Varicose Veins
Q&A
What causes varicose veins?
Varicose veins, or blue bulging veins of the lower extremities, are caused by local or central venous hypertension. Elevated venous pressure will cause a superficial vein to dilate, elongate, and thicken. Patients “feel” venous hypertension differently – it’s often described as pressure, heaviness, or pain.
What types of treatment are available?
If the superficial venous system is the problem causing the varicose veins, an ablation technique can be used to close the source vein, leading to improvement of the symptoms. Laser therapy (EVLT) and medical glue (VenaSeal) are both options. Occasionally phlebectomy is added to remove very large veins through a small incision. Sometimes symptoms originate from the central veins within the abdomen associated with obstruction, which is treated with balloon venoplasty and stent therapy.
Where are these procedures performed?
Almost all of the venous procedures today are performed in the office as outpatient. These procedures are minimally invasive and are tolerated well with sedation and local anesthesia.
What is the recovery time?
It is important to take a few days off for proper recovery. I tell patients if the procedure is on a Friday, then Monday is fine to return to work.
What types of results should I expect?
I would expect that venous symptoms of pressure, heaviness, or pain are significantly reduced after the various procedures. Superficial veins should be flattened or less visible with the ablation techniques or gone if phlebectomy was also completed. Patients often report a significant improvement in quality of life scores.
l – r: Hailey Scott, Diane Baggett, Will Russell, Sherrie Ferrer, Christy Gregory
About the Clinic
About Us:
The Vascular Institute is a specialized medical-surgical practice dedicated to the care of patients suffering with vascular disease.
What we offer:
We are experts in the region providing comprehensive medical and surgical PAD treatment, amputation prevention, venous care, and dialysis access.
Specialties:
Peripheral Artery Disease Specialists, Amputation Prevention, Extremity Wound Care, Varicose Vein Treatments, Venous Disease, Dialysis Access, Diagnostic Ultrasound, Smoking Cessation Programs
Certifications:
Our ultrasound lab is an accredited lab by the IAC (Intersocietal Accreditation Commission), and all our providers are board-certified by the American College of Surgeons.
Vascular Institute of Chattanooga
2358 Lifestyle Way, Suite 100, Chattanooga, TN 37421
4312 Holiday Inn Express Way NW, Suite 105, Cleveland, TN 37312
101 Crye Leike Drive, Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742
423.602.2750
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