Diagnosis Of Venous Disorders

Varicose veins and spider veins or telangiectasias are easily seen on physical examination. The sequelae of longstanding venous insufficiency such as leg swelling, skin changes or ulceration, are also evident. Ultrasound, a noninvasive diagnostic tool, is the most efficient and accurate method for evaluating patients with venous disease. The ultrasound examination is performed in the office and helps identify the exact location of the source of the problem.

Treatment Of Varicose Veins

Endovenous Laser Ablation

The traditional treatment for varicose veins was to tie off the diseased vein in the groin and to strip and remove the vein from the circulation. This treatment by ligation and stripping yielded good early results, however recurrences developed soon after the first year, showing a 20% recurrence rate at six to ten years and continuing to increase thereafter.  In 2002, the FDA approved the use of endovenous laser for the treatment of superficial vein reflux and varicose veins.  The laser utilizes electromagnetic energy, or heat, to occlude the incompetent vein.  The procedure is a minimally invasive technique that results in less pain, faster recovery, and better cosmetic results than ligation and strippping. In addition, there is a success rate greater than 95% with persistent occlusion of the incompetent vein at long term follow-up.

 Treatment Of Spider Veins

Sclerotherapy

This procedure is used to treat visible spider veins and small varicose veins near the surface of the skin.  A sclerosant is injected directly into these veins, causing them to close off, shrink, and eventually disappear.  Several treatments are often required but it results in an excellent long term cosmetic result.

Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy

The technique uses similar sclerosants as visual sclerotherapy.  The use of ultrasound technology, however, enables precise placement of the injections into the veins which cannot be seen with the naked eye.  It is extremely effective because the sclerosant can be delivered to the exact source of the reflux.

Veinlite

Technology

The doctors of the Vein Center of Ventura utilize this advanced transillumination technology for the imaging and treatment of varicose veins.  The veinlite has become the gold standard for mapping superficial varicose veins and the network of feeder veins prior to therapy.  It is unsurpassed for imaging feeder veins that are often responsible for spider veins and telangiectasias.