the healing process, and maximize results of therapy, reduce risk of deep vein thrombosis.
If you have any more questions about vein treatments at North Texas Vein & Vascular, call (972)736-9980 or schedule an appointment online.