Our physicians have the expertise to treat all of your vascular needs. Here are some common problems and ways to treat them.

What are Spider Veins?

Spider veins are small, red, blue, or purple tiny veins or capillaries under the skin that have a clustering pattern. They are unsightly and uncomfortable.

What are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are twisted, enlarged veins near the surface of the skin. They most commonly develop in the legs and ankles and lead to skin changes and cause symptoms of pain and swelling.

What causes Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins develop when you have faulty valves in your veins and weakened vein walls. Such unsightly veins occur in 30% of people by age 20 and in 80% of people by age 80. Normally, the one-way valves in these veins keep the blood flowing efficiently against gravity up towards the heart. When these valves do not function properly, blood pools, pressure builds up, and the veins become weakened, enlarged, and twisted. This is called venous insufficiency.

Some people may be more likely than others to develop varicose veins because of inherited characteristics, the aging process, trauma or hormone changes. Varicose veins may also result from conditions that increase pressure on the leg veins, such as being overweight or pregnant or having an occupation that requires standing for long periods of time.

How are varicose veins and spider veins diagnosed?

Patients usually notice the protruding veins or discoloration even before symptoms occur. Our surgeons have significant experience in diagnosing and treating patients with these problems. After examination, a color duplex ultrasound may be performed in our ICAVL-accredited vascular laboratory, to provide a precise map of the venous system and the extent of the venous reflux in the leg. This aids the physician in determining which valves do not function properly.

Treatment

Stockings

Elastic support hose are frequently prescribed and are quite effective in keeping the veins collapsed, preventing reflux, which may help prevent the progression of the varicose veins. Our office supplies quality support hose.

Injection Therapy

With sclerotherapy - the procedure used to treat these conditions -- a doctor injects a scarring or sclerosing solution into the veins. The solution causes the inside lining of the vein to become inflamed and 'sticky,' causing it to then close. This makes the abnormal vein disappear.

Laser Phlebotomy of Varicose Veins and Spider Veins

Laser energy can be directed to abnormal spider veins or small caliber veins, thus obliterating them and making them disappear. This technique is used to treat smaller areas of abnormal veins.

Vein Stripping

The traditional treatment for reflux from the greater saphenous vein (the most common cause of large varicose veins) has been surgical removal. Under general or spinal anesthesia, incisions are made at the groin and below the knee and a wire is passed through the vein. A "bullet" is attached to the end of the wire and pulled back, tearing the vein from its branches and subcutaneous tissue. Bleeding into the space from which the vein was removed is minimized by compression, but significant bruising and swelling are common. This generally resolves within 6 weeks. Ace wrapping or support stockings are needed for 2 to 6 weeks.

Closure®

The Closure® technique is an exciting alternative to vein stripping, approved by the U.S. FDA in March 1999 for use in the United States. As doctors become more familiar with this treatment it may become the new standard for treating varicose veins. The procedure is done by placing a very small tube into the vein that delivers radio frequency energy to the vein wall, causing it to collapse and seal shut. As with sclerotherapy, once the vein is sealed, healthy veins will take over and redirect the blood flow. The procedure itself is minimally invasive and is performed under local anesthesia in a doctor's office. Patients report feeling little pain, if any, during the procedure and most return to their normal activity within a day. Side effects are usually limited to slight bruising. Most patients report a noticeable improvement in their symptoms in 1-2 weeks following the procedure and enjoy good cosmetic outcomes with little or no scarring.

Is varicose vein treatment covered by insurance?

Health insurance usually covers procedures considered "medically necessary". While many insurers will cover the cost of some treatment for symptomatic veins that fail to respond to compression therapy, most will not cover treatments that are primarily cosmetic. The physicians and staff at the GFM Vein Center will assist you in ascertaining in advance what to expect in coverage and costs.

How do I schedule an evaluation?

Please call 609-927-8550 for a consultation with our Vein Specialists.