Varicose Veins Treatments

About Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy

Reflux of blood or blood moving in a backwards direction in a vein can be diagnosed with modern ultrasound equipment utilized at our vein center. Once the underlying diseased and refluxing vein is identified by ultrasound, such veins can be treated by sclerotherapy. It is important to understand that if the bigger, underlying and diseased trunks of veins are not treated before the superficial and visible ones are, than a good number of such overlying spider veins would simply return in short order. Ultrasound allows our medical team to better identify and treat the underlying causes of venous diseases, so that we may achieve a better result when managing this common medical condition.

Benefits

• Ultrasound guidance provides a “window” for treating deep rooted veins
• Removes varicose and spider veins
• Safe and effective
• Non-Invasive
• No down-time
• Virtually Painless

Alternatives

Traditional Sclerotherapy, EndoVenous Laser Treatments (EVLT™), Laser Sclerotherapy, Vein Stripping, Ambulatory Phlebectomy, and Surgical Ligation.

How Does it Work?

Our staff obtains a general medical history, followed by detailed examination and mapping of the patient’s venous system. Various instruments are used to assess the extent of venous disease, including a doppler listening device, and a color duplex ultrasound machine which provides images of the underlying, diseased veins. A specific treatment plan is then developed, which may include a combination of sclerotherapy injections, Endovenous Laser Treatment (see EVLT™) and compression stocking after-care. Echo-sclerotherapy combines traditional sclerotherapy with ultrasound guidance to better visualize and treat the underlying diseased veins.

Who is a Candidate?

Patients with genetic tendencies toward excessive clotting of the blood, or allergies to the injected medications would be excluded.

What can I Expect?

Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy can reduce the overall cost of conventional techniques by clearing diseased veins more effectively in fewer sessions.

Results may vary.

Safety & Side Effects

Bruising is possible. Ulceration and scar is rarely seen. The specific risks and the suitability of these procedures for a given individual can be determined only at the time of consultation. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally. Major complications are unusual.

Recovery Time

After the procedure, patients may return to normal activity immediately, avoiding strenuous exercise for approximately 10 to 14 days.

Does it Hurt?

The tiny needle poses minimal to no discomfort during this treatment.

Before Treatment Instructions

Avoidance of blood thinners for one to two weeks before procedure.

After Treament Instructions

Non-bulging veins require no stockings. After injections, special dressings and pressure gradient stockings are placed over the treated legs. Patients are advised to take a brisk 15 to 20 minute walk immediately following sclerotherapy, and then patients can immediately return to work with avoidance of strenuous physical exercise. In two to four weeks, Our Physicians and/or assistants will examine the treated areas to check the effects of the sclerotherapy treatment, and consider further treatments to other veins if necessary.

Who Performs the Treatments?

Our Physicians, Physician Assistants and Registered Nurses.