Compliments of: David A. Engleman, MD, FACC

Varicose Veins: What are they and why should you care

Varicose veins of the lower extremities are bulging twisting veins often seen in the calf or thigh caused by abnormally high venous pressures. Valves located in higher or deeper veins fail and allow for back leaking down the leg when standing or sitting. This is called superficial venous insufficiency and leads to venous hypertension. Normally functioning venous valves only allow flow in one direction, up. Faulty valves allow for this back flow and lead to chronically elevated venous pressure. This problem does not get better with medical treatment but symptoms can temporarily be improved by a strict regimen of compression stockings and elevation.

This condition is very common. It occurs in 25% of women and 15% of men and is thought to be caused by an inherited weakness in the connective tissue of the venous valves. Pregnancy will definitely exacerbate and worsen the condition along with various other factors including: occupations with prolonged standing or sitting and obesity. It can occur alone or in combination with deep venous insufficiency.

Concerns

Cosmetic concerns are usually the first presenting complaint but, the condition will always worsen and may eventually lead to a multitude of symptoms. These include; pain, tenderness, aching, leg fatigue, restless leg syndrome, swelling, and itching. If left untreated serious complications can occur including superficial thrombophlebitis, skin hyperpigmentation and in severe cases, skin ulceration.

Insurance

It is because of these serious complications that most insurance companies and Medicare will pay for the treatment of varicose veins.

Treatment Options

With the advent of minimally invasive treatment options such as endovenous laser, ultrasound guided foam and micro-phlebectomy, the older surgical treatments are a thing of the past. This has allowed for a greater number of patients to be treated with definitive therapy at an earlier stage as an outpatient with better results, less down time, local anesthetic and less post-op pain.

Endo Venous Laser Therapy (EVLT) is a revolutionary new FDA approved technique excellent for treating the large bulging varicose veins. For smaller spider veins, laser therapy, ambulatory phlebectomy and sclerotherapy are all excellent treatment options and are covered by most insurance.

EVLT® eliminates unsightly varicose veins using targeted laser energy to seal the faulty vein shut. EVLT requires no hospital stay, involves little or no scarring and has minimal recovery time. Further there are no side effects. In less than an hour you can be free from bulging, twisted varicose veins and back to enjoying your everyday activities. EVLT® is safe, fast, and 98% effective.

Ambulatory Phlebotomy utilizes small needle punctures to remove the small veins from your leg. It is done here in the office under local anesthesia.
Foam Sclerotherapy uses small amounts of a chemical which we inject into small veins to cause them to collapse. This is done in our office and requires no anesthesia.

If you have any questions please contact:
David A. Engleman, MD, FACC
Bella MD
8117 Preston Road, Suite 470
Dallas, TX 75225
214.378.6500
http://bellamd.com