Varicose Veins
While varicose veins are only a cosmetic concern for some, they can also be a sign of a more serious vein problem.
At Espinoza Vein Institute, we offer advanced treatments to eliminate varicose veins, and just as importantly, the diagnostics and expertise to determine their cause.
Varicose Veins Causes and Risk Factors
Varicose veins are swollen, twisted blood vessels just below the surface of the skin that cause blue and purple bulges on your legs and feet. Varicose veins can cause itching, pain, swelling and discomfort and their appearance can result in distress for many people.
Varicose veins occur when your blood vessels are weak, and the valves don’t work properly. This causes blood to back up in your veins and the veins to enlarge over time.
Risk factors for varicose veins include:
- Family history of varicose veins
- Hormonal birth control or hormone replacement therapy
- Lack of exercise or activity due to lifestyle or injury
- Older age
- Pregnancy
- Standing for long periods of time
Diagnosing Varicose Veins
We will perform a physical exam and ask you about your medical history, symptoms and any family history of vein disease.
At our vascular lab, we use vascular ultrasound to get detailed images of your veins. Ultrasound is a safe, painless test that allows us to see how your valves are working and find any blood clots.
Our advanced vascular lab is accredited by the IAC (Intersocietal Accreditation Commission) which means that we meet or exceed the highest level of vein care standards. After we assess your veins, we create a detailed varicose vein treatment plan customized to your needs.
Varicose Vein Treatments
Varicose veins won’t go away on their own.
Before proposing treatment, we may recommend lifestyle changes to reduce your symptoms such as avoiding extended periods of standing or sitting, compression therapy to improve blood flow and/or regular physical activity to improve blood circulation.
If treatment is required, we offer a number of advanced treatment options to close or remove varicose veins and help with symptoms. We will discuss your options with you so you can make the treatment choice that’s right for your unique needs. We perform many treatments using ultrasound technology, which lets us view your veins with exacting precision.
Laser or radiofrequency ablation
These treatments use laser or radio waves to shrink and seal the wall of an enlarged vein, rerouting blood flow to healthy veins. Ablation improves the appearance and function of your veins and helps with symptoms. Laser and radiofrequency ablation can be used in combination with sclerotherapy, which uses an injectable solution to remove problem veins.
Clarivein®
During this treatment, we insert a thin, flexible wire into the varicose vein using ultrasound guidance. The catheter rotates, causing the vein to spasm. A special solution seals off the varicose vein, causing it to be gradually absorbed by the body.
Varithena®
We use a small needle to inject a microfoam substance that fills and eliminates the affected varicose vein. Blood flow is redirected to nearby veins. Varithena is excellent for treating large or deep varicose veins.
VenaSeal™
This technique uses a special medical glue to close the affected vein and redirect blood flow to other veins. The glue is inserted into the vein using a thin catheter. The body gradually absorbs the closed vein and it disappears.
Microsurgery
Microphlebectomy is a minimally invasive surgery where we use tiny incisions to remove very large varicose veins. We use local anesthesia to numb the area before the surgery.