Visible varicose veins in the legs are most often a result of problems elsewhere in the leg. Veins carry blood from the tissues back eventually to the heart. They are thin walled tubes which get squeezed by the surrounding muscles as they contract. This squeezing forces blood along the veins and a series of non-return valves ensure the flow is only in one direction. If these valves become faulty and fail to close, the blood can run backwards (or reflux) and will pool in the legs. Where this extra blood is sitting in veins close to the surface of the skin, the veins will swell up and become visible and 'refluxed'.
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The greater saphenous vein is the major vein responsible for reflux which connects to many of the surface superficial veins. This vein runs down from the groin to the knee and the faulty valves are often up near the top. Failure of the valves in this vein is a major cause of vein reflux disease resulting in varicose veins and pain in the calves.
DIOMED® EVLT - a non-surgical alternative to more invasive methods of treating varicose veins. In the past, vein stripping has been the main treatment which is done under general anesthesia but results in higher likelihood of veins coming back as well as causing surgical scars over the veins. The EVLT process is simple. We begin with a comprehensive consultation and medical history. We look for signs and symptoms of ropey veins above and below the knee. Then we use a Doppler ultrasound to look at both thighs to rule out potential reflux or incompetence of the vein. If you are a candidate, the procedure may be scheduled in our office at your convenience. With this new EVLT system, you can have your varicose veins treated as an outpatient procedure in about 45 minutes with local anesthesia and be able to actually walk home. The procedure leaves no scars, has minimal postoperative pain, a quick recovery period and provides almost immediate relief from your symptoms.This treatment relieves symptoms of cramping and discomfort and many of the veins in the leg will shrink after this procedure. The procedure may also be covered by your insurance carrier.
SCLEROTHERAPY - eliminates spider and varicose veins from the inside out to reduce scarring, avoid general anesthesia and lessen recovery time. The new foam preparations now make it possible for patients with large varicose veins to benefit from this minimally invasive procedure and avoid painful surgery to strip out the veins. Sclerotherapy can remove spider and varicose veins but it does not prevent recurrence. Spider veins, known as telangiectasia, are dilated skin capillaries. While they may be red (arterial capillaries) or blue (venous capillaries), most people have both types. The microinjection technique (sclerotherapy) consists of instilling a solution into these tiny capillaries using very small needles. This irritates the inner lining of the capillaries so they cease to carry blood, and the body slowly replaces them with scar tissue without harming the circulation. Several injections may be needed for a specific area of telangiectasia. The goal is to produce about 75% to 80% improvement. Pain during injection is reported by patients as very slight. Patients may see improvements continue over the course of several months.
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