Vein Treatments

Spider veins are most commonly treated by sclerotherapy. The treatment involves injecting a sclerosant solution directly into the vein. The goal of treatment is irreversible venous closure followed by absorption of the vein. Venous blood is then redirected from the abnormal varicose vessel to healthy veins.

As a result, leg discomfort and cosmetic appearance improve. Both liquid and foam formulations are used. A liquid injection is used for smaller surface veins. Foam injection has increased potency and thus is used to treat larger veins. In addition, foam can be observed under ultrasound, in real-time, for better precision. Our team will help create a treatment plan that fits your needs!

We recommend that anyone who suffers from the symptoms of RLS schedule a consultation with our office. During this consultation, we will perform a diagnostic ultrasound assessment. This ultrasound tells us if venous insufficiency is present. If so, we will plan a course of treatment for the varicose veins, which usually includes a combination of laser treatment and sclerotherapy. This treatment will treat the varicose veins and can improve the symptoms of RLS, avoiding the lifelong need to take neurologic medication.

Insurance companies often require a trial of conservative therapy, ranging from six to 12 weeks, before we can treat your varicose veins. Conservative measures include graduated compression stockings, exercise, periodic leg elevation, and Unna boots. Medical-grade compression stockings are often prescribed to control the painful symptoms of varicose veins and swelling in the legs. They are also required to aid in healing following vein treatment procedures. A consultation with Dr. Sun is necessary to determine the strength of the stocking needed to control your symptoms. We keep an ample supply in stock for our patients undergoing treatment, eliminating the need for an additional stop at the pharmacy.

The procedures that our in-office surgical suite performs include:

• Vascular ultrasound
• Angiograms
• Venograms
• Angioplasty
• Arterial stenting
• Atherectomy
• Intravascular ultrasound

What happens if I leave my peripheral artery disease untreated?

Once your arteries have narrowed due to atherosclerosis, there is the risk of developing more serious conditions:

• Critical limb ischemia — This condition begins as open sores that won’t heal, an injury, or an infection of your feet or legs. Critical limb ischemia occurs when the injuries or infections progress and cause tissue death and can lead to amputation.
• Stroke and heart attack - If you have narrowing in your leg arteries, it’s likely not limited to your legs. Fat deposits also build up in arteries supplying your heart and brain, leading to strokes and heart attacks.

Diagnosis and Treatment

The veins of the legs are classified anatomically. The “deep” veins are within and below the muscles, and the “superficial” veins are above the muscles. DVT (deep vein thrombosis) is where a thrombus or clot obstructs a vein. It is a serious condition that can lead to disability and even death if the thrombus travels through the bloodstream to the lungs. When this happens, it is called a pulmonary embolus (PE).

Diagnosis of DVT: lower extremity ultrasound exam
Diagnosis of Pulmonary Embolus: CT scan, ventilation/perfusion scan

Treatment

• Anticoagulation with oral or injectable medication (blood thinners). This is the most common treatment.
• Pharmacologic thrombolysis (infusion of drugs directly into the thrombus through a catheter that dissolves the clot)
• Surgical or minimally invasive interventions to physically remove the clot
• Compression stockings (used for small, below-the-knee thrombus)
• Ambulation
• IVC filter (a small mesh filter surgically placed into the vein to prevent the clot from traveling to the lungs) if the patient cannot be on blood thinners

There are several treatment options for pelvic congestion syndrome. Hormonal medications prescribed by your gynecologist can reduce blood flow and congestion of the varicose veins. If these are ineffective, minimally invasive therapies such as nonsurgical embolization of the varicose veins may be considered. This is an outpatient procedure in which a vascular surgeon inserts a small catheter (plastic tube) into a central vein in the upper arm, shoulder, or thigh and guides it to the problem area using imaging guidance. No incisions or stitches are required, and there is no sensation inside while this is happening. Intravenous medications are all that is required for comfort and relaxation. The varicose veins are permanently sealed off from the inside. Patients typically return to work and light activities the following day, and to full activities in a week.