Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are large, painful veins that bulge through your skin. The most common areas for varicose veins are the thighs, back of the calves, and inside the leg. These veins are typically red, blue, or skin-colored. Pregnant women may develop varicose veins on their vaginal area and buttocks.

What CAUSES Vericose Veins?

Weak and damaged veins are unable to control the blood flow from your legs and other extremities back to your heart. As a result, small amounts of blood flow backwards, away from the heart. The trapped blood creates additional pressure inside the vein, and the vein walls grow weak. In addition to the visible appearance, varicose veins also cause your legs to feel tired, heavy, and restless. You may also experience numbness, cramping, and itching.

What should I do if I HAVE Vericose Veins?

Varicose veins cause significant discomfort and typically indicate other problems with your venous system. If you have varicose veins, schedule an appointment with one of our cardiologists. We examine your varicose veins and determine the best treatment for your case. Because varicose veins may indicate other problems, we perform a thorough examination to identify any other vein disease medical issues.

What Vericose Vein TREATMENTS are offered?

Woodlands North Houston Heart and Vein Center offers the following varicose vein treatments to the residents of Houston, The Woodlands, and the surrounding communities in Texas:

• EVLT (Endovenous Laser Treatment)

  Varicose veins are caused by a condition known as “venous reflux.” Traditional treatments for varicose veins required surgeons to remove damaged veins through a procedure known as “vein stripping.” Recovery times for vein stripping are extensive, and patients experience a great deal of discomfort after the procedure.With EVLT (Endovenous Laser Treatment), you can have your vein reflux treated in a 45-minute outpatient procedure and walk out of the office. The procedure leaves no scar, creates minimal postoperative discomfort, offers a quick 1-2 week recovery and provides almost immediate relief from your symptoms.

  What happens DURING the EVLT (Endovenous Laser Treatment) procedure?

  The EVLT procedure is a quick, minimally invasive procedure which uses a probe and a slim sheath that enters the vein through a tiny skin nick. The probe is guided into place using an ultrasound and is performed strictly under local anesthesia. Dr. Lachterman states it is similar to a dentist numbing the treatment area or having an IV started.

  Here is what to expect:

  1. Ultrasound technician uses ultrasound to map out the vein to close
  2. Local anesthesia is applied
  3. A thin laser fiber is inserted through a tiny entry point (usually near the knee or ankle)
  4. Laser energy is delivered to seal the vein

   

  What can I EXPECT after EVLT Therapy?

  Most patients are able to walk out of the office after their EVLT procedure. You may resume your normal activities the day of your procedure. You should begin walking after your EVLT procedure, but you should avoid strenuous activities for at least one week. You may experience tenderness and numbness in the treatment area. This is normal and should resolve within a few days. You will be required to wear compression stockings during your healing period.

• Radiofrequency Ablation
  Radiofrequency ablation is a newer technology that is used for treating varicose veins. The radiofrequency energy permanently seals the damaged veins that cause your varicose veins. After the veins are sealed, your body naturally re-routes the blood flow through healthy veins, and the sealed vein is absorbed by your body.

  What happens DURING the Radiofrequency Ablation procedure?

  Your cardiologist may administer a local anesthesia to help you remain comfortable during the radiofrequency ablation procedure. If you feel anxious or need additional pain management, you may request a mild sedative. A small incision is made in the treatment area. A thin tube, or catheter, is inserted through the incision. Radiofrequency energy is applied to the damaged vein, causing the vein to seal closed.

  What can I expect AFTER the Radiofrequency Ablation procedure?

  You may experience mild bruising, swelling, and numbness after your radiofrequency ablation procedure. These symptoms should resolve as you heal. Radiofrequency ablation has been proven to work in the majority of patients. Some patients, however, may need a second treatment to eliminate their varicose veins.

• Sclerotherapy
  Varicose veins are large, swollen veins that appear on your legs. These veins are not only unsightly, but may also be painful. Varicose veins are caused by venous reflux, a condition that causes improper blood flow from your extremities back to your heart. Valves that normally keep the blood from flowing back into your lower veins do not close properly. As a result, the blood pools in lower veins, which then swell. Sclerotherapy works by using a special chemical to destroy the damaged veins. Once the veins are destroyed, your body re-routes the blood through healthier veins.

  What happens DURING the Sclerotherapy procedure?

  Sclerotherapy for varicose veins is performed at Woodlands North Houston Heart and Vein Center on an outpatient basis. Your cardiologist may administer a local or topical anesthesia to help you remain comfortable during the sclerotherapy procedure. A special solution is injected into your varicose veins using a very fine needle. The location and number of injections is determined by your treatment plan. In most cases, the sclerotherapy procedure is completed within 15 to 30 minutes.

  What can I expect AFTER the Sclerotherapy procedure?

  During your consultation appointment, your cardiologist discusses any limitations to your activities after undergoing the sclerotherapy procedure. You may experience mild itching and swelling at the site of the injections. These symptoms typically resolve within three days. You may also experience bruising, which may take up to two weeks to resolve.

How can Vericose Vein treatment HELP me?

Varicose vein treatment at Woodlands North Houston Heart and Vein Center gives you the following: