VENOUS DISEASE

Venous Disease is a vascular condition ranging from mild to life-threatening. Veins are thin, hollow tubes with flaps inside called valves. Veins carry blood throughout the body, while valves ensure blood flows in the right direction. If the vein walls or valves become damaged, blood flow can be interrupted, causing veins to stay filled with blood.

WHAT ARE SPIDER VEINS?

 

Spider veins are small red or blue veins under the surface of the skin that commonly appear on the face and legs. While the exact cause of spider veins is unknown, heredity, pregnancy, trauma, aging, sun damage and hormonal influence can contribute to the condition.

 

SELF-CARE AND PREVENTION

While the cause of venous disease isn’t always clear, there are steps that can be taken at home to reduce risk and prevent the condition from worsening, such as:

• Exercise
• Weight management
• Elevating legs
• Avoiding prolonged standing or sitting
• Compression stockings

 

Vein Procedures at ACS

At Advanced Cardiovascular Specialists’ Vein Center, we offer treatment and evaluation for all types of venous conditions, including varicose veins and spider veins. This includes full diagnostic testing of venous conditions to determine underlying causes and provide the best treatment method for a pain-free and healthy lifestyle.

 

Venus Insufficiency

Venous insufficiency, also known as chronic venous insufficiency or CVI, is a condition that occurs when the leg veins have trouble sending blood back to the heart. Valves within the veins fail to function properly, causing blood to pool in the legs, leading to symptoms of swelling and pain, skin changes, and leg ulcers.

 

Venous Diagnostics

To determine the best course of action for the treatment of varicose or spider veins, each of our patients goes through a full course of diagnostic testing. This helps us better understand the cause of each venous condition as well as the severity, allowing our physicians to provide a comprehensive treatment plan to reduce or eliminate any pain or discomfort and slow any further effects.

 

Radio Frequency Vein Ablation

Radio Frequency Vein Ablation, or RFA, is a method of sealing varicose veins in place using a radiofrequency device. Much like a catheter tube, the radiofrequency device is inserted into the vein through a small incision, where it can travel to the affected areas. As the radiofrequency device is removed, it emits radiofrequency energy, heating the surrounding vein walls and causing them to collapse and close. This prevents blood from further entering the problem vein, and the body eventually absorbs the vein over time.

 

Although Radio Frequency Vein Ablation does not remove the vein itself, it is a very effective procedure in eliminating symptoms of varicose veins. Furthermore, the procedure is minimally invasive, requiring only local anesthetic with a short procedure time of 2-3 hours from patient intake to discharge. Minimal side effects of Radio Frequency Vein Ablation include mild bruising, tenderness, or possible nerve damage at the insertion site.

 

Venaseal Ablation

Venaseal Ablation is another method of sealing varicose veins that uses adhesive instead of heating methods to seal off varicose veins. Like Radio Frequency Vein Ablation, the adhesive is delivered to strategic areas of the affected vein through a catheter tube inserted through an incision site. Upon completion, the adhesive prevents blood from entering the vein, therefore fully sealing and rerouting blood flow to other parts of the body.

Venaseal Ablation does not remove the vein itself, instead allowing the body to eventually absorb the unused vein. The procedure is considered to be minimally invasive, requiring only local numbing of the incision site due to the application of adhesive vs. heating used with other procedures. The Venaseal procedure is relatively short, requiring only 2-3 hours from patient intake to discharge. Minimal procedure side effects include mild bruising, tenderness, or possible nerve damage at the insertion site.

 

 

Vein Procedure Care Instructions

Before & After Care

As Radiofrequency Vein Ablation and Venaseal Ablation are minimally invasive procedures, before & after care requirements are not extensive. Immediately following each procedure, patients are encouraged to get up and walk, promoting increased blood flow to surrounding veins. In most cases, incisions are simply closed with a bandage or with the help of some medical adhesive on infrequent occasions. Cleaning of the incision site is recommended with frequent bandage changes over the first few days to prevent infection. For radiofrequency vein ablation, the wearing of compression socks is recommended to help improve healing, reduce swelling, and avoid blood clots. Consistent low-impact exercise is a recommended addition to daily lifestyle to prevent further occurrences of spider or varicose veins.

 

Treatment Timelines

Both Radiofrequency Vein Ablation and Venaseal Ablation are outpatient procedures with relatively quick durations. While most procedures last from 2-3 hours from patient intake to discharge, duration is dependent on the severity and number of veins to be treated. Most patients can expect both a relatively short procedure and recovery period, with the ability to leave their appointment without the need for assistance.

 

 

Other Types of Vein Procedures

There are many other types of vein procedures used to treat both varicose and spider veins; while effective, they are generally considered more invasive, resulting in a longer recovery and more intensive procedure than the modern methods used at Advanced Cardiovascular Specialists.

Sclerotherapy

This method of vein removal involves injecting a chemical solution into the vein in order to seal it shut. This procedure is often limited to smaller veins and may require multiple sessions to be effective.

 

Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA)

Like Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA), this procedure uses heat delivered through a laser to close the vein. Although similar to RFA, EVLA can lead to increased bruising and discomfort.

 

Surgical Ligation & Stripping

considered a more traditional surgical method, surgical ligation requires multiple incisions to tie off and remove the vein. This method often involves a longer recovery period and a higher risk of complications.

 

Ambulatory Phlebectomy

A surgical procedure to remove small veins through tiny incisions. It is often used for cosmetic purposes or in conjunction with other treatments.

 

 

How Much Does It Cost To Remove Varicose Veins?

The costs associated with varicose vein removal can vary based on several factors, including severity, size, and the number of vein paths to be treated. Symptom severity is also another determining factor that is considered when evaluating the treatment path and varicose vein procedure cost. As some varicose veins begin as an asymptomatic condition, an at-home treatment regimen may only be required.

 

Insurance coverage is often available for patients with symptomatic varicose veins that are deemed medically necessary for removal. In order to determine if insurance coverage is available for you, contact Advanced Cardiovascular Specialists for a varicose vein evaluation. We can help to determine the severity and extent of vein ablation required, and help to navigate the key distinction between a medical vs. cosmetic vein treatment. Removal of spider veins is generally considered a cosmetic procedure and is not often covered by insurance policies.

 

 

FAQ’s

What is the difference between spider veins and varicose veins?

Both spider and varicose veins are the result of blood flow issues throughout the veins, but each differs in severity. Spider veins, generally caused by damaged capillaries, venules, or arterioles, are smaller and are often asymptomatic, appearing closer to the surface of the skin, giving a spiderweb-like appearance. Varicose veins, on the other hand, are caused by weakened or damaged valves within the veins and appear larger, bulging from the skin and often causing pain or discomfort.

 

How can I stop varicose veins from forming?

Varicose veins are often a result of genetic predisposition, making them difficult to prevent. Lifestyle modifications like a healthy diet and regular exercise, however, can help to slow the formation of varicose or spider veins and prevent worsening symptoms.

 

What is the best treatment for varicose veins?

Treatments for varicose veins can vary based on the severity as well as individual circumstances. Radiofrequency Vein Ablation is a minimally invasive procedure used at the Advanced Cardiovascular Specialists Vein Center to treat varicose veins of all severities by sealing off varicose veins using radiofrequency energy. Patients are administered local anesthesia and experience minimal discomfort during the procedure.

 

Are vein treatments covered by insurance?

In many cases, insurance coverage for varicose vein treatments is available if the treatment has been deemed medically necessary by a family physician or medical expert in that field. To determine if you have insurance coverage for varicose vein treatment, consult your insurance company and family physician.

 

Can you leave varicose veins untreated?

Yes, varicose veins can go untreated, especially if symptoms are mild. With proper diet and consistent exercise, progression of varicose veins and their associated symptoms can be slowed and prevented.