Minimally invasive varicose veins
treatment
When conservative varicose veins treatment fail it’s often necessary to physically remove moderate-severe varicose veins. This surgical procedure is known as a microphlebectomy. In this case “micro” means small, “phleb” refers to veins, and “extomy” means to surgically remove. This safe and effective procedure completely resolves varicose veins as they’re physically not there anymore.
This approach is very minimally invasive. Access incisions are typically about 3 millimeters long and usually don’t require stitches. Complications are vanishingly rare, scarring is extremely minimal, and there’s virtually no downtime. General anesthesia isn’t necessary as a local agent such as lidocaine provides complete pain control. Most patients can return to work the same day, and within two weeks can resume strenuous exercise.
More varicose veins treatment
Unfortunately, a microphlebectomy can only target surface veins, not the deeper veins which feed them. Specifically, these underlying diseased veins are almost always the Great Saphenous Vein, the Small Saphenous Vein (SSV), or both. This makes the procedure a cosmetic one aiming to improving the appearance of the legs. Yet only by treating these deeper veins can symptoms be alleviated entirely.
Today a technique known as Radiofrequency (RF) ablation is used to accomplish this goal. It’s an extremely minimally invasive procedure that only takes about 60 minutes and involves little to no downtime. Only local anesthesia is necessary so it’s much safer than earlier procedures, and there’s rarely the need for a hospital stay. Taken as a whole RF ablation is an alternative to vein stripping that’s more effective and much less invasive. Additionally, average RF recovery times are quite short, especially when compared to vein stripping. It’s gives all of the benefits of extensive venous surgery of the legs with almost no downside.
Laser Therapy
A laser is a concentrated beam of light. When a vein is destroyed by heat from laser light during varicose vein treatment, scar tissue is created. Eventually, a “closed” vein stops receiving blood and dies. Compared to vein ligation and stripping, laser therapy is less painful and heals faster. The injured vein may entirely dissolve after a year or two. Laser vein surgery is only effective for treating tiny varicose veins that are close to the surface because it is done externally.
On the other hand, bigger leg varicose veins are best treated using endovenous laser therapy. Through a tiny tube and into the vein, a laser fiber is introduced. When performing this, we look at your vein on a duplex imaging screen.
Untreated Varicose Veins: The Risks
Uncontrollable Bleeding
Varicose veins can rupture and cause minor skin injuries since they develop close to the skin’s surface. Some individuals may experience spontaneous varicose vein bleeding, which usually takes place at night or while taking a shower.
As you brush your leg against the heel of the other leg or rub your knees together, pressure is frequently applied to the area that is affected. Gradually thinning skin on the varicose vein’s surface leads to vein rupture.
Subacute thrombosis
The enlargement of the vein under the skin is referred to as the condition. That might happen as a result of less blood flowing into the vein.
Pain and skin redness can also be symptoms of superficial thrombosis. The vein becomes delicate and hard as a result of this disease. As you attempt to move the injured leg, you might experience discomfort and edema. Thankfully, deeper veins rarely become affected by superficial thrombophlebitis.
Development of ulcers
A venous ulcer could develop on the affected leg as your symptoms get worse over time. The skin that the varicose vein has damaged begins to degrade and forms a venous ulcer. They have uneven borders and resemble superficial lesions.
How is Venous Insufficiency diagnosed?
It’s recommended that you make an appoint for a vein specialist if you are concerned with venous insufficiency. He or she will start with a complete personal medical history, documenting details about your symptoms.
Call 724-987-3220 Today for an appointment!