VARICOSE VEIN
PROCEDURES
HOW VEINS WORK
REASONS TO FIX
FAILED VEINS
EDUCATIONAL CONSULT,
SCREENING, & DIAGNOSIS
THE FOUR VARICOSE
VEIN PROCEDURES
MYTHS AND THE CHANGING
STANDARD OF CARE
SEE OUR
LEARNING VIDEOS
|
Diagnosis of Failed Veins
A detailed ultrasound is performed
in the office. All of the veins of the legs are studied for clots, obstruction,
dilation and valve failure. This test should be performed while standing - this
is a gravity issue, afterall! And, this diagnostic procedure is most reliably
done in very well equipped offices specializing only in vein care and with
equipment for standardizing the examination. The results are clear-cut, and the
doctor will then be able to tell you if you can benefit from varicose vein
procedures.
Modern Varicose Vein Procedure Characteristics
- Office procedures: All are performed in the office
- Safe
- Pain free
- Twenty minute outpatient procedures
- Non-surgical. All modern varicose vein procedures are performed
through a needle only and with local anesthetic only.
- Ambulatory: Walk in and walk out. No 'downtime'
- Very effective
The 'Upside Down' Tree Analogy
Five
'truncal' vein systems drain the surface of each leg. Each 'truncal system' is
like an upside down tree with three parts, a trunk, branches and twigs. These
correspond to the main 'truncal' vein with valves that can fail causing pressure below,
the internal and external branch veins that can become internal or external varicose veins,
the deep venous capillaries that can dilate and leak inside the leg, and the external venous
capillaries that can dilate to spider and reticular veins seen on the surface. Modern varicose
vein procedures deal with all three parts of each vein system and both internal veins and veins
visible on the surface. The failed truncal veins are closed with an endovenous laser treatment
(EVLT). The internal varicose vein branches are closed using ultrasound guided sclerotherapy (UGS).
The surface varicose veins are removed or interrupted by micro-ambulatory phlebectomy (AP). And,
the spider veins are closed by superficial cosmetic or medical sclerotherapy treatments (SVT or MST).
All modern vein procedures are performed in the office.
|
Venous Insufficiency and Peripheral Vascular Disease
(PVD) Public Education Series
|
Varicose
Veins are Dangerous |
| Summary: |
Varicose veins increase the chance of phlebitis
and associated deep vein clots (DVT - deep vein thrombosis). These deep vein
blood clots can travel to the lungs (PE - pulmonary emboli) and cause death. |
| Problem: |
Usually varicose veins are undertreated. Many
physicians consider these to be simply a 'cosmetic' problem. On the contrary,
treatment is 'medically necessary' and paid by insurances. |
With phlebitis - clot and inflammation in surface varicose veins - the
patient's chance of associated deep vein clots is increased four times. These
deep vein clots can travel to the lungs and suffocate a patient, causing death.
Not only are varicose veins ugly, but they are also dangerous. Treatment is now
simple, safe, and non-surgical and is performed in the office. Yet, many
physicians continue with only symptomatic treatment. Even patients with other
obvious clues that indicate venous disease, including symptoms of leg pain,
night cramps, itching/burning skin, or restlessness, and physical signs
including spider veins, swelling or skin changes, are often offered only
palliative care.
"A large percentage of people have vein problems, approximately 50% of
people over 55 years old! Most are not getting the simple evaluation and modern
treatments they need," says Dr. Mountcastle. They suffer needlessly.
Simple in-office procedures to treat venous insufficiency will make these
varicose veins disappear, relieve pain and stop the deterioration of the
patient's legs.
 | |
|
VARICOSE VEIN PROCEDURES |
HOW VEINS WORK |
REASONS TO FIX FAILED VEINS
EDUCATIONAL CONSULT, SCREENING, AND DIAGNOSIS |
THE FOUR VARICOSE VEIN PROCEDURES
MYTHS AND THE CHANGING STANDARD OF CARE |
SEE OUR LEARNING VIDEOS
|
 |
