Varicose veins occur due to the weakening of the vein walls and valves. The swollen and twisted veins seen beneath your skin can be embarrassing and cause itching at the same time. This weakening of the veins wall and valves cause the blood to pool. This causes the vein to enlarge, protruding through the skin.
According to Dr. Navarro, MD, director of the Vein Treatment Center, New York City, varicose veins can cause health complications such as ulcers and bleed over time.
Treating Varicose Veins
Treatment options include:
Sclerotherapy
It is a painless saline injection that collapses the vein. This facilitates the absorption of the vein back to the bloodstream. It is a perfect treatment option for small to medium varicose veins. The treatment can include:
- Laser-assisted: the most advanced and recommended form of treatment
- Foam sclerotherapy: for larger varicose veins
- Ultrasound-guided: for larger and deep veins that once underwent surgery.
The main advantage is that it is quick to treat varicose veins.
Phlebectomy
Also referred to as stripping, it involves cutting of tissues near the damaged vein to facilitate the removal of the entire vein. It is commonly conducted in conjunction with other procedures. The chief advantage is that the affected vein is entirely removed facilitating permanent healing.
Thermal Ablation
It is also referred to as radiofrequency ablation. This procedure has been in existence for more than a decade. It involves the use of laser beams or radiofrequency to heat up the inside of the vein. This leads to the shrinking of the vein’s wall and the body absorbs it gradually. After the procedure, the vein heals after less than two weeks. The healing process is also pain-free.
Non-thermal Ablation
Two common treatments use Varithna and VenaSeal systems. Varithna is basically similar to thermal ablation, the only difference is that a potent drug is used to destroy the vein permanently. VenaSeal system involves the use of a certain glue to shut off the vein. Both methods work well. VIVAA utilizes vascular ultrasound to help treat varicose veins by endovenous laser ablation, also known as Venefit.
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Source: https://www.everydayhealth.com/news/best-ways-treat-varicose-veins/
Author - Dr. Ramandeep Sidhu
SPECIALTIES: Percutaneous aneurysm repair, endovascular treatment of peripheral arterial disease, treatment for varicose veins, open vascular surgical procedures, deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolism treatment and aesthetic services.