Because varicose veins (VVs) often cause pain and cramps, as well as appear unattractive, many people who suffer from them seek treatment. Options for resolving varicosities have expanded over the years, though some measures may be more appropriate than others depending on your circumstances.
This condition is caused by increased blood pressure within the blood vessels. Once your doctor has confirmed its diagnosis - typically, by performing an ultrasound - he or she will discuss the best forms of treatment with you. The goal of this article is not to recommend one approach over another. Instead, we'll provide an overview of your options so you'll be prepared to discuss them with your vascular surgeon.
Vein Ligation And Stripping
Ligation involves tying off the target vein. Incisions are made into your leg above the blood vessel, which is then clamped to inhibit blood flow. Blood will eventually be directed to other superficial veins in your legs, leaving the target vein to slowly atrophy. As this occurs, its appearance through the surface of your skin becomes less pronounced until it disappears. The problem with this approach is that the rate of recurrence is high.
Stripping is more invasive. Here again, two incisions are made above the target vein. It is then clamped and removed. While it is effective for resolving the varicosity, there are less invasive approaches that can accomplish the same goal.
Ambulatory Phlebectomy
This method is similar to vein stripping in that the varicose vein is removed. One of the key differences is that the incisions made are tiny; the blood vessel is collapsed and withdrawn through them. The incisions are so small that stitches are usually unnecessary. Also, while stripping is done under general anesthesia, an ambulatory phlebectomy only requires a local anesthetic.
Vein Ablation
This approach is done with a catheter. An incision is made near the target vein, and the catheter is inserted through it. The instrument is equipped with electrodes that heat the blood vessel to the point that it is destroyed. As a result, blood will be unable to pass through the vein, and will be directed through others. The destroyed blood vessel is left inside the leg, where it is gradually absorbed.
Sclerotherapy
Smaller varicose veins can be treated with sclerotherapy. With this method, your doctor injects the target blood vessel with a chemical that irritates its inner wall. The vein becomes inflamed and scarred. As with ablation, the vein will no longer be able to carry blood, and soon collapses to be absorbed by your body. Blood that once passed through the collapsed vein is directed elsewhere.
Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT)
With EVLT, your surgeon uses a laser fiber to destroy the varicose vein. Here, a small incision is made above the blood vessel, and the laser fiber is inserted through it. Once it is in position within the target vein, the fiber is used to heat the inner wall. This destroys the vein, and causes it to collapse. As with other measures described earlier, the blood vessel is eventually absorbed into your body, and disappears.
Endovenous laser treatment is one of the easiest and quickest treatments methods used by vascular surgeons. In most cases, the entire process can be completed in less than sixty minutes. There is rarely discomfort or pain following the procedure.
Compression Stockings
This is usually the first option most doctors will recommend in treating varicose veins. Depending on the severity of the varicosities, stockings may be sufficient for resolving the problem. They are normally worn around the lower leg (i.e. from the ankle to just below the knee), and apply pressure in a graduated manner. Pressure is greatest near the ankle, and lessens as the stocking extends toward the knee.
This is the least costly form of treatment. Because it does not require surgery, many patients prefer it to more invasive alternatives.
The unattractive appearance and discomfort that typically accompany varicose veins can be treated. Speak with your doctor regarding an appropriate strategy for your condition.
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