Venous insufficiency is a condition where veins cannot adequately transfer blood from the legs back up to the heart. Inside the veins are valves that operate like one way valves, directing the flow of blood from the feet up to the heart.
The heart pumps the blood through the arteries down to the feet. But we don't have a second heart in our feet to pump the blood back up against gravity. Our calf muscles are the second pump. They help pump the blood in the veins from the feet to the heart to become oxygenated in the lungs. The blood is only pumped up a few inches at a time, and when the calf muscle relaxes, these vein valves will not allow the blood to fall back downhill. When the valves become damaged, the blood pools in the veins in the lower legs. This puts pressure on the veins. Over time, the pressure can lead to varicose veins, swelling, aching, skin changes (hardening and bronze discoloration), and eventually ulcers/sores.
Dr. Scott J. Sanders, MD, is dedicated to providing comprehensive diagnosis and stat of the art treatment for venous insufficiency. He will take the time to answer any questions you may have about venous insufficiency and help you decide on the best treatment. For more information, call (270)-845-4300 to schedule an appointment today!
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Sclerotherapy for spider veins
Injection of spider veins with an irritant into the vein with a very small needle which will disappear with time
RF/laser ablation of the saphenous vein
Placing a catheter inside of the saphenous vein under ultrasound guidance to close the vein off with heat. The saphenous vein feeds the varicose veins, so closing it off takes pressure off of the varicose veins. This pretty much replaced the old vein stripping procedure performed in the operating room.
Foam ablation of varicose veins
Injecting a foam solution into varicose veins under ultrasound guidance that are persistent/painful after RF/Laser ablation. May also be used to treat varicose veins when a patient's saphenous vein is normal and doesn't need to be closed off with RF/Laser.
Venous stents
If you are found to have abdominal or pelvic vein narrowing or blockages.
Microstab phlebectomy
1 mm stab incisions are made to remove varicose veins with a phlebectomy hook. Sometimes, this can be performed in the office. If extensive, it's usually done in the operating room with anesthesia.
Call our office at (270) 845-4300 for an appointment to evaluate and then treat your venous insufficiency.
For more information about our Paducah Vascular Institute and the services we offer, please call (270)845-4300 to schedule your appointment today.
2419 New Holt Road
Paducah, Kentucky 42001
Phone:
270-845-4300
Fax: 270-845-4301