Varicose veins are enlarged and twisted rope-like veins that appear near the surface of the skin. While they can develop anywhere in the body, they are most commonly found in the legs and ankles because standing and walking increase pressure in the lower extremities. In normally functioning veins, tiny one-way valves open as blood flows toward the heart and close to prevent blood from flowing backward. When these valves malfunction, blood pools in the veins, resulting in a buildup of pressure that weakens their walls and causes them to bulge. Over time, the increased pressure can cause additional valves to fail. This venous reflux, or venous insufficiency, leads to the development of varicose veins and spider veins.
Spider veins (telangiectasias) are similar to varicose veins, but smaller and found closer to the skin's surface. They take their name from their appearance, which resembles a spider’s web. Usually red or blue in color, they vary in size and can be found in other areas of the body besides the legs, including the face.
Unavoidable underlying causes of chronic venous insufficiency that can lead to varicose veins and spider veins include an inherited genetic predisposition and the normal aging process. Any condition that puts more pressure on leg veins – including standing for long periods of time, being overweight, or pregnancy – can also cause varicose veins or spider veins. Women are at greater risk than men due to hormonal changes that relax vein walls during pregnancy, pre-menstruation or menopause. Birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy may also increase the risk, as do a history of blood clots and conditions that increase pressure in the abdomen, such as tumors, constipation and tight garments like girdles. Other factors include previous venous surgery and exposure to ultraviolet rays.
Ligation and Vein Stripping (varicose vein surgery) had historically been the primary treatment option for varicose veins, prior to the arrival of minimally-invasive options like the VenaCure EVLT procedure. Ligation & stripping can be performed individually or together.
The great saphenous vein is ligated (or tied off) near the groin to control gravitational flow of blood backward into the legs. Ligation alone can preserve the vein for subsequent harvesting in case of arterial bypass. However, ligation alone has proven unsatisfactory for preventing the occurrence of reflux, so it is often supplemented by vein stripping. The procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia, may involve a hospital stay and involves pain, scarring and lost days from work.
The great saphenous vein is ligated (or tied off) near the groin to control gravitational flow of blood backward into the legs. Ligation alone can preserve the vein for subsequent harvesting in case of arterial bypass. However, ligation alone has proven unsatisfactory for preventing the occurrence of reflux, so it is often supplemented by vein stripping. The procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia, may involve a hospital stay and involves pain, scarring and lost days from work.
Minimally Invasive Therapies
Minimally invasive techniques are quickly replacing invasive surgeries for many types of therapies. Varicose vein treatment is one of those areas where advancements in technology have enabled physicians to simplify treatment. Typically, minimally invasive procedures do not require hospital stays and use local anesthesia rather than general anesthesia, thereby reducing the risk of some complications associated with anesthesia.
Endovenous Laser Treatment
Endovenous laser treatment is a minimally invasive varicose vein treatment alternative to the more traditional method of ligation and vein stripping.
A thin fiber is inserted into the damaged vein via a very small skin nick. Laser light energy, the same type of energy that is used in other types of medical procedures such as eye surgery and dermatology, is delivered to the targeted tissue, which reacts with the light, causing the vein to close and seal shut.
The veins that are closed are superficial veins that handle less than five percent of the body's blood flow. The blood is automatically routed to other, healthy veins. The VenaCure EVLT system uses this technology to treat varicose veins.
Minimally invasive techniques are quickly replacing invasive surgeries for many types of therapies. Varicose vein treatment is one of those areas where advancements in technology have enabled physicians to simplify treatment. Typically, minimally invasive procedures do not require hospital stays and use local anesthesia rather than general anesthesia, thereby reducing the risk of some complications associated with anesthesia.
Endovenous Laser Treatment
Endovenous laser treatment is a minimally invasive varicose vein treatment alternative to the more traditional method of ligation and vein stripping.
A thin fiber is inserted into the damaged vein via a very small skin nick. Laser light energy, the same type of energy that is used in other types of medical procedures such as eye surgery and dermatology, is delivered to the targeted tissue, which reacts with the light, causing the vein to close and seal shut.
The veins that are closed are superficial veins that handle less than five percent of the body's blood flow. The blood is automatically routed to other, healthy veins. The VenaCure EVLT system uses this technology to treat varicose veins.
Radiofrequency Ablation
Endovenous radiofrequency (RF) ablation is a varicose vein treatment alternative which involves insertion of a catheter with electrodes into the target vein and passage of RF energy (electricity) through the vein tissue. In recent years, endovenous laser therapy has surpassed radiofrequency vein ablation as the predominant minimally-invasive varicose vein ablation procedure due to the improved outcomes and decreased complications with the VenaCure EVLT procedure.
Endovenous radiofrequency (RF) ablation is a varicose vein treatment alternative which involves insertion of a catheter with electrodes into the target vein and passage of RF energy (electricity) through the vein tissue. In recent years, endovenous laser therapy has surpassed radiofrequency vein ablation as the predominant minimally-invasive varicose vein ablation procedure due to the improved outcomes and decreased complications with the VenaCure EVLT procedure.
Compression Therapy
Compression stockings or compression therapy are often a first line of defense in treating venous conditions. They are commonly required by insurers prior to approval for the VenaCure EVLT procedure reimbursement. Although compression stockings may alleviate some of the symptoms of venous disease, they do not directly treat its underlying cause (reflux or failed valves) and thus the disease,and symptoms, often get worse, despite their use.
Compression stockings or compression therapy are often a first line of defense in treating venous conditions. They are commonly required by insurers prior to approval for the VenaCure EVLT procedure reimbursement. Although compression stockings may alleviate some of the symptoms of venous disease, they do not directly treat its underlying cause (reflux or failed valves) and thus the disease,and symptoms, often get worse, despite their use.