Q: What are minimally invasive/surgical treatment options?

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.

Question 1

What are the symptoms of Venous Insufficiency?

Accepted Answer

Itching, spider veins in the legs
Varicose veins
Swelling (edema) and discomfort/aching in the legs worse with standing long periods of time
Bronze discoloration (hyperpigmentation) or eczema in the lower legs, usually inside above ankles
Hardening of the skin or skin dimpling above the ankles
Skin ulcer (venous stasis ulcer)

Question 2

What are the risk factors of Venous Insufficiency?

Accepted Answer

Advanced age
Women (hormonally related, especially if multiple pregnancies)
Family history
Obesity
Leg injury or surgeries on legs
History of DVT
Occupation requiring prolonged standing

Question 3

How is Venous Insufficiency Diagnosed?

Accepted Answer

Physical exam
Ultrasound exam to check for blood clots and to check vein valve function while standing/straining
Occasionally CT scan or venograms/intravascular ultrasound to check for abdominal/pelvic vein narrowing or occlusion

Question 4

What are non-surgical treatment options?

Accepted Answer

Try to limit long periods of standing if possible
Leg elevation (prop your legs on a couple of pillows) when not on your feet
Walking/exercise to strengthen the calf muscles
Weight loss
Graded compression stockings/support stockings to help the blood flow back up the leg to the heart while standing

Question 5

What are minimally invasive/surgical treatment options?

Accepted Answer

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.

Venous Insufficiency