Vein Care at Center For Advanced Vein Care

Depending on the size, position and severity of your varicose veins, different treatments are available. In Vein Care Center these treatments can effectively reduce symptoms, and prevent complications like thrombophlebitis (a painful blood clot in the varicose vein) from occurring long-term.

Vein Care is the team of doctors, advanced practice providers and nurses at Center For Advanced Vein Care who specialize in venous diseases. We provide diagnosis and treatment of varicose veins, spider veins and other related conditions. Our experts work together, utilizing the knowledge and expertise of specialists in vascular medicine, vascular surgery, interventional radiology, dermatology and plastic surgery.

Varicose veins are enlarged, twisting, rope-like veins that protrude above the skin’s surface. They occur when one-way valves in the veins close improperly, causing blood to flow backward and pool in the veins. Over time, the veins enlarge and become thick and ropey, and can cause pain, heaviness or burning sensations in the legs. The symptoms are often most bothersome during warm weather, when the veins dilate (open) more easily and blood pools in the legs. Varicose veins may also cause a painful blood clot in the leg, called a deep vein thrombosis, which can be life-threatening.

Usually, pain from varicose and spider veins is relieved by elevating the legs – lying down or sitting with your legs raised up on pillows. In some cases, a simple over-the-counter pain reliever like acetaminophen may help to manage the discomfort. Wearing medical-grade compression stockings can significantly improve symptoms by improving blood flow in the legs and preventing blood from pooling in the veins.

For most people, the best choice for treatment of varicose veins is a procedure called sclerotherapy. During this minimally invasive procedure, a doctor injects a solution into the diseased vein. The solution is a mixture of a chemical and a special ligating agent that causes the vein to seal shut. After the vein has been sealed, the doctor removes the catheter and a bandaid is applied to the area. Many people who have this procedure can go back to work and other activities the same day.

Another option is a surgical procedure, called ambulatory phlebectomy, which involves the removal of large surface veins through very small punctures that don’t require stitches. The doctor may use local, spinal or general anesthesia to perform the procedure. With this and other vein procedures, complication rates are very low and most patients return to their normal lives the same day. Whenever you undergo any kind of vein procedure, an ultrasound will be done to check for DVT – a blood clot in the deeper veins in the lower leg and thigh, which can be deadly if it breaks off and moves to the lungs. Your provider will recommend a DVT screening exam every year. These screenings are especially important following a DVT or varicose vein procedure. They can prevent DVT in the future.