The treatment of varicose veins has come a long way. The in-office, minimally invasive techniques used today have a higher success rate than older, more invasive procedures such as vein stripping.
One recent Premier Vein Clinics patient knows this first hand. *Jean, a 70-something Knoxville native had inherited her varicose veins and the painful swelling had caused problems much of her adult life. Several years ago she had her varicose veins stripped, which she describes as “an incredibly painful procedure, with a long recovery period.” Unfortunately, as is the case with some patients, over time the varicose veins presented problems once again.
Just like nearly 40 million other Americans, Jean attempted to manage her symptoms caused by the bulging and twisted swollen veins in her legs. Varicose veins can cause aching and feelings of fatigue, and Jean says the swelling in her legs was becoming unbearable.
“At my age, I’m not worried about making my legs look pretty,” Jean explained as she was preparing for a varicose vein laser treatment at Premier Vein Clinics recently. “The swelling was just too much, and I want my legs to be functional again.” She had heard good things about Premier Vein Clinics of Knoxville from a friend and had scheduled an evaluation with one of the eight vascular surgeons on staff.
Her Premier Vein Clinic physician recommended Endovenous Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA), which is a minimally invasive procedure in which a tiny catheter is inserted through a small incision. Guided by ultrasound imaging, the vein specialist is able to treat the diseased vein with short bursts of radiofrequency energy, causing the vessel to shrink around the catheter. The physician withdraws the catheter, treating each segment until the entire length of the diseased vein has been sealed. After the vein is sealed shut, blood then naturally re-routes through healthy veins.
Jean had the RFA procedure done on her right leg, just a couple weeks before her left. “It wasn’t painful,” she says. “That was amazing to me. So I’m glad to be getting the other leg taken care of, too.”
In less than an hour, the varicose vein in Eleanor’s left leg was treated. The eight vein specialists at Premier Vein Clinics of Knoxville have collectively performed more than 10,000 vein procedures since 2004.
If you are experiencing symptoms of varicose veins request a consult with one of Premier Vein Clinic of Knoxville’s experienced vascular surgeons. We can help you determine the best course of action to manage your symptoms and maintain healthy legs. Call (865) 588-8229 and request an appointment today.
*Name has been changed