Vascular disorders affect more than 70 million Americans. These conditions range from varicose veins to blocked arteries in the lower extremities causing both pain and swelling. In extreme cases ulcers may develop and walking becomes limited. In the past, these problems because of the blockage or incompetent valves in the veins patient would require surgery. At Memphis Vein Center patients are treated with non-surgical endovenous laser ablation for varicose vein disorders.
Roughly 30-60% of the general population is affected by some type of vein problems. In a normal vein, valves work to move the blood back to the heart. When a valve malfunctions the blood pools in the vein, a disorder known as venous insufficiency leading to Varicose Veins.
Varicose veins are enlarged bulging veins in the lower extremities caused by poorly functioning valves/damaged valves.
Symptoms of varicose veins include:
Achy, tired, heavy feeling in the area of the varicose veins
Hormonal changes, as with puberty, pregnancy, or menopause
Pressure on the veins of the pelvis, caused by pregnancy or an abdominal tumor
Overweight
Prolonged standing
Wearing knee-high socks or stockings with tight elastic
Previous leg injury
Treatment of varicose veins can range from conservative treatment to endovenous laser ablation, radio-frequency ablation (Venefit/VNUS closure) and occasional vein stripping of damaged veins. Specific treatment is determined by the severity of the varicose veins.
Conservative treatment consists of wearing compression stockings, elevating legs, and taking anti-inflammatory medication. This therapy may reduce the symptoms of varicose veins but it will not eliminate the underlying cause.
The treatment of large varicose veins has advanced significantly in the last several years. Previously, most large varicose veins are treated through an inpatient hospital operative procedure known as "vein stripping". This procedure removes the veins but the post operative recovery is painful and prolonged.
Large varicose veins now can be eliminated through an office based procedure known as Endovenous Laser Ablation ( EVLT) and Radiofrequency ablation (Venefit VNUS Closure).
Laser procedure as well as Radiofrequency ablation both procedures are highly effective and safe treatments.
EVLT/VNUS eliminates unsightly varicose veins with no hospital stay, no scarring, and no lengthy recovery or side effects. In less than an hour you can be free from unsightly bulging, twisted varicose veins and back to enjoying your everyday activities. EVLT/VNUS is safe, fast, and effective.
EVLT/VNUS uses targeted laser energy to seal the vein shut and help you look and feel better fast:
Treatment in less than an hour.
Can be performed in the doctor's office.
Up to 98% success rate.
Immediate relief of symptoms.
Return to normal activity immediately - with little or no pain.
No general anesthesia or hospitalization.
No scars.
EVLT/VNUS Closure procedure uses RF energy to close venous reflux
What to expect from the EVLT/VNUS procedure:
Use of ultrasound to map out your vein.
Local anesthetic is applied.
A thin laser fiber is inserted through a tiny entry point, usually near the knee.
Laser energy is delivered to seal the faulty vein.
Walking immediately after the procedure is encouraged. Normal daily activity can be resumed.
There may be minor soreness and bruising. Any discomfort can be treated with over-the-counter, non-aspirin pain relievers as necessary.
