Vein Problems and Vein Treatments

Varicose and Spider veins can be unsightly and often painful medical conditions that affect millions of women and men. Varicose veins develop when blood vessel walls weaken and create abnormal blood flow. Genetics is the main cause of varicose and spider veins; however, any condition or activity that puts pressure on the veins such as weight gain, sitting or standing for prolonged periods of time or pregnancy can contribute to their development. Laser Varicose Vein Surgery Treatment Laser Vein treatments laser called EvLT treatments which utilizes Endovenous Laser Treatment (EvLT) technology. EvLT treatment is covered by most health insurance plans and enables women and men of all ages to eliminate aching, throbbing, unsightly veins without conventional leg vein surgery such as varicose vein stripping. Treatment is quick and easy, and requires no lengthy recovery. Patient satisfaction with EvLT treatments is high. This treatment can be performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia and has the following advantages:

• Excellent aesthetic results
• Short procedure time
• Little downtime
• Minimal discomfort

What kind of Veins can be treated with EvLT laser treatments? This is a treatment for the Greater Saphenous vein. This major superficial vein of the leg when incompetent is responsible for the development of most varicose veins. EvLT is an effective alternative to traditional surgical stripping of the Greater Saphenous vein. More Frequently Asked Questions..... Will all my veins be gone? rnMost moderate to severe varicose veins are usually caused by venous reflux of the saphenous veins. You have two Saphenous veins in each leg: a large one and a smaller one. Venous reflux is when blood flows backwards towards your feet instead of towards your heart where it is supposed to flow. The result is blood pooling in your lower extremities, raising the pressure and making the vein bulge out and distend. Venous reflux is a medical condition that can result in pain, swelling and open ulcers in the legs as well as tired and "heavy" feeling legs. Smaller varicose veins can be corrected with Sclerotherapy for cosmetic enhancement purposes. Who is a candidate for Laser Vein Treatments? rnProviding you are a candidate for treatment, the medical technician will arrange for a completely noninvasive mapping ultrasound which will be performed in an office. The ultrasound will show the effected saphenous veins and provide a ''map' for the physician on the day of treatment. What is the treatment like? On the day of your laser vein treatment, a local anesthetic will be applied to the length of the vein to make the treatment virtually painless. With the assistance of ultrasound technology, a thin laser fiber will be threaded through a very small entry point, usually near the knee. Once inserted, targeted laser energy will be delivered inside the saphenous vein wall, closing the vein so that blood can be re-routed. The treatment takes about 1-3 hours and normal daily activities can be resumed immediately following the treatment with little to no discomfort. Treatment time can be under 1 hour, performed in an outpatient setting. Does Insurance cover EvLT? Most health insurance plans cover the cost of the ultrasound mapping appointment and a large percentage of the cost of the endovenous laser treatments needed. The amount of coverage depends on your health care policy. However, insurance will not cover any fees associated with sclerotherapy for cosmetic refinement. You may need to speak to your insurance company to make sure you are pre-approved. What happens after treatment? rnYou will be able to return to your normal routine. Walking is encouraged for the next 3 – 4 days. The treated leg may feel slightly tender and you may experience some bruising and a feeling of tightness. Any discomfort should lessen in just a few days. Daytime compression hose are recommended for two weeks. With no large scars there is minimal to no down time. After treatment, blood no longer flows through the enlarged veins and the pooling of venous blood no longer occurs. The treated leg appears smooth and glowing again. Ready to be shown!