Vascular information from Dr. Bunke

Vein & Vascular News, Tips, Treatments and More!

What is Radiofrequency Treatment for Varicose Veins?

At La Jolla Vein Care, we use a special procedure called radiofrequency treatment for varicose veins. This treatment uses a radiofrequency energy to heat up the wall of the vein. This treatment is used for varicose veins. Varicose veins develop when valves in the veins are damaged and this causes the veins to bulge or twist and stand out in the legs. Radiofrequency ablation treatment closes off the blood flow in the vein that causes the varicose veins. 

radiofrequency treatment for varicose veins

 

Radiofrequency Ablation for Saphenous Vein Reflux 

Why was I offered an endovenous radiofrequency ablation procedure?

Most patients who are offered a radiofrequency ablation procedure is for backwards flow (or reflux) in the saphenous vein(s). The great and small saphenous veins are the two main superficial veins of the leg. They run along the inner leg and the back of the leg, respectively. This minimally invasive procedure can be performed in the office in less than an hour and patients return to their usual level of activity the same day. 

 

How does the treatment work?

 

The skin is numbed with lidocaine, then a tiny wire and the Closurefast catheter are inserted into the vein. The catheter delivers radio-frequency energy to the vein wall, causing it to seal shut. The remaining healthy veins continue to bring blood back to the heart. 

 

What should I expect on the day of treatment?

 

The procedure is performed with local anesthesia, but many patients elect to use a mild oral sedative (Valium), which is taken after checking in and completing all paperwork. You will change into a gown and leave underwear on. Depending on the vein to be treated, you will lay on your back or on your belly. We do our best to make special accommodations (for example, if you cannot lie flat or cannot bend a knee very well) with body positioning and using pillows. We will do our best to make you comfortable. Then, we will give you the option of watching a movie on Netflix or listen to music. Once you are comfortable, your leg will be prepped with a cleansing solution for the sterile procedure. The doctor will perform an ultrasound to map the vein to be treated. Then, a numbing agent (lidocaine) will be injected into the skin.

In the numb area of the skin, a tiny puncture is made to pass the radiofrequency catheter. Your doctor will then use a  needle to administer a combination of cool saline and local anesthetic around the vein either in the thigh or calf (depending on which vein is treated). This solution numbs the vein and insulates it from the surrounding tissue. After the numbing solution is applied, the vein is painlessly treated with radiofrequency energy. Once your vein has been treated, we will clean your leg and apply a compression stocking which you will wear for 72 hours continuously. You will walk for 30 minutes prior to getting in your car. 

 

What should I do after treatment? 

 

You should walk 30 minutes twice daily after treatment and move your legs frequently throughout the day with short walks and/or calf exercises. This will alleviate discomfort and avoid pooling of blood in the legs. Most of the numbing solution around the vein will be absorbed by your body within a few hours, but you may have a small amount of blood-tinged saline leak from your puncture site onto the gauze. In that case, just remove the gauze and roll your stockings back up. 

 

What should I avoid after treatment?

 

For at least two weeks after treatment, you should avoid airline travel to minimize pooling of blood in the legs. You should avoid strenuous exercise (anything more than a brisk walk), heavy lifting, saunas or hot tubs, and leg massages. All of these dilate the superficial veins and interfere with their healing. 

 

What are the possible adverse effects? 

 

Expect some bruising over the injection sites, which fades over about two weeks. The skin overlying larger varicose veins may also develop some temporary inflammation and/or brownish hyperpigmentation as the blood products within those veins are absorbed by the body. An uncommon complication is a blood clot within a deep vein.

 

Before and After Varicose Vein Treatment 

4 BA VV NOR21553 BA VV varicose NOR2149

What is Radiofrequency Treatment for Varicose Veins?2022-03-17T10:17:50-07:00

The Best Way to Treat Reticular Veins

The best treatment for Reticular Veins is through a painless alternative to traditional sclerotherapy: Cryo-Sclerotherapy.

Why have I been offered cryo-sclerotherapy?

 

We recommend patients undergo cry-sclerotherapy to mainly treat spider veins and small varicose veins at the skin surface (also known as reticular veins). Traditional sclerotherapy involves injection of a medication into the vein using a tiny needle. This causes the vein to collapse and eventually fade away. The medication will be administered in a liquid and /or foam formulation, depending on the size of the veins. Cryo-sclerotherapy is the combination of traditional sclerotherapy in combination with the use of a cryo device. The cryo device delivers puffs of cold air simultaneously during sclerotherapy. The result  is the cold air anesthetizes the skin so the treatment is relatively painless. This is especially helpful for treatment of sensitive areas like the inner ankles and thighs. Instead of feeling the needle prick, you will feel puffs of cold air instead. The cold air may also reduce bruising and pain. 

 

What should I expect on my treatment days? 

 

You will sign your consent form then change into shorts provided by the office. We will clean your skin with alcohol. The sclerosant medication will then be injected into your veins with a fine needle. Just before the needle is used, you will feel puffs of cold air. The cold air will anesthetize the skin, so that the prick from the needle is not felt or lessened. Every time the needle is used, you will feel puffs of cold air instead. After your treatment, we will help you into your compression stockings, then you will walk for 30 minutes prior to getting in your car. It is normal for your legs to be achy and tender to the touch after treatment. 

 

What should I do after treatment?

 

You will be instructed on how long to wear compression stockings after treatment, depending on the size of the veins that are treated. Most patients wear thigh-high compression stockings continuously for 1-3 days, then another 7 days. 

 

You may shower with the stockings on or take a quick cool shower with them off. 

 

You should walk 30 minutes twice daily after treatment and move your legs frequently throughout the day with short walks and/or calf exercises. This avoids pooling of blood in the legs. Avoid prolonged sitting during the day. 

 

It is normal to have aching in the treated veins. This responds well to walking, ice packs, and anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve). 

 

What should I avoid after treatment? 

 

For at least two weeks after treatment, you should avoid strenuous exercise (anything more than a brisk walk), heavy lifting, saunas or hot tubs, and leg massages. All of these dilate the superficial veins and interfere with their healing. You should also avoid airline travel for two weeks after treatment. 

 

What are the possible side effects? 

 

You will likely have some bruising over the injection sites, then the treated veins may become firm and blue. 

 

The skin overlying treated veins may also develop brownish hyperpigmentation as the blood products within those veins are absorbed by the body; in some patients it can take up to a year to fade. Some patients temporarily develop some very fine, pink spider veins in areas where veins have been treated (telangiectatic matting). These usually resolve spontaneously over several weeks but occasionally require additional treatment to clear. 

 

Many patients will feel their veins look a bit worse in the first month after sclerotherapy, but through the best treatment for reticular veins, cryo-sclerotherapy, patients have reported it to be a more painless approach for treatment.  

 

The Best Way to Treat Reticular Veins2022-03-17T10:17:12-07:00

The Best Way to Treat Spider Veins

The best way to treat spider veins is through a procedure called Sclerotherapy. At La Jolla Vein Care we have seen great patient transformations with this type of therapy. If you are interested in knowing if you have spider veins, check this article out. 

 

Sclerotherapy

Why was I recommended to have sclerotherapy injections?

Spider veins and reticular veins of the legs are most commonly treated with sclerotherapy. Sclerotherapy involves an injection of a medication into the vein. This will cause the vein to collapse and gradually fade away. Sclerotherapy has been used to treat spider veins for decades, but newer solutions such as Asclera allow for spider veins to be treated with minimal discomfort and immediate return to activities.

Vein specialists rarely use saline solutions these days, because alternative solutions are less painful and better tolerated. Sclerotherapy is preferred by most vein specialists over laser because spider veins often have underlying feeder veins that can easily be treated with sclerotherapy, but are not addressed by laser. Many people will require more than one treatment session for optimal results. The national average is 2 to 5 treatment sessions. Treatment sessions are often spaced a month apart, but your health care provider will help determine your customized care plan. Wearing compression stockings after treatment will improve results. 

 

For larger veins, the medication may be turned into a foam, this is referred to as foam sclerotherapy. Foam sclerotherapy is similar to sclerotherapy of spider veins but instead of a liquid solution, a foamed-solution is injected directly into the vein via a small needle. The solution can be seen on ultrasound monitoring which allows it to be directed into nearby varicose veins painlessly. The veins will seal shut, and gradually be broken down by the body. 

 

What should I expect on my treatment days?

You will sign your consent form then change into shorts provided by the office. We will clean your skin with alcohol. The sclerosant medication will then be injected into your veins with a fine needle. After your treatment, we will help you into your compression stockings, then you will walk for 30 minutes prior to getting into your car. It is normal for your legs to be achy and tender to the touch after treatment. 

 

What should I do after treatment? 

You will be instructed on how long to wear compression stockings after treatment, depending on the size of the veins that are treated. Most patients wear thigh-high compression stockings continuously for 1-3 days, then another 7 days. You may shower with the stockings on or take a quick cool shower with them off. 

 

You should walk 30 minutes twice daily after treatment and move your legs frequently throughout the day with short walks and/or calf exercises. This avoids pooling of blood in the legs. Avoid prolonged sitting during the day. 

 

It is normal to have aching in the treated veins. This responds well to walking, ice packs, and anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve). 

 

What should I avoid after treatment? 

For at least two weeks after treatment, you should avoid strenuous exercise (anything more than a brisk walk), heavy lifting, saunas or hot tubs, and leg massages. All of these dilate the superficial veins and interfere with their healing. You should also avoid airline travel for two weeks after treatment. 

 

What are the possible side effects?

You will likely have some bruising over the injection sites, then the treated veins may become firm and blue. 

 

The skin overlying treated veins may also develop brownish hyperpigmentation as the blood products within those veins are absorbed by the body; in some patients it can take up to a year to fade. Some patients temporarily develop some very fine, pink spider veins in areas where veins have been treated (telangiectatic matting). These usually resolve spontaneously over several weeks but occasionally require additional treatment to clear. If you notice the spider veins have not gone away after treatment, this information may be helpful for you. 

Below are the before and after transformations that we have seen in patient cases with spider veins and sclerotherapy.

1 the best way to treat spider veins  4

The Best Way to Treat Spider Veins2022-03-17T10:12:50-07:00

The 9 Best Ways to Treat Varicose Veins Without Procedures

The 9 best ways to treat varicose veins without procedures: conservative management and self-care.  

Conservative Management and Self-Care for Varicose Veins

Conservative management and lifestyle changes can ease the symptoms of varicose veins and help reduce complications such as thrombophlebitis (blood clots within veins) and vein rupture, but do not cause the veins to vanish. These measures are helpful if an individual is not a candidate for vein procedures or wishes to delay interventional treatment. More common options include:

Compression stockings: These elastic stockings squeeze or compress the veins to help circulate blood. The compression stockings prevent blood from flowing backward and pooling in the legs. Compression stockings must be graduated, medical grade compression to be beneficial. TED hose are not adequate to reduce symptoms in venous disease for active patients. Compression stockings come in different strengths and the most common strength for the treatment of varicose veins is 20-30mmhg. Your doctor should advise you which strength of compression stockings you should wear. In patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD), diabetics, and neuropathies, compression may be contraindicated or lesser strengths of compression may be advised. 

Leg elevation: Use leg elevation three or four times a day for about 15 minutes at a time. Even elevating your legs on a step stool or ottoman is beneficial. If you need to sit or stand for a long period of time, flexing (bending) your legs occasionally can help keep blood circulating. If you have mild to moderate varicose veins, elevating your legs can help reduce leg swelling and relieve other symptoms. 

Exercise: Exercising is good for your veins because it improves blood flow. Walking, cycling, or swimming are great exercises for vein health. But be sure to check with your doctor before starting any exercise program. 

Avoid inactivity: Standing or sitting for long periods of time can aggravate your vein condition. To keep blood moving when you have to sit or stand for long periods, try these tips: at work, take walking breaks and try walking during your lunch hour. While sitting, try flexing your feet up and down 10 times an hour. When standing, raise yourself up and down on your toes or rock back and forth on your heels. 

Dietary Supplements: Supplements such as horse chestnut and grape seed extract can help reduce symptoms of venous disease. Vasculera is a prescription medication that may be helpful for some. Always check with your PCP before starting supplements or new medications as there may be side effects. 

Dietary Changes and High Fiber Diet: A flavonoid rich diet including berries, and green teas, can reduce inflammation and pain. A high fiber diet can increase abdominal pressure and may be helpful for varicose veins. Make sure to drink plenty of water with your high fiber diet. 

Anti-inflammatory Medications: are helpful to reduce pain and inflammation, but check with your doctor first to make sure you don't have contraindications to using them. Ibuprofen and Advil are common oral anti-inflammatory medications. There are also anti-inflammatory cream or gels that can be applied topically to the painful veins, such as Voltaren gel. 

Ice packs: and heating pads can be applied to tender veins. Ice packs and heating pads can be used in an alternating manner. 

Weight loss or maintaining a healthy weight: Being overweight puts extra pressure on your veins. It's optimal to manage your weight to reduce extra symptoms and pain. These are the 9 best ways to treat varicose veins with conservative management. 

The 9 Best Ways to Treat Varicose Veins Without Procedures2025-09-04T12:09:43-07:00

The Best Treatment for Saphenous Vein Reflux

The best treatment for Saphenous Vein Reflux is tailored to the individual 

 

Fortunately, there are a variety of non-surgical treatment options for saphenous vein reflux, the underlying cause for varicose veins and it’s symptoms. Because vein treatment is not, ‘one treatment fits all,’ the treatment plan should be customized to the patient. Non-surgical options include, laser vein ablation, radiofrequency vein ablation, varithena foam, venaseal an mechanical-chemical ablation, also known as clarivein. This article will specifically discuss features about Clarivein which make it a good option for some patients.

Mechanical-Chemical Ablation (Clarivein) for Saphenous Vein Reflux 

The ClariVein procedure for treatment of backwards flow (or reflux) in your saphenous veins. The great and small saphenous veins are the two main superficial veins of the leg. They run along the inner leg and the back of the leg. This minimally invasive procedure can be performed in the office in less than an hour. This offers patients the benefit of being able to return to their usual level of activity the same day. 

 

How does the treatment work?

The skin is numbed with lidocaine, then the ClariVein catheter is placed into the unhealthy vein. The catheter closes the vein painlessly by delivering two treatments: 

 

  1. Mechanical treatment with a tiny rotating wire. 
  2. Chemical treatment with polidocanol. 

 

This technique is highly effective in closing the vein and only requires one skin puncture, similar to placing an iv. 

 

What should I expect on the day of treatment? 

The procedure is performed with local anesthesia, but many patients elect to use a mild oral sedative (Valium), which is taken after checking in and completing all paperwork. The patient will change into a gown and leave underwear on. Depending on the vein to be treated, the patient will lay on the back or on the belly. We do our best to make special accommodations (for example, if the patient cannot lie flat or cannot bend a knee very well) with body positioning and using pillows. We will do our best to make the patient comfortable. Then, we will give the option of watching a movie on Netflix or listen to music. Once the patient is comfortable, the leg will be prepped with a cleansing solution for the sterile procedure. The doctor will perform an ultrasound to map the vein to be treated. Then, a numbing agent (lidocaine) will be injected into the skin. In the numb area of the skin, a tiny puncture is made to pass the ClariVein catheter. Once the catheter and rotating wire are in place, the doctor will start the treatment. It is common to feel a tickling or vibrating sensation as the doctor treats the vein. Patients usually have minimal to no pain during this procedure. Once the vein has been treated, the patient will wear compression stockings for 72 hours continuously. The benefits of wearing compression stockings during post surgical recovery are mentioned here. 

 

What should I do after treatment? 

You should walk 30 minutes twice daily after treatment and move your legs frequently throughout the day with short walks and/or calf exercises. This will alleviate discomfort and avoid pooling of blood in the legs. It is normal to have aching in the treated veins. This responds well to walking, ice packs, and anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve). Compression stockings are recommended for after treatment. 

 

What should I avoid after treatment? 

 

For at least two weeks after treatment, you should avoid strenuous exercise (anything more than a brisk walk), heavy lifting, saunas or hot tubs, and leg massages. All of these dilate the superficial veins and interfere with their healing. You should also avoid airline travel for two weeks after treatment. 

 

What are the possible adverse effects? 

Expect some bruising over the puncture site, which fades over about two weeks. The skin overlying larger varicose veins may also develop some temporary inflammation and/or brownish hyperpigmentation as the blood products within those veins are absorbed by the body. An uncommon complication is a blood clot within a deep vein. 

Videos of the treatment, as well as after care instructions can be found on our website or our Youtube Channel.

The Best Treatment for Saphenous Vein Reflux2022-03-17T10:11:22-07:00

One Way To Reduce Bruising After Surgery

One of the most common side effects after surgery is bruising. Whether it is due to plastic surgery or vein surgery, bruising and swelling are inevitable. One of the most powerful tools that we recommend for patients undergoing any type of surgery and one way to reduce bruising after surgery is RECOVA post surgery cream. 

 

Dr Nishe Bunke created RECOVA cream as a post surgical recovery cream specifically designed to reduce bruising, swelling, redness, and pain. RECOVA skin creams are packed with antioxidants and natural ingredients that promote healing and reduce inflammation. 

 

RECOVA cream aids in reducing pain, swelling, and discoloration after cosmetic surgery, injections, and procedures, laser treatments, varicose vein procedures, Sclerotherapy, minor injuries, and is one way to reduce bruising after surgery.

 

Our patients at La Jolla Vein Care have seen quick transformation post procedures. The combination of natural ingredients in RECOVA cream helps aid in quicker recovery.

 

 The powerful ingredients included in RECOVA are listed below:  

 

  • Arnica Montana is a flower extract that helps with inflammation, swelling, and bruise recovery. 

 

  • Grapeseed Oil has numerous benefits and includes numerous vitamins such as vitamin E. It is a flavonoid that aids in chronic venous insufficiency, varicose veins, and edema. 

 

  • Bromelain is an enzyme that is a natural remedy for inflammation and swelling.

 

  • Horse Chestnut is used to improve poor blood circulation, reduce swelling, and for varicose vein symptoms. 

 

  • Caprylhydroxamic Acid is an amino acid derived from coconut oil used as a gentle preservative that ensures product safety and longevity. 

 

  • Witch Hazel is used for swelling and inflammation. It is used to shrink varicose veins and hemorrhoids as well as reduce rosacea and clear redness of the skin. 

 

  • Butcher’s Broom is used for natural anti-inflammatory properties. It is used to reduce swelling and reduce varicose vein symptoms. 

 

  • Sunflower Seed Oil is packed with vitamins A, E, C, and D. 

 

  • Menthol is not present in the tinted RECOVA, since Tinted Arnica is often used around the eyes. 

 

The combination of these ingredients contributes to an overall comforting and healing sensation when applied to the skin. 

 

RECOVA is a tool that stands out due to its natural ingredients that aid in venous disease symptoms. RECOVA is hypoallergenic, and non comedogenic. RECOVA is also free of parabens, phthalates, preservatives, synthetic additives, and dyes, and never tested on animals. 

 

Patients have used RECOVA cream after vein procedures and have seen quick and lasting results. We recommend physicians offer this for patients if they complain of redness, itching, and bruising after their procedures. RECOVA offers immediate soothing relief of discomfort for our patients. 

 

Check out RECOVA online for more information and to purchase RECOVA tinted arnica cream and RECOVA post surgery cream. 

Below are a few patient transformations while using RECOVA Cream post surgical procedures.

one way to reduce bruising after surgery one way to reduce bruising after surgery

before 3 after 3one way to reduce bruising after surgery

One Way To Reduce Bruising After Surgery2022-03-17T10:10:31-07:00

What is Venous Reflux Disease?

What is Venous Reflux Disease?

 

Venous reflux disease is also known as venous stasis, venous insufficiency or venous incompetence and refers to ‘leaky valves’ in the veins of the legs. 

leaky valve

Reflux may occur in the deep and/or superficial leg veins. The deep veins are those within the muscle; they bring at least 80-90% of the blood from the legs back to the heart. The superficial veins are outside the muscle and under the skin. The main superficial veins are the Great Saphenous Vein that courses up the middle of the thigh and calf and small saphenous vein. Normally, there are one-way valves within the leg veins, which help blood flow in one direction: toward the heart. This means blood is traveling against gravity. The calf muscle also helps move blood toward the heart. When vein valves are leaky, blood flows backward (reflux) towards the feet. Blood pools in the lower legs, causing bulging veins at the surface. 

leakyveinvalves

Symptoms of Venous Reflux Disease:

 

Symptoms of venous reflux disease include; leg heaviness, leg fatigue, leg pain, ankle swelling, phlebitis (inflamed and painful veins), restless legs at night, and night cramps. Venous reflux disease is progressive and worsens over time. Skin changes may also develop, including darkening of the skin around the ankles. The darkening of the skin is sometimes referred to as venous stasis skin changes. The skin can become dry and itchy (venous eczema). Eventually, the skin can break down causing a wound, called a venous leg ulcer. All of which are possible symptoms of venous reflux disease to look out for. 

 

What influences the development of Venous Reflux Disease?

 

A patient is more likely to develop venous reflux disease if they are:

 

  • Overweight
  • Pregnant
  • Have a family history of vein disease
  • Have damage to the leg due to injury, surgery, or previous blood clots
  • High blood pressure
  • Lack of exercise
  • Smoking
  • A blood clot in a deep vein (calf or thigh) “deep vein thrombosis” 
  • Swelling and inflammation of a vein close to the skin, known as “phlebitis”

 

How is Venous Reflux Disease Diagnosed? 

 

In addition to physical exam findings and medical history, an ultrasound examination is an important tool in the assessment of venous disease. Not all venous disease is visible to the naked eye, and it usually arises from veins that are beneath the surface of the skin, only visible by ultrasound technology. 

 

The ultrasound allows us to see if the valves are leaky; it can detect the direction of blood flow and also detects blockages in the veins, for example from blood clots or scars within the veins from previous clots. The ultrasound will determine exactly which veins are “bad” or incompetent. Reflux may be detected in the deep veins (within the muscle), the great and small saphenous veins, and /or branches of the saphenous veins. This will help determine the treatment plan. 

 

What is Venous Reflux Disease?2022-03-17T10:21:46-07:00

Can your height influence varicose veins?

Does height play a role in developing varicose veins? Yes. We initially presented this information in 2018, after a study at Stanford University School of Medicine found a person’s height to be a significant risk factor for developing varicose veins. “We not only found an association between height and varicose veins, but the genetic studies we did showed a causal link,” said cardiologist and study author Dr. Nicholas Leeper, an associate professor of surgery and cardiovascular medicine at Stanford. “That suggests that the genes and pathways that drive human height are also likely to be causing varicose veins.” The study originally published in 2018, found a significant link between above-average height and vein health. In this population-based study of ~500,00 individuals, greater height appeared as a novel predictor of varicose vein disease in machine learning analyses, and was independently associated in multivariable-adjusted Cox regression.

Other known influences such as age, excess weight, being female, and genetics also play a role in the development of them. This study, reveals that taller individuals, the study concluded, have a greater chance of developing them and possibly even blood clots in the legs.

The reason has to do with gravity — blood from the legs of taller people must travel a greater distance to the heart, which forces the veins to work harder. But it also has to do with genetics. The study’s authors found above-average height was not only associated with varicose veins, but could be the underlying cause of the swollen veins that rise to the surface of the legs and feet as well.

Lifestyle modifications to reduce the risk of developing them by including use of compression stockings when traveling and sitting or standing for longer periods of time, exercise, weight loss (if indicated), and leg elevation. Read about measures to reduce symptoms related to varicose veins.

Original Study Published in Circulation.
Clinical and Genetic Determinants of Varicose Veins: A Prospective, Community-Based Study of ~500,000 IndividualsEri Fukaya, Alyssa M. Flores, Daniel Lindholm, Stefan Gustafsson, Daniela Zanetti, Erik Ingelsson, Nicholas J. LeeperCirculation.

Can your height influence varicose veins?2022-02-28T17:01:39-08:00

A Deeper Look Into Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are swollen, blue, bulging, twisted, superficial (those closest to the skin) veins of the leg. High pressure inside the superficial veins of the leg causes varicose veins, but genetics are thought to play a large, contributing role. As many as 40 million Americans have them. Left untreated, varicose veins may become worse. Persons with varicose veins often experience leg aches and fatigue. They may also incur skin changes such as rashes, redness and ulcers.

What factors influence development of varicose veins?

  • Age: People between the ages of 30 and 70 often have varicose veins. 
  • During pregnancy, 50 to 55 percent of American women experience varicose veins. In most cases, the veins return to normal within a year after childbirth.
  • Women who have multiple pregnancies may develop permanent varicose veins.  

 

Risk factors include:

o being overweight, or a family history of varicose veins

o standing or sitting for long periods of time

 

A vascular surgeon will review your medical history, do a physical exam and look at your prominent veins. You may be sent for a duplex ultrasound test, also known as a venous reflux study, to identify the causes of your varicose veins. The painless test uses high-frequency waves to measure the venous blood flow. The test helps the physician visualize the vein structure and the blood flow in the veins.

Most doctors will suggest lifestyle changes for patients. This includes:

  • maintaining the proper weight
  • elevating legs when resting
  • not sitting or standing for long periods of time 
  • wearing compression (elastic support) stockings

 

In some cases, a vascular surgeon will recommend additional treatments:

  • Sclerotherapy is the sealing of the veins via an injection of a medication. This procedure is done mainly for smaller spider veins. It is performed in a doctor’s office. The physician injects a chemical into the varicose veins to prevent the veins from filling with blood.
  • Vein Stripping is performed. The physician may make two small incisions, one in the groin area and another below the knee, through which the diseased veins are removed. This is an outpatient procedure, usually done under general anesthesia. Patients can resume their normal activities after four weeks.
  • Ablation and laser treatment are performed on patients with severe varicose veins. They are done under local or general anesthetic. The ablation procedure inserts a thin, flexible catheter into the leg vein. The tip of the catheter has tiny electrodes that heat and seal off the walls of the vein. Laser treatments use a tiny fiber placed in the vein through a catheter. The fiber sends out laser energy that closes the diseased portion of the vein. These two modes of treatment frequently replace stripping of the saphenous vein. They can be performed alone or in conjunction with removal of individual clusters of the veins known as small incision avulsion or ambulatory phlebectomy.

 

A Deeper Look Into Varicose Veins2022-03-01T16:31:12-08:00

How to Earn Vein Center Accreditation by IAC in 2022

How to earn vein center accreditation by IAC in 2022

More than one half of Americans age 50 and older are affected by varicose veins. Varicose veins occur when the valves in the leg veins no longer function, causing blood to pool in the legs. In some cases, this condition progresses to a more serious form of venous disease called chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). Whether to relieve symptoms and/or improve appearance, treating varicose veins can be performed by vein centers that specialize in the evaluation and management of superficial venous disorders. Through vein center accreditation, one can feel confident in choosing the best providers and treatments for their vein disease.

There are many factors that contribute to an accurate vein treatment and management. The training and experience of the vein specialist performing the procedure, the type of equipment used and the quality assessment metrics each facility is required to measure, all contribute to a positive patient outcome. IAC accreditation is a “seal of approval” that patients can rely on as an indicator of consistent quality care and a dedication to continuous improvement.

La Jolla Vein Care located in La Jolla, CA has been granted vein center accreditation by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC) in the area of Superficial Venous Treatment and Management.

This latest accreditation awarded to La Jolla Vein Care demonstrates the facility’s ongoing commitment to providing quality patient care in vein treatment and management.

How to earn vein center accreditation:

Accreditation by the IAC indicates that La Jolla Vein Care has undergone an intensive application and review process and is found to be in compliance with the published Standards, thus demonstrating a commitment to quality patient care in vein treatment and management.

  • A detailed self-evaluation
  • Followed by a thorough review by a panel of medical experts

The IAC accreditation process enables both the critical operational and technical components of the applicant facility to be assessed, including representative case studies and their corresponding final reports.

About IAC

IAC provides accreditation programs for vascular testing, echocardiography, nuclear/PET, MRI, diagnostic CT, dental CT, carotid stenting, vein treatment and management and cardiac electrophysiology.

The IAC programs for accreditation are dedicated to ensuring quality patient care and promoting health care and all support one common mission:

Improving health care through accreditation®. IAC accreditation is widely respected within the medical community, as illustrated by the support of the national medical societies related to venous disorders, which include physicians, physician extenders, nurses and ultrasound technologists. To date, the IAC accrediting divisions have granted accreditation to more than 14,000 sites throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.

How to Earn Vein Center Accreditation by IAC in 20222022-02-11T17:53:26-08:00
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TWO CONVENIENT LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT SAN DIEGO

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North County San Diego/ Vista — Endovascular Center
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