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Varicose Veins Treatment
What are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are enlarged veins which are close to the skin’s surface. They are usually visible and can become painful particularly after prolonged standing or walking. Most commonly affected veins are those in the legs and feet due to the increased pressure, which affect valves in the veins, resulting in retrograde (downward) flow of the blood.
Downward direction of the blood flow (which is increased by the gravity) further damages valves, which fail to close properly, allowing pooling of the blood and stretching and thickening of the affected veins.
What are the symptoms of varicose veins?
Symptoms vary depending on the severity of the problem and may include aching legs, ankle swelling, redness, dryness, itchiness of the affected area, cramps, skin discolouration, restless leg syndrome etc.
Conservative treatment includes regular rest in elevated position combined with gentle exercise and elastic stockings to support the weakened veins.
What is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is a non invasive interventional procedure in which chemical sclerosant is injected, to seal off the varicose or larger spider veins (teleangiectasiae). This therapy can be used for vascular and lymphatic malformations, particularly in children and younger people.
How does sclerotherapy work?
Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy is performed by injecting of the sclerosant solution, which causes irritation of the vein and forms a thrombus. The organism itself will try to repair the damage by forming scar tissue, which will actually close the treated vein.
Sclerotherapy is more appropriate for smaller varicose veins due to the fact that if instead of forming the scar, the thrombus gets dissolved, varicose vein may reopen.
Sclerotherapy is used for treatment of larger spider veins (enlarged intracutaneous veins) which are usually asymptomatic, but can cause burning pain, though it seems that the major issue is of an aesthetic nature.
Is there a fact sheet about sclerotherapy and what to expect?
Yes! Find our sclerotherapy fact sheet here.
Do you offer another option for varicose veins besides sclerotherapy?
Yes. Radiofrequency vein ablation is also an option for varicose veins.
Radiofrequency and laser vein ablation
Radiofrequency vein ablation is minimally invasive interventional procedure that uses radiofrequency or laser to seal off varicose veins. Using ultrasound guidance a thin catheter is inserted through the skin into the vein (great saphenous vein).
When properly positioned, radiofrequency or laser energy is applied, heating up the vein and closing it off. Once the varicose vein is closed, other healthy veins will take over the function of that vein and establish normal blood flow.
Do you have a FAQ page?
Yes! Your questions are answered here.
What referral form does my doctor need to fill in for me to have this procedure?
Author: Dr John Vrazas MB,BS FRANZCR