Although varicose veins are often associated with age, the condition can affect anyone at any point in life. About 35% of American men and women suffer from varicose veins.
Varicose veins are bumpy, enlarged, and bulging veins that typically appear on your calves and thighs. Though they create cosmetic flaws, varicose veins are also associated with restless legs, leg cramps, aches, and swelling. Skin discoloration, burning, and itching can also occur.
Even though self-care such as exercising, elevating your legs, and wearing compression stockings, can offer some relief from discomfort, minimally invasive varicose vein treatments can permanently relieve symptoms and deliver dramatic cosmetic results. The success of vein treatments is similar to surgical vein removal, though the procedures are accomplished with less risk, less downtime, and less anesthesia than surgery.
Vein treatments require precision and skill to ensure that healthy veins aren’t damaged in the process of treating varicose veins. Board-certified cardiologist Kishore K. Arcot, MD, FACC, FSCAI, FSVM, RPVI, is a varicose vein specialist who specializes in several effective vein treatments.
Based on a thorough physical examination and medical history, Dr. Arcot determines the most appropriate varicose vein treatment for your situation. Factors such as your overall health, the size and location of your damaged veins, and your preferences and goals are considered.
Learn more about outpatient varicose vein treatments and how Dr. Arcot and the professional staff at the Memphis Vein Center can improve the appearance and physical symptoms associated with your condition.
Endovenous laser ablation therapy (EVLT) uses a laser to deliver small bursts of intense heat to damaged veins. The heat causes the formation of scar tissue that seals off the vein, resulting in the vein’s collapse.
An EVLT session is usually completed in about an hour. To begin the procedure, Dr. Arcot makes a small incision based on ultrasound images of the vein. He uses a catheter to insert a laser fiber into the diseased vein.
When activated, the laser delivers heat to the targeted vein. A local anesthetic numbs the area surrounding the vein.
The treated vein remains in place and dissolves in your body over time. Blood is rerouted to healthier veins throughout your body.
Improvement is typically visible immediately following the procedure though it can take weeks or months for a treated vein to completely disappear.
Sclerotherapy is a varicose vein treatment that involves the injection of a chemical solution, called a sclerosant, directly into a damaged vein.
The sclerosant irritates the lining of the vein and makes it swell. This results in a reaction that interferes with the blood flow through the vein, prompting the vein to collapse and shrink.
You may feel tingling, burning, or no discomfort at all. Though the needle may pinch, the rest of the procedure is considered tolerable without anesthesia. The dead vein is absorbed by your body.
A typical sclerotherapy treatment takes between 15-30 minutes. You may be able to resume normal activities immediately after your treatment. Results may be noticeable within a few weeks.
ClariVein® is a varicose vein treatment that combines mechanical destruction of the varicose vein and a sclerosant delivered with ultrasound guidance.
The procedure uses a special, ultra-thin infusion catheter with a rotating wire tip. This unique tip fits through a pin-size entry point. When activated, it delivers 360-degree application of the chemical agents to cover the entire interior of the damaged vessel.
The 30-minute procedure is quick and pain-free. ClariVein typically results in faster recovery times and less bruising than other treatments because it doesn’t use thermal energy or needle-stick injections.
Microphlebectomy, also known as ambulatory phlebectomy, involves the surgical removal of a varicose vein. The treatment is performed under local anesthesia in a procedure that lasts between 30 minutes and two hours.
Microphlebectomy involves the removal of short segments of the varicose vein through tiny incisions. Ultrasound is used to identify the location of the targeted veins and the best points to make the incisions. Dr. Arot uses a special tool, called a phlebectomy hook, to remove the segments through the tiny holes.
Microphlebectomy is administered using local anesthesia. No sutures or stitches are necessary, and results are apparent immediately.
Find out more about varicose vein treatments and how they can improve the way your varicose veins look and feel. Request a consultation online, or call us to arrange an appointment.
