Depending upon your condition, treatment prescribed by the St. Anthony Vein and Circulation Center will include one of the following.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is a technique used to treat both varicose veins and spider veins. Performed in the comfort of a physician’s office, a tiny needle is used to inject the veins with a chemical solution called Sotradecol (sodium tetradecylsufate) which pushes the blood out of the vein, causing the vein to close down, shrivel and disappear. The vein simply becomes scar tissue and is absorbed into the skin. Following the procedure, blood flow improves which results in better, healthier veins, and improved circulation. Patients’ legs feel better, and they realize a healthier, visible improvement in appearance.
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Sclerotherapy reduces the symptoms due to varicose and spider veins in most patients. With this procedure, the condition can be dealt with at an early stage, helping to prevent further complications. Depending upon the type and number of veins being treated, patients may have one to many injections. Generally, normal activities can be resumed after sclerotherapy. Complications with schlerotherapy are rare.
Endovascular Laser Ablation
Endovascular Laser Ablation is one of the latest, minimally invasive techniques used in surgical intervention for the removal of varicose veins performed under local anesthesia. During the procedure, the physician makes a single small needle stick in the skin near the knee, where a guide wire is then placed. Then through the sheath the laser fiber optic is inserted into the damaged vein. Pulses of laser light are delivered inside the damaged vein, as it is slowly withdrawn, which causes the vein to collapse and to seal shut. Following the procedure compression bandages will be applied to the treated leg. Patients are able to walk out of the office and resume normal activities within a few days of treatment. Swelling, bruising and pain are minimal with endovascular laser ablation.
Vnus Closure
Vnus Closure is an alternative to “stripping” of varicose veins. The Closure procedure has been available since 1999 and is approved by the FDA. This procedure is performed under local anesthesia and is a minimally invasive procedure. A small catheter is inserted through a small needle-size incision in the skin, near the knee, into the damaged vein. The catheter is positioned near the groin, and slowly withdrawn as it delivers radiofrequency energy to the vein wall, causing it to heat. As the vein warms, it collapses and seals shut. Following the procedure compression bandages will be applied to the treated leg. Patients are able to return to normal activities within a few days of surgery. Swelling, bruising and pain are minimal.
Ambulatory Microphlebectomy
Ambulatory Microphlebectomy is a method of surgical removal of surface varicose veins. This procedure is performed under local anesthesia. Tiny stab incisions are made in the skin, along the treated vein, to remove small sections of the vein or tie off part of the vein with a permanent suture, or both. The incisions are so tiny that stitches are generally not necessary. The incisions usually disappear within a few months. Patients are able to resume normal activities within a few days of surgery. Swelling, bruising and pain are minimal. This procedure is often recommended in conjunction with sclerotherapy. Varicose veins disappear immediately thus enhancing the appearance of legs, and patients generally feel much better.
