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11, 3, 2022

Why Was I Offered a Phlebectomy?

2022-03-17T10:19:18-07:00

Micro-Phlebectomy for varicose veins 

 

A phlebectomy is a minimally invasive procedure, which is the surgical removal of bulging varicose veins through tiny skin incisions. This procedure is performed in the office with local anesthesia. Phlebectomy is also known as micro phlebectomy (because the incisions are tiny) or it can also be referred to as ambulatory phlebectomy. 

microphlebectomy

What are the options for treating bulging varicose veins at the skin surface? 

 

There are two main techniques to treat varicose veins: 

 

  1. Phlebectomy: surgical removal of the veins
  2. Foam sclerotherapy: injection of a medicated foam to close the veins

 

Sclerotherapy is the least invasive, but patients with large and or numerous bulging veins may require several sclerotherapy appointments over two or more months. This is because we can only administer a small amount of foam medication per day and larger veins may require two or more injections to close. Larger veins can also become firm and tender after sclerotherapy and/or deposit brownish blood pigments in the skin as the veins are healing. 

 

Why was I offered a phlebectomy?

Patients with bulging varicose veins may prefer to start with micro-phlebectomy removal of the largest veins, then sclerotherapy treatment for the remaining veins. This reduces the number of appointments and accelerates recovery. 

How does the procedure work?

The skin is numbed with lidocaine, then a tiny puncture is made in the skin (about ½ the size of a grain of rice). We then infuse additional numbing medication around the veins. A small hook is used to bring the vein to the skin surface, then the vein is removed. 

 

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. We will mark your bulging veins with a marker. A small hook will be used to bring the veins to the surface. More numbing medication will be infused around the veins. You will feel pressure as the veins are removed but not pain. Usually about 10-12 veins are removed.

Once the procedure is done, we will apply skin glue to the tiny puncture sites, then sterile bandages. We will help you into your compression stocking and place an ACE wrap around the treated area. You will walk for 30 minutes prior to getting in your car. The ACE wrap can be removed that night or the next day. You will wear the compression stocking for 72 hours continuously. 

 

Why Was I Offered a Phlebectomy?2022-03-17T10:19:18-07:00

What is Radiofrequency Treatment for Varicose Veins?

2022-03-17T10:17:50-07:00

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

2022-03-17T10:17:12-07:00

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

2022-03-17T10:12:50-07:00

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

28, 2, 2022

What is Venous Reflux Disease?

2022-03-17T10:21:46-07:00

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

25, 4, 2021

Medi-Cal Coverage for Varicose Veins and Leg Ulcers in San Diego

2021-04-25T00:47:37-07:00

Medi-Cal Coverage for Varicose Veins and Leg Ulcers in San Diego
La Jolla Vein Care is pleased to announce that we’ve recently enrolled with Medi-Cal. This means that more people in San Diego and Southern California have access to world-class vein treatments. Most patients with Medi-Cal can now be seen by our award-winning vein experts, have a diagnostic ultrasound and help with:
-painful varicose veins, that interfere with work and lifestyle
-leg ulcers that do not heal
-leg swelling
-lymphedema
-phlebitis
-leg pain
-superficial thrombophlebitis
-blood clots

Does Medi-Cal pay for varicose vein treatment? Does Medi-Cal pay for leg vein treatments?
There are different types of Medi-Cal health coverage.
If you have Medi-Cal and would like to make an appointment, we recommend to call or text our office. We can take your insurance information and verify if the visit would be covered with your specific plan. Call us at 858-550-0330 or text us at 858-283-4099. You can also find more information about Medi-Cal insurance here.

Medi-Cal Coverage for Varicose Veins and Leg Ulcers in San Diego2021-04-25T00:47:37-07:00

Proudly Serving Veterans and Active Military for Vein Care Needs

2021-11-03T23:25:26-07:00

Many veterans experience some form of venous disease in their live including leg pain, night cramps, Leg fatigue, Leg swelling, Skin discoloration, leg ulcers, and varicose veins. La Jolla Vein Care is proud to be partnered with Veterans Affairs to offer its vein treatment services to current and past members of the military and their families. A person may be eligible for CHAMPVA when they are no longer eligible for Tricare. Family members may also qualify. Read eligibility criteria here. La Jolla Vein Care offers a full range of diagnostic, minimally invasive and conservative options for venous disorders. Serving veterans is dear to our heart, as Medical Director, Dr. Nisha Bunke treated vein patients at La Jolla’s VA Health Care System for years. Most of our staff have spouses, parents or relatives to have served our country. We are proud to give back and serve San Diego’s Veterans.

Proudly Serving Veterans and Active Military for Vein Care Needs: When your VA facility cannot provide specialized medical services, including vascular care, in a timely manner, the Veterans Choice Program (VCP) allows U.S. veterans the opportunity to seek medical treatment outside of their regular VA clinic. La Jolla Vein Care gladly accepts Veterans Choice insurance as part of this program. We also are partnered with Tricare for active military.
Read more about insurance types accepted.

Many veterans experience some form of venous disease in their lives. Some common symptoms of vascular disease are:
Pain, cramping or discomfort in the legs including night cramps
Leg fatigue, that prevents long periods of standing
Need for leg elevation
Leg swelling
Skin discoloration around the ankles
Varicose Veins

Read more about our services: what is vein disease?
How is it diagnosed?
What are the treatments?

Call to schedule an appointment: 858-550-0330

Proudly Serving Veterans and Active Military for Vein Care Needs2021-11-03T23:25:26-07:00

Dr. Bunke interviewed by Modeliste Magazine!

2021-04-11T23:28:39-07:00

Modeliste April202021 Sexy Legs for Spring Photo 2

 

Tell us about La Jolla Vein Care and what makes it so unique and such a leader in vein treatments.

La Jolla Vein Care is unique because we exclusively specialize in vein disorders. This means we are able to perform all ultrasound diagnostics in-office and offer all treatment options for vein conditions vs.a one-size-fits-all approach based on more limited treatment availability. Since we are skilled in all modern treatment modalities, we can truly customize a treatment plan to the unique needs of the patient. Our leading edge treatments are able to treat most vein conditions, including large varicose veins without surgery, using endovenous techniques.

Read the full interview on our media page
To see the full magazine online

Dr. Bunke interviewed by Modeliste Magazine!2021-04-11T23:28:39-07:00

5, 3, 2021

La Jolla Vein Care introduces Procedural Telemedicine

2021-11-13T16:50:59-08:00

La Jolla Vein Care is pleased to announce it’s partnership with Avail Medsystems to bring the cutting edge technology of Procedural Telemedicine™ to our practice.   Utilizing this collaborative equipment we can consult with remote staff and vein experts throughout the Avail network to facilitate quick, informed resolutions to even the most complicated procedures.  La Jolla Vein Care prides itself in offering the most updated technology in our quest to offer the very best vein expertise to patients while continuing to provide the quality of care they have come to expect from San Diego’s best accredited vein center.

 

Avail’s Procedural Telemedicine System facilitates medical expertise sharing and collaboration during live procedures by connecting physicians in the treatment room to remote medical industry professionals and healthcare providers, enabling physicians to deliver the right knowledge, at the right time, regardless of location. The System was built by a team with deep expertise in medical technology and healthcare who understand the day-to-day needs of medical experts.

 

“We are very exciting to be able to use this technology to better serve our patients,” said La Jolla Vein Care’s Medical Director, Nisha Bunke, MD FAVLS, RPhS

“La Jolla Vein Care has led the way in the new field of Telemedicine for vein care and this a new and exciting aspect that allows us to be able to provide real time instruction during a procedure that is beneficial to patients, doctors and our team.  At La Jolla Vein Care our patients are our top priority and we pride ourselves on offering the newest technologies along with personalized care.”

 

Remote Console Ortho surgery Avail logo

Avail Technology610008

 

Avail’s Procedural Telemedicine system is a mobile, interactive, end-to-end hardware/software technology platform that allows treating physicians to connect with remote healthcare professionals or medical device representatives and collaborate in real-time during live medical procedures.

The Avail System consists of a mobile Console that sits in the procedure room with high-definition pan-tilt-zoom cameras, plug-ins for external imaging, and a large display monitor showing views that are shared by the remote party.

A remote healthcare professional or medical device representative can use an iPad or laptop to instantly join a procedure and control camera and imaging views, annotate on screen, and communicate two-way with operating physicians.

La Jolla Vein Care introduces Procedural Telemedicine2021-11-13T16:50:59-08:00

28, 6, 2020

3-Stage Approach to Vein Treatment

2020-09-17T17:58:02-07:00

When visible signs of venous disease such as spider veins, varicose veins, or skin changes are present, this is usually the tip of the iceberg, and an underlying vein problem is present. An underlying vein condition (venous reflux disease) can be detected with ultrasound. A treatment plan is focused on treating the underlying vein problems first, then working outwards.

image of an Iceberg as a metaphor for the hidden dangers of vein disease

Iceberg, a metaphor for the hidden dangers of vein disease

How Is Venous Reflux Disease Treated?

Step 1: The Underlying ProblemThe first step is to treat the underlying problem, the venous reflux. The specific pattern of venous reflux was detected by ultrasound. Venous reflux usually starts in the saphenous veins. The saphenous veins are most effectively treated with vein ablation procedures. This involves placing a small catheter within the vein and using heat or a solution to produce injury and eventual closure of the vein. The most commonly used treatments for the saphenous veins are radiofrequency ablation (RFA), laser ablation, mechanico-chemical ablation (MOCA or Clarivein), and in some cases Varithena Foam. The treatment recommendation is customized, based on where reflux is present and other clinical factors.

Step 2: Varicose Veins

After the underlying saphenous vein reflux is corrected, the bulging veins (varicose veins) can be treated by injecting a foamed medication that will cause them to scar and eventually dissolve (foam sclerotherapy), or to remove them using tiny incisions. The most common method is foam sclerotherapy.  This is also known as ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy (UGFS).

Step 3: Spider Veins

Spider vein treatment is always considered a cosmetic procedure. If improved cosmesis is a goal of treatment, make sure to discuss this with your doctor and plan on having cosmetic treatment as the last step. Spider vein treatment is accomplished by sclerotherapy, which is an injection of a liquid medication into the spider veins. Most patients use 3 vials, and have an average of 3 treatment sessions.  Ask your provider for an estimate about how many treatment sessions/ vials are necessary to get the results you want.

 

3-Stage Approach to Vein Treatment2020-09-17T17:58:02-07:00
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CONTACT INFORMATION

La Jolla/UTC

Vista

Patient Privacy Practices

Privacy Policy

Hippa Privacy Practices
HIPAAOneTM Certified Seal 2

Use the search features below to find articles and insights for the diagnosis and treatment of vascular disease

TWO CONVENIENT LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT SAN DIEGO

La Jolla/ UTC

North County San Diego/ Vista — Endovascular Center
Now Open! Call/Text for Appointments

© Copyright 2010-2024, La Jolla Vein & Vascular | All Rights Reserved

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