Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are twisted and swollen veins that can be seen under the surface of the skin. Varicose veins can be an uncomfortable and painful issue that can become a more serious problem if left untreated. At IVY Cardiovascular and Vein Center, we offer varicose vein treatments that can provide you with the relief you need.

What are Varicose Veins?

Your veins are constantly working to facilitate the movement of blood through your vital organs. They contain little valves that open and close. Sometimes the valves get damaged or become weakened.

This gives rise to a weakened vein valve. Because the valve is now weak, your blood flow isn’t as smooth as before. A backflow of blood occurs and the veins work overtime to push the blood. The oxygenated blood pools up inside the veins and causes them to swell. The varicose veins can appear red or blue in color and can be seen on the surface of the skin. Most varicose veins don’t present any pain for the patient. But they can be unpleasant to look at as they grow more and more gnarled and twisted.

The veins further from your heart work hard to deliver blood all the way to the center of your body where the heart is. And so, this makes extremities like your legs and feet especially vulnerable.

What are the Symptoms of Varicose Veins?

• Discoloration
• Itching
• Achiness
• Swelling
• Nerve damage

If left unattended, varicose veins can grow into worse complications such as:

• Deep vein thrombosis
• Inflammation
• Chronic venous insufficiency
• Phlebitis

How are Varicose Veins Diagnosed?

Varicose veins are relatively easy to detect. They present physically under the surface of the skin and mostly require a physical examination to find them.

In some instances, doctors might use ultrasound testing to further evaluate your situation.

Your doctor might look at your history to determine the cause of your varicose veins.

How do you treat Varicose Veins?

Compression stockings

Regular use of compression stockings can stimulate blood circulation around the leg. These stockings are snug little socks that are tighter at the ankles than they are at the calf. They reach towards your thigh and offer different levels of compression depending on your needs.

Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy with Foam

The treatment of all our patients at IVY Cardiovascular and Vein Center is centered on a customized approach according to the anatomy of the veins. Some veins are tortuous, small, and very close to the skin. This patient would benefit from ultrasound guided sclerotherapy. Ultrasound sclerotherapy makes use of a special foam chemical to cause the vein to collapse. The vein is filled with the chemical and blood is moved out of the vein. The vein is no longer able to carry blood and will no longer be visible. The foam then dissolves into the wall of the vein. Ugly veins are treated instantaneously with the injection of the special chemical. The veins are absorbed by the body and will slowly dissolve over time. An ace bandage is wrapped around the leg for excellent results. he treatment is performed in office under local anesthesia with minimal discomfort to the patient.

Benefit of Sclerotherapy:
• Instantaneous relief from vein symptoms
• No significant side effects and minimal time away from activity
• No scarring or bruising
• Long term results

Foam sclerotherapy starts with a small injection of anesthetic to numb the area of treatment. These veins near the surface can often by difficult to reach by special catheters, thus the flexibility of the foam reaches even the smallest of veins. The chemical is injected into the vein and magically the vein will disappear over time.

Ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy is a safer alternative to surgical stripping which can be invasive and lengthy recovery process. The foam is an excellent alternative with minimal risk.

Radiofrequency Vein Ablation

This is a simple, minimally invasive treatment that is performed under local anesthesia utilizing the most advanced technology to date. The Venous closure system offers patient a non-surgical alternative to treating varicose vein to improve the circulation in the leg, appearance of the skin, and close leaky varicose veins. The venous closure system uses a special catheter inserted into the affected vein with the help of an ultrasound. The catheter is inserted slowly into the vein with the help of ultrasound guidance. It then emits heat to damage the vein wall and cause it to collapse. Local anesthetic is administered around the catheter for patient ease, to shield the surround tissue and to improve contact between the vein wall and catheter. The procedure is performed in office and there is a minimal recovery period

Advantages and Benefits of Radiofrequency Vein Ablation
• Minimally invasive outpatient procedure
• Minimal downtime with normal activity resumed shortly after the procedure
• No surgical incisions
• Excellent long term results

Patient often ask if closing the vein will affect my cardiovascular function. Well, that is not true. This procedure will actually help to improve your overall circulation in your leg. Think of a River (your legs) going to an Ocean (your heart). As you get older you develop Creeks in that River. Our job at IVY Cardiovascular and Vein Center is to close those creeks, thus allowing the blood flow to stay in the River and go to the Ocean (your heart). The procedure takes less than an hour. Patients are able to walk home with an ace bandage and depending on their comfort can usually go back to work.

Customized Treatment Plans

Our fellowship trained Peripheral Vascular Specialist is able to treat your veins through Radiofrequency Vein Ablation, however some patient may have veins that are too tortuous, small, or close to the skin. These patients may benefit from Varithena or sclerotherapy. Our goal is to maximize patient results, restore activity, and provide beautiful healthy looking legs, thus we are able to determine your best treatment course.

What should I expect after the procedure?

Following the procedure, the venous specialist will guide you in all post procedure instructions. A small bandage will be applied to the area of over the site of insertion. We may recommend an ace bandage or compression stocking for a 1 to 2 weeks depending on your vein anatomy to help with healing. Your doctor will advise you to continue walking and refrain from strenuous activity and prolonged standing for a short period of time. Most patients can go back to work the same day or begin their routine daily activities the same day.

Schedule a Consultation

The most important step in your care is choosing a vascular specialist to treat your veins. At IVY Cardiovascular and Vein Center our physician, Dr. Rishi Panchal, was trained at Yale, one of five advanced peripheral vascular fellowships in the nation to treat your veins in an academic fashion. We utilize minimally invasive technology to evaluate superficial as well as deep venous disease. We serve all of Palm Beach County and greater South Florida. Current offices in Wellington and Belle Glade, Fl. Call today to set up your consultation.