Did you know that more than 30 million Americans suffer from varicose veins, spider veins, leg swelling, venous ulcers, and related conditions? Unfortunately, vein problems are chronic and progressive and without treatment they get worse, affecting your quality of life and well-being…
diagnosis + treatments
• Innovative treatment options that are simple, fast and effective.
• Expert care provided by a board certified physician.
diagnostIc ultrasound
Ultrasound examination is the gold standard diagnostic test for venous disease. It provides a visual window, revealing the diseased, leaking veins beneath the skin’s surface. The diagnostic information from the ultrasound is essential to determine the exact anatomy of your varicose veins and enable us to customize a treatment plan for your individual needs. This painless, non-invasive test is usually a covered benefit through your health insurance plan, which we can help you determine.
compression therapy
Compression stockings are a conservative form of therapy for patients with varicose veins and other signs and symptoms of venous insufficiency. These symptoms may include pain, aching, swelling, itching, burning, heaviness, swelling, cramping and in the more advanced stages skin discoloration and thickening of the skin around the ankles, and even ulcerations (open wound). Compression hose should be specifically measured for the individual patient. They are available in a variety of lengths (knee, thigh, or panty) as well as a variety of colors. Most insurance companies require a trial of compression stocking therapy (class II 20-30 mmHg) before one can be considered for more definitive therapy of vein problems.
Closure™ radiofrequency ablation
Endovenous ablation, a FDA-approved procedure, is not new and has been utilized since the late 1990’s. Endovenous ablation uses either radiofrequency energy (Closure™) or LASER energy delivered through a thin catheter to heat and treat the diseased varicose veins. Performed with ultrasound guidance and using tumescent (diluted local) anesthesia, this process is a gentler, minimally invasive approach than the previous procedure of open surgery which it has replaced. Endovenous ablation allows treatment of leaking veins by sealing them with heat, rather than stripping the veins out of the leg. With endovenous Closure™, there are no formal incisions, minimal discomfort, and virtually no scarring.
venaseal™ ablation
The VenaSeal™ Closure System is another FDA-approved safe and effective minimally invasive vein treatment. VenaSeal™ works by delivering medical grade cyanoacrylate (SuperGlue) that closes down the diseased veins in patients with symptomatic venous insufficiency. VenaSeal™ is the only non-tumescent, non-thermal, non-sclerosant (vein scarring) procedure approved for use in the U.S. The procedure is administered with a small amount of local anesthesia, minimizing the need for needle sticks. This translates into little-to-no pain and extremely fast recovery. The recovery time for this procedure is immediate, making it a sought after method for those suffering from vein disease.
All of the above mentioned treatment techniques have their unique pros and cons and are chosen based on your specific anatomy and other factors which Dr. Macumber will discuss with you.
microphlebectomy
In the treatment of varicose veins, microphlebectomy (removal of veins through very small stab incisions) is the most common surgical type procedure performed. Microphlebectomy is also an ambulatory office based procedure, and is most often performed in conjunction with endovenous ablation. Since no suturing is required excellent cosmetic results can be expected with essentially no scarring.
sclerotherapy
Injection sclerotherapy is the most common and accepted treatment of spider veins and small varicose veins. A diluted, FDA approved chemical solution is injected into the veins through a very small needle. This medicine causes the inside of the wall or lining of the vein to become inflamed and close off. Injection sclerotherapy has an advantage over laser sclerotherapy because it allows treatment of a much larger area in a shorter period of time with less discomfort and better results. Since today’s needles are very small, even patients with “needle phobia” tolerate injection sclerotherapy very well. Depending on the size and extent of veins injected, final results may take weeks to months to be fully appreciated. Staining of the skin may occur and can last up to one year although most veins fade within the first 6-12 weeks. Sclerotherapy is not an “eraser” technique and mutual expectations should be discussed prior to treatment.