Frequently Asked Questions

Varicose Veins

What are varicose veins?

The large varicose veins are ropy appearing blue vessels under the skin, usually ¼ inch or larger in diameter. They are most often branches from the saphenous trunk veins, and have enlarged due to the excess pressure in the saphenous system. Varicose veins are unsightly and often painful. A clotted varicose vein causes the classic phlebitis, hot and red and painful skin at the site of the clot.

What causes varicose veins to appear?

The most common cause is too much pressure inside the veins themselves. When pressure builds in the saphenous vein, branch veins stretch open and become varicose veins. Veins carry blood to the heart through one-way valve systems. When these valves don’t work properly, blood can build up in the veins or even flow back down the leg causing varicose veins to appear. Veins with a weak wall are the most likely to result in bulging, ropy, and often painful varicose veins. These veins can also be symptomatic with pain and swelling.

What are the Endovenous Procedures?

The Endovenous Laser or Endovenous Radiofrequency are methods to eliminate the saphenous veins without stripping them from the leg. Either a laser fiber or an RF catheter is placed inside the vein and is positioned with ultrasound guidance. Energy applied to the catheter destroys the vein lining, causing the vein to shrink and ultimately to disappear. The skin vein circulation spontaneously diverts to the normal deep veins.

Who are candidates for the procedures?

Patients with varicose veins, leg swelling, leg ulcers, and dermatitis may have inherited the saphenous insufficiency disorder. The endovenous procedures will correct this problem, with a success rate greater than 90%. Dr. Bradbury will determine if you are a candidate for this procedure following his consultation with you.

What are the advantages?

The endovenous procedures are far less traumatic than the stripping and ligation operation. Often only a local anesthetic is required, and many procedures are performed in the office. Down time for recovery is usually only a few days.

What are the long term results?

Three year follow-up studies indicate better success than the stripping operation. The endovenous methods have a greater than 90% success rate to cure the vein hypertension, eliminate the varicose veins, heal vein ulcers, and prevent recurrence of the vein disorder.

Are varicose veins treatments covered by insurance?

Most insurance companies consider the treatment of varicose veins that are causing painful symptoms to be "medically necessary." A knowledgeable staff member will discuss insurance reimbursement procedures in cases of medical necessity and will help with obtaining pre-certification.

See also Laser Vein Therapy

____________________________________________________

TO FIND A VARICOSE VEINS OR SPIDER VEINS CENTER  AND DOCTOR  NEAR YOU, VISIT VEINSonline.COM

____________________________________________________