Comprehensive Treatment for Chronic Venous Insufficiency and Varicose Veins
Over 40 million Americans suffer daily from the symptoms of venous disease. These symptoms can interfere with your daily activities and may include
- leg pain and swelling
- burning or itching skin
- heavy, red, or restless legs
- skin discolorations
- open ulcers on legs
- Restless Leg Syndrome
- leg cramps
- blood clots
- neuropathy
What Causes Venous Insufficiency?
This condition is the result of faulty valves in the veins and is called venous insufficiency. In a healthy vein, there are one-way valves that allow the blood to move toward the heart, but not away. In a diseased vein, these valves do not work properly, allowing the blood to fall downward in between heartbeats. This back and forth motion of blood leads to an increased venous blood pressure, resulting in inflammation of the tissues around the vein.
This inflammation is responsible for many of the symptoms listed above. Left untreated, venous insufficiency only worsens over time.
How is Venous Insufficiency Treated?
The treatment for this disorder is called endovenous thermal ablation.
This is a minimally invasive procedure where a catheter is inserted into the diseased vein by way of a small incision. Heat is applied to the vein wall causing it to close. Your body then naturally re-routes the blood through other healthy veins. The procedure is done under local anesthetic and is covered by most insurance carriers, including Medicare.
What Should I Expect After Endovenous Thermal Ablation?
Patients report feeling little or no pain during the procedure, and are up and walking immediately following the procedure. They typically resume normal activities the same day. Most patients notice an immediate relief of symptoms such as pain, leg heaviness, fatigue, and cramping.
Most major insurance companies, including Medicare, cover all treatment options with the exception of Sclerotherapy. Sclerotherapy is used for the treatment of spider veins which are not harmful but can be troubling for cosmetic reasons. Your physician can discuss your coverage further at the time of the consultation.