New Technologies for Venous Treatment

The American College of Phlebology estimates that more than 25 million US citizens suffer from some form of unsightly and/or painful venous condition. Naturally occurring within an extremely high percentage of the population, varicose veins are as old as human history. However, thanks to rapidly evolving treatment options, getting rid of varicose veins has never been easier.

 

An Extremely Brief History of Varicose Vein Treatment

 

In the past, the only viable option for varicose veins sufferers involved the surgical removal of any diseased veins in a procedure that is commonly known as “vein stripping.” Vascular surgeons would remove affected veins in an invasive process that resulted in significant pain, bruising, and other potential medical complications.

 

Fortunately, vein treatment has come a long way over the last several decades as specialized scientists and vein doctors have found success with minimally invasive procedures such as ambulatory phlebectomy, which employs micro-incisions to facilitate removal with a minimum of discomfort and recovery time. The typical modern vein clinic also offers a range of laser and ultrasound treatment procedures.

 

The Latest Varicose Vein Treatment Options

 

New innovations in the medical field have led to multiple varicose vein procedures that achieve exceptional results with no need for general anesthetics or dangerous chemicals. Clinical trails have suggested that these new procedures result in fewer side effects and complications. Some of these state-of-the-art treatments include…

 

  • The VenaSeal Closure System – Effective on veins of all sizes, the VenaSeal Closure System uses a proprietary medical adhesive that is delivered endovenously through a non-invasive catheter. Numbed by a mild local anesthetic, patients will feel only mild pulling or tugging sensations as the catheter places adhesive in strategic locations along the diseased vein.

 

  • The ClariVein Device – This device uses mechanico-chemical ablation (MOCA) combining the mechanical rotation of a small infusion catheter with safe chemicals to speed the closure of veins. Because the ClariVein Device engenders natural vein spasms to engender closure, it can treat varicose veins with a minimum of minimal post-operative pain and recovery time.

 

  • Varithena – A polidocanol injectable foam, Varithena is an exciting new method of treating, not only varicose veins, but tortuous (twisted) veins. This pre-manufactured foam fills the vein completely before collapsing it. In clinical trails, Varithena has proven to be both effective and long-lasting.

 

For more information about these innovative approaches to varicose vein treatment contact a highly skilled and knowledgeable representative of the St. Louis Vein & Endovascular. With the advice of a qualified medical professional, you can find a treatment option that is right for you.

Get Varicose Vein Treatment Before The Damage is Too Great

Think varicose veins will go away on their own? They won’t. In fact, they’ll get worse and could put your health at risk.

Going without varicose vein treatment could lead to hyperpigmentation and ulcers, as well as an increased risk of dangerous blood clots in your legs.

Many people think vein treatment requires surgery when in actuality, most can be treated at a vein clinic. Read on to learn why varicose veins occur and to discover your treatment options.

What Causes Varicose Veins?

The condition is quite common among people as they age. According to womenshealth.gov, about half of Americans over the age of 50 have varicose veins. However, the condition can occur in younger people, too.

Varicose veins are caused by weak or damaged valves in your veins. The damage is due to a variety of factors.

1. Aging. The valves in your veins stop working as well as you get older.

2. Heredity. Genetics plays a role in your risk of developing varicose veins. If a close relative has them, there’s a greater chance you will, too.

3. Weight. Excess weight adds stress to your veins leading to damage and varicose veins.

4. Sedentary lifestyle. Sitting or standing for long periods means your body’s circulatory system has to work haqrder to move blood to and from your extremities. The added effort causes vein valves to break down quicker.

5. Hormones. Fluctuations in your levels of estrogen or progesterone can lead to varicose veins. Puberty, menopause and taking birth control pills can causes these hormone levels to change.

6. Pregnancy. Pregnant women have a greater volume of blood in their bodies. Added to that, the growing fetus puts extra pressure on the mother’s veins. The combination of these factors can cause varicose veins during pregnancy. The condition will often improve after delivery.

What are My Varicose Vein Treatment Options?

Sclerotherapy is the preferred method vein doctors use to combat most varicose veins. It’s noninvasive, requires little down time and is highly effective. A sclerosing substance is injected into the problem vein. The solution causes the varicose vein to collapse and the blood that was flowing through the vein to clot. The varicose vein disappears, helping your legs to be healthier and more attractive. Sclerotherapy also works well for spider veins.

If you have varicose veins, schedule a consultation with vascular surgeons to determine a treatment plan. An ultrasound of your legs will likely be ordered so your vein doctor can have a more accurate assessment of your circulatory system.

To schedule a consultation, please call (314) 272-4150.