Varicose Vein Treatment
Varicose Vein Treatment
Living with varicose veins can not only make you feel self-conscious about your legs, but it can also lower your quality of life. If left untreated, varicose veins can cause health complications that may produce painful and even dangerous side effects. An early diagnosis and prompt treatment of varicose veins are essential for proper blood circulation and overall healthiness.
At the Vein Institute of Pittsburgh, Dr. Terrance Krysinski helps patients manage and overcome their symptoms of venous insufficiency. According to a study completed by the Society of Interventional Radiology, over 25 percent of adults have varicose veins. If you are one of the many men and women who has developed unsightly or uncomfortable varicose veins, Dr. Krysinski wants to help you. Schedule a consultation at our offices to begin your treatment today.
What Is Venous Insufficiency?
Varicose veins are one of the many possible symptoms of a larger medical issue called venous insufficiency. Other symptoms include spider veins, skin discoloration, skin ulcers, leg pain, throbbing and swelling. Most patients experience venous insufficiency later in life, although some younger patients may also develop varicose veins due to poor health or genetics. Venous insufficiency may be caused by:
- A family history of venous disease
- An unhealthy or sedentary lifestyle
- Aging and a weakening of vein walls
- Long periods of sitting or standing
- Circulatory changes due to pregnancy
- An ongoing smoking habit
The body’s system of veins is responsible for delivering blood back to the heart after it has been circulated throughout the vital organs and deoxygenated. Blood located in the lower extremities of the body needs to flow upward against the force of gravity. In order to keep blood moving in the proper direction, the veins use a system of one-way valves designed to prevent any backflow.
Over time, the one-way valves can begin to weaken and fail with age, allowing blood to become stuck in the legs and pool in the lower veins. The onset of venous insufficiency can be harmless but allowing it to continue untreated while ignoring the development of any symptoms can allow the disease to create serious and painful side effects that can harm your quality of life. Whether you have recently begun to notice the early symptoms of venous insufficiency or have been experiencing them for some time, schedule an evaluation at the Vein Institute of Pittsburgh to learn about our minimally invasive treatment options.
Diagnosing Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are easily distinguishable by their appearance: winding, twisting and bulging veins that protrude from the skin, typically blue in color. Some varicose veins may not be located as close to the surface of the skin and may not manifest themselves as visible symptoms. Other symptoms of varicose veins and venous insufficiency include leg throbbing, cramping, swelling and skin discoloration.
At the Vein Institute of Pittsburgh, we utilize ultrasound testing to screen our patients for insufficient veins. Before beginning vein treatment, we diagnose our patients’ venous disease with an ultrasound test and physical evaluation to determine the extent, location and severity of their venous insufficiency. Once we have diagnosed a patient’s venous disease, Dr. Krysinski will then move forward with treatment to manage and reduce any symptoms.
Minimally Invasive Treatment Options
Varicose vein treatment used to be limited to a painful and overly-invasive procedure called vein stripping where the insufficient vein was surgically removed. Patients who underwent vein stripping required general anesthesia, an overnight hospital stay and a lengthy and painful recovery. These days, varicose vein treatment has advanced to include minimally invasive procedures that are not only easier and less painful than vein stripping, but also more effective at treating venous insufficiency.
At the Vein Institute of Pittsburgh, we offer endovenous laser ablation (EVLA), sclerotherapy and microphlebectomy to our patients interested in the latest minimally invasive vein therapies. Each procedure varies in its approach to improving the symptoms of venous insufficiency. Dr. Krysinski helps each patient determine their optimal treatment approach following an in-person consultation and ultrasound diagnosis. Often, a combination of multiple procedures is prescribed for optimal results.
Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA)
Also known as endovenous laser treatment (EVLT), EVLA utilizes lasers to heat and seal insufficient veins. During the minimally invasive procedure, a thin laser fiber is inserted into the problem vein through a catheter. Once inserted, the laser is slowly pulled back through the vein while it emits thermal energy to the surrounding vein walls. The procedure is completed under local anesthesia to ensure patients experience little to no discomfort. EVLA has minimal side effects and downtime.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is an injectable vein treatment that is commonly used for eliminating spider veins but may also be used for the elimination of varicose veins. During sclerotherapy, a chemical agent called sclerosant is injected into the problem vein. The sclerosant irritates and inflames the vein, prompting it to seal and remove itself from circulation. The body then safely and naturally absorbs the treated vein. With minimal side effects and downtime, sclerotherapy is often the procedure of choice for smaller insufficient veins.
Microphlebectomy
Also known as ambulatory phlebectomy, microphlebectomy is a minimally invasive alternative to older vein stripping procedures. During microphlebectomy, the insufficient vein is removed from the leg through small punctures in the skin. Often combined with EVLA, microphlebectomy has a high rate of effectiveness due to the complete removal of the varicose vein. The procedure is completed under local anesthesia and does not require any stitches or sutures.
Schedule an Appointment with Dr. Krysinski at Vein Institute of Pittsburgh
Board-certified phlebologist Dr. Krysinski is proud to offer the latest advancements in vein care to his patients. If varicose or spider veins have made you feel self-conscious about your legs or uncomfortable symptoms have led to a decrease in your quality of life, schedule an evaluation with the Vein Institute of Pittsburgh. Dr. Krysinski and his physician extenders will take the time to thoroughly evaluate your veins and your concerns, creating a treatment plan that matches your unique needs.
Call us today at 724-934-VEIN (8346) to reach our Warrendale location or 412-809-VEIN (8346) for our Robinson location and book your appointment.