DO YOU KNOW THE VARICOSE VEINS SYMPTOMS OF Varicose Veins are enlarged, gnarled veins that develop through a combination of CHRONIC VENOUS weakened vein walls and faulty valves that allow the re-circulating blood to flow INSUFFICIENCY? backwards instead of towards the heart. Because standing and walking upright Over 25 million people in the increases the pressure in the veins of the United States suffer from venous lower body, the veins in the legs and feet insufficiency, the underlying cause of are most commonly affected. varicose veins. Varicose veins are often mistakenly thought to be a cosmetic HEALTHY VEIN VALVE DISEASED VEIN VALVE condition, when, in fact, they are usually a sign of this disease. SOME COMMON SIGNS/SYMPTOMS ARE: VARICOSE VEINS COLOR AND TEXTURE OF THE SKIN CHANGES ACHING, TIRED OR HEAVINESS IN THE LEGS Healthy valves Diseased valves cause keep blood moving blood to move in both SWELLING OF THE LEGS in one direction directions, elevating AND/OR ANKLES venous pressure RESTLESS LEGS SYNDROME SORES ON LEGS BURNING OR ITCHING OF THE LEGS Some patients have venous insufficiency with NO varicose veins. There are several Varicose Veins - Swollen Leg - Skin Damage - Skin Ulcers reasons for vein disease, the most common being hereditary. Others include: TREATMENT OPTIONS Pregnancy, obesity, trauma and jobs that Conservative Initial treatment require long hours of standing. for venous insufficiency includes: GRADUATED COMPRESSION STOCKINGS DIAGNOSING VENOUS INSUFFICIENCY WEIGHT REDUCTION (if appropriate) A venous reflux study is a test performed LEG ELEVATION in our clinic by a trained technician. Using EXERCISE ultrasound we can visualize the veins to Minimally invasive venous ablations is an see if the valves are working appropriately. option for those patients whose symptoms The test is important to diagnose venous are not relieved with conservative insufficiency, but the treatment plan treatment depends greatly upon your symptoms. VENOUS ABLATION WHAT TO EXPECT We now offer Radiofrequency Ablation. After the procedure, the treated leg may It is a minimally invasive procedure and be wrapped in a compression bandage that can be performed in our office in less than will remain in place for 1-2 days and a one hour. A local anesthetic is delivered follow-up ultrasound performed within a to the area, then using ultrasound week. Since there is no incision, no wound guidance, the vein is accessed and the care is needed. appropriate catheter is advanced into the diseased vein. Once the diseased vein is Most patients can resume normal activity closed, the body re-routes the blood to the following day. We recommend that other veins that work more efficiently to thigh high compression stockings be worn return the blood back to the heart. a minimum of 4 weeks post procedure. Most patients are encouraged to walk immediately and return to normal activity Over the few weeks to months following the following day. the ablation, skin changes may get lighter. Symptoms such as aching, restlessness CATHETER VEIN HEATED VEIN CLOSES and heaviness will likely improve and leg IN VEIN swelling, if present, should decrease. POST PROCEDURE It is common to develop some slight swelling and minimal bruising around the treatment site. Risks of bleeding, infection and blood clots, although rare, do exist. Some patients may develop phelebitis (an inflammation of the vein). Symptoms include: Redness, soreness and swelling. Treatment for phlebitis includes alternating warm and cold compresses to the affected area every 4-6 hours along with anti-inflammatory BEFORE AFTER medicine until resolved. .