How Are Varicose Veins Diagnosed & Treated?
Thanks to advances in medical technology, the diagnosis and treatment of varicose and spider veins is now more effective and efficient than ever before.
How are Varicose Veins Diagnosed?
To diagnose varicose veins, your doctor will do a physical exam, including looking at your legs while you're standing to check for swelling. Your doctor may also ask you to describe any pain and aching in your legs.
Duplex ultrasound imaging (DUS) is an essential part of the initial diagnostic evaluation of patients with venous circulation problems. In this noninvasive test, a technician runs a small hand-held device (transducer), about the size of a bar of soap, against your skin over the area of your body being examined. The transducer transmits images of the veins in your legs to a monitor, so a technician and your doctor can see them. This state-of-the-art computerized technology is utilized to define each patient's specific venous anatomy prior to recommending treatment.
But sophisticated technology is only as good as the people using it. At Elmore Medical, we employ two highly trained and experienced full time Registered Vascular Technologists (RVT) who specialize in superficial venous disorders. An accurate diagnosis of your venous problem combined with Dr. Gonzalez's experience and understanding of venous anatomy and physiology allows for the unparalleled success of treatment at Elmore Medical Vein & Laser Treatment Center.
How are Varicose Veins Treated?
Fortunately, treatment usually doesn't mean a hospital stay or a long, uncomfortable recovery. Thanks to less invasive procedures, varicose veins can generally be treated on an outpatient basis.
Ask your doctor if insurance will cover any of the cost of your treatment.
Our treatments include:
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is a very effective method of treating most (but not all) varicose veins. In this procedure, your doctor injects small varicose veins with a solution directly into the vein through a tiny micro needle. The solution causes the vein to scar and close. In a few weeks, treated varicose veins should fade. Sclerotherapy has been a well accepted method of treating varicose veins for over 50 years. Sclerotherapy is considered the “gold standard” for treatment of cosmetic spider veins.
Endovenous Microfoam Chemical Ablation (Varithena)
Varithena is a transcatheter therapy method used for medium size or bulging varicose veins. While duplex ultrasound imaging demonstrates the abnormal veins, the doctor closes them with microfoam sclerotherapy.
Endo Venous Laser Therapy (EVLT)
This revolutionary new therapy has virtually eliminated the need for vein stripping surgery. Through a single needle stick, a fine laser fiber is inserted into a varicose vein. Laser energy is used to generate heat which seals the vein closed. Performed under local anesthesia, patients quickly resume their normal activities. ELVT is the best treatment for large bulging larger varicose veins. The published success rate for EVLT at Elmore Medical Vein & Laser Treatment Center is the highest for any physician.
Microsurgery
(Ambulatory Phlebectomy & Ligation)
Vastly different from the traditional vein stripping surgical procedure, microsurgery is a technique which utilizes special instruments to remove veins through a few, very tiny, "micro" incisions. Only the parts of your leg that are being pricked are numbed in this outpatient procedure. The incisions are so small that with normal healing they are scarcely visible to the human eye.
There are many types of treatments available for varicose and spider veins. Discussing your options with a Board Certified Phlebologist will ensure you receive the appropriate treatment for your condition.
Elmore Medical Vein & Laser Treatment Center is the premier vein specialty medical practice in the Central Valley. Dr. Mario H. Gonzalez and his staff offer years of experience and medical expertise that you won’t find anywhere else. Contact us today to set up a consultation appointment.