The treatment of varicose veins has come a long way. Specifically in recent years, treatment has become far less invasive, resulting in less pain and discomfort post-procedure and a quicker recovery time. If you have a direct relative that underwent a procedure such as vein stripping they might suggest to you the treatment is worse than the actual disease. You can find comfort in learning this procedure is rarely performed any more and gone are the days when veins are “stripped” from the leg through an incision near the groin. The good news is you now have more options for treating unsightly varicose veins.
Generally speaking, the treatment of larger varicose veins today begins with the application of a local anesthetic to make the procedure more comfortable for the patient. A fluid is also injected into the vein to help flush out any blood. Through a small puncture-like opening, a thin catheter is inserted into the diseased vein and guided by ultrasound technology to the problem site. At that point laser or radiofrequency energy is administered to shrink the vein walls causing the vein to collapse and be reabsorbed into the body. The physician will slowly withdraw the catheter, treating each segment of the diseased vein until it is fully sealed. The body naturally reroutes the flow of blood to other healthy veins so there is no disruption in circulation. Varicose vein treatments today are virtually pain-free and leave little to no scarring. Some patients experience mild bruising and discomfort that subsides within a few days post-treatment.
Your options for treatment of varicose veins at Premier Vein Clinics in Knoxville includes the following:
Endovenous Laser Therapy: During this procedure, also known as EVLT, laser energy is delivered through a small puncture in the leg to shrink and close off a diseased vein.
Radiofrequency Ablation Endovenous Therapy: Also known as RFA, this procedure utilizes short bursts of radiofrequency energy to shrink the diseased vein. The difference between RFA and EVLT is the heat source administered to the diseased vessel.
Ambulatory Phlebectomy: In some instances, medium to large varicose veins need to be removed to fully treat the varicose vein. Ambulatory phlebectomy is done in conjunction with an EVLT or RFA procedure. During the treatment, veins close to the skin’s surface are removed one small section at a time using a small knitting needle-like hook through pinhole punctures.
Sclerotherapy: This technique is used to treat small and some larger spider veins with an injectable solution that causes the veins to swell, collapse and fade away over time. Sclerotherapy is most often used to treat visible spider veins and is often recommended in addition to more in-depth varicose vein treatments for optimal aesthetic results.
To learn more about these options for treatment visit our website or take our online assessment to determine if you could benefit from varicose vein treatment.