Non-Surgical & Surgical Options for Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are notorious for their appearance of being violaceous, swollen, and twisted on the legs, but also for causing symptoms of pain. The most common symptoms are swelling, muscle cramps, throbbing pain, thickening of the skin, color change of the skin, and a heavy sensation in the legs. Conservative varicose veins treatments (at-home types) are often helpful to alleviate the symptoms of varicose veins; however they may become ineffective or do not provide enough relief of symptoms. When conservative treatment is just not enough, it may be time for a minimally invasive non-surgical options or surgical options for varicose veins. At Napes Heart & Vein, the medical team provides a variety of procedures that work to decrease or remove varicose veins, including: vein stripping, sclerotherapy, laser ablation, percutaneous procedures, catheter based procedures & non-surgical procedures.

The alternative procedures for the treatment of varicose veins include both non-surgical and minimally invasive procedures.

Minimally invasive procedures for varicose veins

Minimally invasive procedures are typically performed in the doctor’s clinic or office and do not require extensive incisions. The minimally invasive techniques available are ablation procedures.
     

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is a type of minimally invasive procedure that is performed in the clinic. Special medication is used to numb the area around the vein that will be treated.  The procedure is usually performed through ultrasound guidance and the a specific chemical, called a sclerosing agent, is then placed inside the vein that causes the inside of the vein to scar, closing off the vein. Blood flow is diverted to other veins in the leg instead of the varicose vein. Sclerotherapy tends to work best on smaller varicose veins.

Laser Therapy

Endovascular Laser Therapy (EVLT) is another type of minimally invasive procedure performed in the clinic.  Similar to sclerotherapy, the laser treatment procedure uses ultrasound to locate the vein and ensure proper placement of the materials.  An incision is made into the vein in question and catheter, which is a hollow tube, is inserted into the vein.  The catheter acts as a passage to place the endovascular laser, and once in place the catheter is removed.   The endovascular laser uses a type of light radiation to destroy the vein, causing it to scar and close off.

Invasive Procedure

Surgical procedures have been performed for many years and were the primary option to treat varicose vein.  Surgery is invasive and requires an operating room and general anesthesia.

Vein Stripping

Vein stripping is the common name given to the surgical procedure to treat varicose veins.  For this procedure, the patient is under general anesthesia and is not conscious for the procedure.  Incisions are made at both ends of the varicose vein and the veins are tied at either side and then the vein is removed, or “stripped”.

Conservative At-Home Options

There are treatments that can be performed at home that are able to help symptoms. Elevating the legs at the end of the day can help to move blood through the veins with the help of gravity.  

Compression stockings can be put on first thing in the morning to help compress the legs to alleviate and reduce symptoms of swelling. Exercising can increase contraction of muscles that squeezes the veins to move the blood toward the heart and can help with weight loss. Avoidance of heat, such as hot showers or hot tubs, as this can increase blood flow to the veins through the process of vasodilation. 

It may be time to talk to a specialist about your varicose veins

There are a lot of things to consider when looking at options to treat your varicose veins, such as if the procedure is right for you and the potential complications of each procedure. If you have tried the home therapies and still have consistent and daily pain, it may be time to decide if one of these procedures is right for you.

Talk to a Vein Specialist

Speak with our team of board certified interventional cardiologists and endovascular specialists in Naples, Florida. They will discuss your medical history, perform a thorough exam, and explain which conservative varicose vein treatment, non-surgical & surgical options for varicose veins treatment are right for you.

To request a Varicose Vein consultation click below or call (239) 300–0586