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8, 4, 2015

Video: Spider Vein Sclerotherapy

2015-04-08T00:20:12-07:00

Watch a video on spider vein treatment with sclerotherapy.

Sclerotherapy is considered the ‘gold standard’ of treatment for leg veins.

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 new solutions such as AscleraTM allow for spider veins to be treated with minimal discomfort and immediate return to activities. Saline solutions are rarely used these days by vein specialists, because alternatives 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. Wearing compression stockings after treatment will improve results.

Video: Spider Vein Sclerotherapy2015-04-08T00:20:12-07:00

25, 2, 2015

VenaSeal ‘Vein Glue’ Approved By FDA To Treat Varicose Veins

2015-02-25T22:40:31-08:00

VenaSeal ‘Vein Glue’ Approved By FDA To Treat Varicose Veins

Earlier this week, The U.S. food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the VenaSeal closure system to permanently treat varicose veins by sealing the affected superficial veins using an adhesive agent.

This treatment has been usedvenaseal in Europe, and will soon be available to vein specialists and their patients in the United States.

According to the manufacturer’s website:

‘The VenaSeal Sapheon Closure System is a unique, minimally invasive treatment that uses a safe-for-the-body medical glue to quickly and effectively treat varicose veins (venous reflux disease). Using ultrasound, a doctor will guide a tiny catheter through a small access site in the skin and into the diseased area of the vein. Next, the VenaSeal dispenser delivers a very small amount of medical glue to close the vein. Once the affected vein is closed, blood is immediately re-routed through other healthy veins in the leg.

Unlike other treatments, VenaSeal does not require anaesthesia to be injected into the leg via multiple needle sticks (tumescent anesthesia), and because there are no pre-procedures drugs involved, patients can return to their normal activities right after the treatment. Unlike heat-based procedures, with VenaSeal there is no risk of skin burns or nerve damage. VenaSeal usually does not require any post-treatment pain medication or uncomfortable compression stockings.’

 

 

VenaSeal ‘Vein Glue’ Approved By FDA To Treat Varicose Veins2015-02-25T22:40:31-08:00

Dr. Bunke Explains Non-surgical Varicose Vein Treatments on San Diego News

2015-02-11T20:06:34-08:00

Vein Stripping is a thing of the past! Watch La Jolla Vein Care’s Dr. Bunke on San Diego Living explain alternative non-surgical vein treatments to the outdated vein stripping surgery!  The episode was aired yesterday, February 10th, on CW’s Channel 6. As Dr. Bunke explains, a common misperception about varicose vein treatment is that vein stripping surgery is still used as the main method used to treat varicose veins. The truth is, vein stripping surgery is nearly obsolete, with endovenous ablation being considered as the standard of care for treatment of the great saphenous and small saphenous veins. There are other treatment methods such as ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy for the branching, bulging veins at the surface of the skin.

This news segment provides animations about how these vein treatments work.

For the endovenous ablation, specifically radiofrequency ablation of varicose veins, also known as the Venefit procedure (previously called VNUS Closure) is described. Dr. Bunke explains that a thin, flexible tubing called a catheter is placed inside the diseased vein. Radiofrequency energy is delivered to heat the vein and seal it shut. The body will gradually dissolve the treated vein. The blood is directed through other healthy veins.

A foam sclerotherapy animation is also shown. Foam sclerotherapy involves injecting a foamed medicine into the vein that will cause it to collapse, shrink and eventually dissolve.

These varicose vein procedures are minimally invasive and can be performed in the office without general anesthesia and almost immediate return to normal activities.

 

 

Dr. Bunke Explains Non-surgical Varicose Vein Treatments on San Diego News2015-02-11T20:06:34-08:00

19, 12, 2014

Spider Vein Treatment Animation

2021-11-05T03:56:59-07:00

A very thin needle is used to inject a sclerosing agent along the varicose vein. Modern medicines used to inject spider veins (sclerosing agents) include polidocanol (Asclera), sodium tetradecyl sulfate (sotradecol) and glycerin. Discuss with your doctor the best type of solution for your veins.

Removing varicose and spider veins has never been easier. Click here to view a 3D animation that explains how sclerotherapy can make your veins disappear—without surgery.

Spider Vein Treatment Animation2021-11-05T03:56:59-07:00

7, 10, 2014

Inherited Risk of Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT)

2014-10-07T16:16:43-07:00

The Factor V Leiden mutation is one of the most common inherited genetic mutations, causing blood clotting disorders. It is found in 4% to 6% of the U.S. population.

If someone has one copy of this genetic mutation (heterozygous), they are considered a carrier of the mutation.  A carrier has an approximate 3 to 6 fold increased risk of venous thromboembolism.  If a person carries two copies of the genetic mutation (homozygous) their risk of a blood clot is much higher, and many of these patients will be on lifelong blood thinners. This risk is increased when exposed to other risk factors such as pregnancy, oral contraceptives, immobility, and surgery.  If you are Factor V Leiden, the doctor may recommend a blood thinner during varicose vein treatment. It is important to talk with your doctor about your history or family history of blood clotting disorders, to better reduce your risk of a blood clot when undergoing any type of procedure or surgery.

 

Inherited Risk of Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT)2014-10-07T16:16:43-07:00

30, 7, 2014

Why Compression Socks?

2014-07-30T16:21:32-07:00
Meb_Keflezighi

Olympic champion and Boston Marathon winner, Meb Keflezighi wears CEP compression socks while running. CEP compression socks can be found at compressrx.com.

Graduated compression stockings apply external pressure to your legs reducing venous pressure. Graduated compression stockings are great to use if your want to increase circulation, support you leg veins, and want to reduce uncomfortable leg symptoms such as swelling, tired and achy feeling legs.

They are important in the conservative management of varicose veins to reduce symptoms. They are also used after any type of vein treatment to improve the effectiveness of treatment, to reduce bruising and swelling, and for comfort.

Anyone can benefit from compression stockings. Compression stockings are great for relieving ones symptoms when sitting, standing or moving around for long periods of time. They are also great for professionals such as nurses, hairdressers, desk workers, and everyone in between.

Athletes wear compression stockings too.  There is some evidence that medical compression helps to reduce muscle fatigue and improves muscle recovery.  But, not all compression socks are made equal.  They should be medical graduated compression, like CEP socks by Mediven. These are the socks preferred by Olympic champion and Boston Marathon winner, Meb Keflezighi wears CEP compression socks while running.   Find medical CEP compression socks at compressrx.com.

 

Why Compression Socks?2014-07-30T16:21:32-07:00

Laser and Radiofrequency Vein Treatments

2021-11-04T20:20:33-07:00

What is the difference between laser and radiofrequency procedures for varicose veins?

Both laser and radiofrequency ablation techniques are used as an alternative to surgery for the treatment of varicose veins and underlying venous insufficiency.  The concept behind both laser and radiofrequency treatments is that an energy source is used to heat the vein, causing it to collapse and seal shut. Over time, the treated veins will dissolve. This is offered as an alternative to surgical removal of the veins. The basic difference between the two, are the types of energy sources used.

Laser vein treatment, also known as laser ablation or endovenous laser ablation therapy (EVLT or EVLA) utilizes laser energy to heat the vein.

Radiofrequency vein treatment, also known as radiofrequency ablation (RFA), or the Venefit procedure (previously known as VNUS Closure) utilizes radiofrequency energy to heat the vein.

Both procedures are used to treat the small, great or anterior saphenous veins.

Either procedure involves making a tiny incision the size of a grain of rice on the skin, and a narrow catheter is inserted into the vein. The machine applies either laser or radiofrequency energy to the vein interior, an action that heats the vein and seals it closed.

Unlike traditional surgery, this new minimally invasive procedure takes about 30 minutes to perform and patients can walk out of the office afterward.

While both are effective options for vein treatment, we prefer radio-frequency ablation over laser because it has been proven to be more comfortable than laser yet equally effective. It is also our experience that there is less bruising,  pain, and quicker recovery associated with radio-frequency closure of the veins.

Slide23

Laser vein treatment, also known as laser ablation or endovenous laser ablation therapy (EVLT or EVLA) utilizes laser energy to heat the vein.
Radiofrequency vein treatment, also known as radiofrequency ablation (RFA), or the Venefit procedure (previously known as VNUS Closure) utilizes radiofrequency energy to heat the vein.

Slide24

The radiofrequency catheter is inserted inside the vein. Radiofrequency energy then heats the vein causing it to collapse and seal shut. We prefer radiofrequency over laser vein treatment because we find that it is more comfortable for the patient with less bruising.

Remember, that more than one treatment type is often needed such as radiofrequency of the saphenous vein + sclerotherapy of superficial branches. Talk to your doctor to find out which is best for you or schedule a consultation at 858-550-0330.

 

Laser and Radiofrequency Vein Treatments2021-11-04T20:20:33-07:00

How To Make Varicose Veins Vanish

2022-01-04T03:48:13-08:00

How To Make Varicose Veins Vanish Without Surgery

Physicians have many options for treating varicose veins. The choice often depends on the severity and cause of the problem. It’s important that patients are carefully evaluated so treatment can be tailored to individual needs.

In some cases, varicose veins may present a primarily cosmetic problem. In others, they may be a symptom of a more severe underlying circulatory condition that should be addressed by a vascular specialist.

Compression hosiery can be used to provide support and reduce varicose veins symptoms such as the aching and tiredness associated with but they cannot make varicose veins disappear.   There are no supplements or creams that can make varicose veins disappear. There are a variety of creams, lotions, and ointments that are advertised in newspapers and magazines to make veins disappear. There is no scientific evidence that these creams or lotions can make varicose and spider veins disappear. Once veins are dysfunctional, it is a mechanical problem and the valves cannot be repaired. But, they can be removed. There are many ways to accomplish this.

Sclerotherapy is used for smaller varicose veins and for spider veins, also known as telangiectasia. A fine needle is used to inject a chemical solution into the veins. The chemical causes the vein to collapse and eventually disappear. The procedure can be done in a doctor’s office and doesn’t require an anesthetic. Patients feel only a slight burning when the chemical is injected. Often several sessions are needed to treat the veins.

Foam sclerotherapy or ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy is used to treat large varicose veins.

Ambulatory Phlebectomy is an alternative to foam sclerotherapy, and involves making a series of tiny incisions along the length of the vein and gently removing the vein in sections using a hook. The procedure can be done on an outpatient basis and can be used for both large and small veins.

Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive procedure involving using a catheter to introduce an electrode into the saphenous vein (great, small, or accessory saphenous veins). The energy from the electrode shrinks and seals off the vein. Nearby healthy veins take over the job of carrying blood from the legs.

Surgical ligation and stripping are rarely performed because the newer, minimally invasive procedures have replaced surgery for removing varicose veins.

For more information about treatment types and non-surgical methods to make varicose veins vanish, go to www.july01ljvascular.com. 

Before >> After

Before and After Pictures: Varicose Vein Treatment at La Jolla Vein Care. At La Jolla Vein Care, we utilize minimally invasive techniques to make varicose veins vanish- all without open surgery or general anesthesia.

How To Make Varicose Veins Vanish2022-01-04T03:48:13-08:00

How is Venous Reflux Diagnosed?

2021-11-05T11:48:32-07:00

 

Venous duplex imaging uses ultrasound waves to create pictures.  La Jolla Vein Care utilizes state-of-the-art ultrasound scanners to image the veins beneath the surface of the skin, not visible to the naked eye. Duplex ultrasound imaging can identify if the vein is healthy, or if it is refluxing, or if there are any blood clots in the vein.

Duplex ultrasound combines Doppler flow information and conventional imaging information, sometimes called B-mode, to allow physicians to see the structure of your blood vessels. Duplex ultrasound shows how blood is flowing through your vessels and measures the speed of the flow of blood. It can also be useful to estimate the diameter of a blood vessel as well as the amount of obstruction, if any, in the blood vessel.  Conventional ultrasound uses painless sound waves higher than the human ear can detect that bounce off of blood vessels. A computer converts the sound waves into two-dimensional, black and white moving pictures called B-mode images.

Doppler ultrasound measures how sound waves reflect off of moving objects. A wand bounces short bursts of sound waves off of red blood cells and sends the information to a computer. When performing duplex ultrasound, your ultrasound technologist or physician uses the two forms of ultrasound together. The conventional ultrasound shows the structure of your blood vessels and the Doppler ultrasound shows the movement of your red blood cells through the vessels. Duplex ultrasound produces images that can be color coded to show physicians where your blood flow is severely blocked as well as the speed and direction of blood flow.  Venous reflux refers to back flow of blood across dysfunctional vein valves.  The direction of blood flow is detected by ultrasound.  This is measured in seconds.

US

La Jolla Vein Care image that shows reflux in the great saphenous vein. Duplex ultrasound combines Doppler flow information and conventional imaging information, sometimes called B-mode, to allow physicians to see the structure of your blood vessels.

How is Venous Reflux Diagnosed?2021-11-05T11:48:32-07:00

Foam Treatment of Venous Malformations

2021-11-05T13:22:04-07:00
DSCF0086 copy

Venous malformation of the lateral leg before treatment. Venous malformations appear like abnormally dilated bluish vessels near the surface of the skin. They appear in clusters and look different than typical varicose veins. They often appear during childhood, as opposed to varicose veins.

Venous malformations comprise either superficial or deep veins that are abnormally formed and dilated.  Although they usually are present at birth, they may not be seen until years later into adolescence or even adulthood. The natural history of a venous malformation is slow, steady enlargement. However, events such as surgery, trauma, infection, or hormonal changes associated with puberty, pregnancy or menopause may cause rapid expansion.

At La Jolla Vein Care, we frequently evaluate and treat superficial venous malformations of the legs. Prior to treatment, it is important to have thorough diagnostic imaging, such as an ultrasound examination to ensure an accurate diagnosis of a pure venous malformation.  If an arterial connection (arterial venous malformation) is suspected on ultrasound evaluation, further imaging with CT or MR arteriogram may be necessary. Venous malformations can also occur in other syndromes, such as Klippel -Trenaunay syndrome and may involve the abnormal development of the deep veins.

Pure venous malformations can be treated without surgery. Foam sclerotherapy is a common treatment type.  Foam sclerotherapy uses a technique to inject a foamed sclerosing solution into the cluster of varicose veins, which will cause them to collapse and eventually dissolve.

DSCF1899

Venous malformation after treatment with ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy at La Jolla Vein Care. Treatment can reduce the symptoms associated with venous malformations such as leg pain, aching and throbbing.

Foam Treatment of Venous Malformations2021-11-05T13:22:04-07:00
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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

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