#1 Why did this happen to me?
This is one of those rare opportunities where you get to blame your family and science backs you up! Genetics (thanks, Mom & Dad) play a significant role; it’s one reason why men also develop varicose & spider veins. Pregnancy (thanks, kids) is why women have a higher prevalence of disease.
#2: Why do my legs feel awful?
Commonly, this relates to a malfunction of venous valves. Your veins are meant to channel flow up and out of your legs. Valve malfunction leads to more pooling,→ increased pressure,→stretching of veins and an increase in symptoms. This is why many patients feel worse after prolonged standing/sitting.
#3 How is this diagnosed?
Easily and painlessly, by using an in-office ultrasound ma¬chine which helps map the way your particular veins course through your legs. If wrong-way flow is noted, a diagnosis of Superficial Venous Insufficiency (SVI) is made.
#4 How are abnormal veins treated?
To treat SVI in larger superficial vein “trunks,” minimally invasive procedures are performed with ultrasound guidance. Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) uses a specialized laser placed in an IV to heal-seal problematic vein segments shut; allowing flow to re-route to normal veins. Patients can resume most activities immediately thereafter.
I have recently added ClariVein®, a newer approach with similar effectiveness to heat-based techniques, but does not require tumescent local anesthesia and is less painful than other minimally invasive procedures.
For more superficial varicose or spider veins, sclerotherapy is a safe and effective procedure that encourages affected veins to close off and fade away over time.
#5 Are treatments painful?
All of these treatments are very well tolerated. Patients are awake and can listen to music, check their Facebook or chat. EVLA requires local anesthetic around the length of the catheter; Clarivein® only requires a tiny amount of local anesthetic to make IV placement comfortable. Minimal dis¬comfort is easily managed by anti-inflammatory medication. Sclerotherapy causes mild irritation that may last seconds, if it’s even noticed at all.
#6 Is there any downtime?
No. Patients can resume most routine activities immediately after procedures. Moreover, patients are encouraged to be active. “Go,go,go” is the mantra.
#7 Who performs these treatments at Rosen Vein Care?
Unlike the experience at many other clinics, a board-certified physician (that’s me!) performs the treatments, including sclerotherapy. I give all my patients my email/cell phone number to address questions and concerns. I’m “all about the veins,” but also about making my patients’ experience comfortable and personal.
#8 Will this be covered by commercial insurance/Medicare?
The initial consultation appointment/ultrasound is typically covered. While many procedures may be eligible for coverage by commercial insurance carriers and Medicare, approval of coverage may take time. My office staff and I handle all of the insurance submissions for you.
#9 Why didn’t I take care of this sooner?!
Good question! I look forward to meeting you and will strive to exceed your expectations. Let’s make 2015 the year to address your chronic vein disease. See you soon!
