Vein Treatments
Our vein specialists will determine the optimal treatment for each patient’s needs.
VEIN DISORDER TREATMENT
After a comprehensive evaluation that includes an ultrasound examination of the veins, our vein treatment specialists will determine the optimal treatment for each patient’s needs. Ultrasound diagnosis and treatment of vascular diseases are performed in one of our six vein treatment centers in the California Bay Area in less than one hour.
The Venefit™ Procedure
The Venefit procedure, an alternative treatment option to traditional vein stripping surgery, brings state-of-the-art technology to an age-old disease.
The Venefit procedure is performed on an outpatient basis. Using ultrasound guidance, your physician will position the Closure catheter into the diseased vein through a small opening in the skin. The slender catheter delivers radiofrequency (RF) energy to the catheter, which heats the vein wall. As the vein wall is heated and the catheter withdrawn, the collagen in the wall shrinks and the vein closes. Once the diseased vein is closed, blood is re-routed to other healthy veins.
Following the procedure, a simple bandage is placed over the insertion site, and additional compression may be provided to aid healing. Your doctor may encourage you to walk at frequent intervals and to refrain from prolonged standing and strenuous activities for a period of time.
Venefit Procedure for Treating Ulcers
The Venefit™ procedure RFS stylet allows our practice to offer you a minimally-invasive option to traditional surgery for the venous ulcers on your legs. It is the only endovenous ablation device specifically cleared by FDA for the treatment of incompetent perforating veins, the most common origin of your leg ulcers. This outpatient treatment can be either the primary procedure or it can be performed in addition to the Venefit procedure, when chronic venous insufficiency disease of your large saphenous veins has been diagnosed.
Other Treatment Options
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is a cosmetic medical procedure used to treat varicose veins and spider veins. The sclerotherapy procedure uses a tiny needle to inject a solution directly into the vein. The solution irritates the lining of the vessel, causing it to swell and stick together, and the blood to clot. Overtime, the body will absorb the treated vein. Mild discomfort may occur, and a cramping sensation may be felt for 1 to 2 minutes when larger veins are injected. The number of veins injected in one session is variable, depending on the size and location of the veins, and the patient’s overall medical condition. Anywhere from one to several sclerotherapy sessions may be needed for any vein region. Medically prescribed support hose and/or bandages may need to be worn for several days to several weeks to assist in resolution of the veins after sclerotherapy. In general, spider veins respond to sclerotherapy treatment in 3 to 6 weeks, and larger veins respond in 3 to 4 months.
Ambulatory Phlebectomy
Ambulatory phlebectomy is a method of surgical removal of surface veins. This is usually completed in our office using local anesthesia. Incisions are tiny (stitches are generally not necessary) and typically leave imperceptible puncture mark scars.
Post-operative discomfort is minimal. After the vein has been removed by phlebectomy, a bandage and/or compression stocking is worn for a short period.
Treating the Venous Ulcer
(Treating Perforating Veins)
In the United States it is estimated that up to 1.8 million people are afflicted with venous ulcers which are the most common chronic wounds treated in wound care centers.1,2 More than half of the venous ulcers treated are recurring ulcerations, or wounds that might have healed before, but later return. Conventional treatments for venous ulcer patients include the use of antibiotics, salves, and compression therapy. But these treatments have often resulted in high failure and recurrence rates. Attempts to heal the skin without correcting the underlying venous insufficiency can lead to a delayed ulcer healing and recurrence.
