For many patients afflicted by varicose veins, the thought of seeking treatment is a scary proposition. The stories shared by older relatives and friends of varicose vein treatments in the past were very painful and required lengthy periods of recuperation, which prevented them from seeking relief from the symptoms they experienced. The process of surgical removal of the vein, “vein stripping”, or “phlebectomy” was a very common and invasive procedure used in the not too distant past. During the procedure, the diseased vein was tied off and removed from the leg, either through an incision in the groin or behind the knee, or both. This treatment required general anesthesia and is very rarely performed nowadays. The good news is that modern technology has advanced the development of treatments in the last few years, as explained by Orlando vein center.
Most non-invasive courses of intervention included the wearing of compression stockings combined with frequent elevation of the legs to reduce symptoms. Prescription anti-inflammatory drugs are still sometimes prescribed to ease symptoms.
Sclerotherapy, another treatment option, combines ultrasound guidance to the superficial diseased veins that are then typically injected with a liquid or foam that promotes the collapse of the veins, which are ultimately reabsorbed by the body.
Minimally-invasive treatment options also include radio-wave or radio-frequency ablation of the superficial vein. Guided through a small catheter, the radio-wave energy is introduced through a small incision in the affected vein, resulting in the vein being sealed off through the heat generated. Endovenous laser therapy is also a form of ablation. However, as its name suggests, a laser pulse is used to generate the heat required to seal off the damaged vein.
With sclerotherapy, radio-frequency, and endovenous laser therapy, the vein is closed off then the body adjusts and reroutes the blood supply to nearby vessels. There is no anesthesia required for these procedures other than a minor injection of a numbing agent, usually lidocaine, at the procedure site or sites. Depending on the severity, a mild sedative might be prescribed. Patients can usually return to normal activity immediately after any of the above minimally invasive procedures. Some patients, though rare, have reported experiencing minimal bruising, swelling, or scarring.
Patients are encouraged to discuss varicose vein treatment options with their physician at an Orlando vein care center to determine the right option for them. Please contact the expert staff at Florida Vein Care and Cosmetic Center at (407) 805-8989, and allow us to help you make an informed decision when selecting the varicose vein treatment that is right for you. You deserve to live symptom-free and to have health and beauty restored to your legs.
