21, 11, 2022

Venous Reflux Disease

2022-10-24T11:22:20-07:00

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. 

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. 

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. 

 

La Jolla Vein & Vascular (formerly La Jolla Vein Care) is committed to bringing experts together for unparalleled vein and vascular care. 

 

Nisha Bunke, MD, Sarah Lucas, MD, and Elliot DeYoung, MD are specialists who combine their experience and expertise to offer world-class vascular care. 

 

Our accredited center is also a nationally known teaching site and center of excellence. 

 

For more information on treatments and to book a consultation, please give our office a call at 858-550-0330. 

 

For a deeper dive into vein and vascular care, please check out our Youtube Channel at this link.

 

For more information on varicose veins and eliminating underlying venous insufficiency, check this link out full of resources. 

 

Venous Reflux Disease2022-10-24T11:22:20-07:00

Treatment for Saphenous Venous Reflux

2022-10-24T11:16:48-07:00

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.



Treatment for Saphenous Venous Reflux2022-10-24T11:16:48-07:00

Spider Veins Treatment

2022-10-24T11:03:20-07:00

One of the ways to treat spider veins is through a procedure called Sclerotherapy. At La Jolla Vein and Vascular 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.

 

La Jolla Vein & Vascular (formerly La Jolla Vein Care) is committed to bringing experts together for unparalleled vein and vascular care. 

 

Nisha Bunke, MD, Sarah Lucas, MD, and Elliot DeYoung, MD are specialists who combine their experience and expertise to offer world-class vascular care. 

 

Our accredited center is also a nationally known teaching site and center of excellence. 

 

For more information on treatments and to book a consultation, please give our office a call at 858-550-0330. 

 

For a deeper dive into vein and vascular care, please check out our Youtube Channel at this link.

 

For more information on varicose veins and eliminating underlying venous insufficiency, check this link out full of resources. 

 

Spider Veins Treatment2022-10-24T11:03:20-07:00

Are there any adverse effects of vein treatment?

2022-10-24T10:25:00-07:00

What are the adverse effects of Vein treatment?

Patients generally do very well with vein treatments, all of which have a low risk of complications. Some post treatment effects can include:

Aching over the treated veins is normal after treatment. This responds well to walking, ice packs, and anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve). 

Bruising over injection sites is also normal after treatment and resolves in about two weeks. 

Hyperpigmentation can occur from blood pigments that are released as it is healing. It is more common in patients with large bulging veins and certain complexions. Hyperpigmentation tends to fade over many weeks after treatment if you stay out of direct sunlight. 

Intravascular hematoma refers to a large varicose that becomes firm and tender days to weeks after treatment. This also responds well to ice packs and anti-inflammatory medications. We may also recommend a confirmatory ultrasound and/or offer needle drainage of the trapped blood to alleviate discomfort and minimize skin pigmentation. 

Deep vein clots are very uncommon, and usually are limited to patients with poor mobility, advanced age, hormone treatment, and/or genetic tendency for clotting. We monitor all patients with ultrasound throughout treatment so we can detect clots at a very early stage before they cause a symptom. We may recommend surveillance ultrasounds, extra walking, and/or a short course of blood thinners. 

Numb spot over a treated vein is another uncommon event after radiofrequency or laser ablation. This occurs when a branch of a skin nerve gets stunned during the heat treatment. It tends to improve over several weeks. The nerves that control the movement of the leg and foot are located far from the superficial veins. 

 

La Jolla Vein & Vascular (formerly La Jolla Vein Care) is committed to bringing experts together for unparalleled vein and vascular care. 

 

Nisha Bunke, MD, Sarah Lucas, MD, and Elliot DeYoung, MD are specialists who combine their experience and expertise to offer world-class vascular care. 

 

Our accredited center is also a nationally known teaching site and center of excellence. 

 

For more information on treatments and to book a consultation, please give our office a call at 858-550-0330. 

 

For a deeper dive into vein and vascular care, please check out our Youtube Channel at this link.

For more information on varicose veins and eliminating underlying venous insufficiency, check this link out full of resources.

Are there any adverse effects of vein treatment?2022-10-24T10:25:00-07:00

28, 10, 2022

Varicose Veins: Patient Transformations

2022-09-19T20:19:29-07:00

Varicose Veins: Patient Transformations 

What are varicose veins?

Varicose veins are the twisted, bulging veins just beneath the surface of the skin. They are swollen, twisted veins that you can see just under the surface of the skin. These veins usually occur in the legs, but they also can form in other parts of the body, and are very common. 

What causes varicose veins?

Varicose veins are caused by leaky vein valves, which allow blood to pool within the veins causing them to stretch and become enlarged. Varicose veins can be an isolated finding, but the majority of the time, they are caused by underlying venous reflux disease. Venous reflux disease is also known as venous stasis, venous insufficiency or venous incompetence. Reflux may occur in the deep and/or superficial leg veins.

La Jolla Vein Care Before and After Transformations:

 

varicose veins 50 BA VV varicose DSCF9555 fotor 1 51 BA VV varicose DSCF9625 fotor scaled 2

 

At La Jolla Vein Care, we are here for our patients from beginning to the end. We love seeing the transformations that take place. Below are a few cases from our patient transformations from before varicose vein treatment to after varicose vein treatment. 

 

“Bringing Experts Together for Unparalleled Vein and Vascular Care”

 

La Jolla Vein & Vascular (formerly La Jolla Vein Care) is committed to bringing experts together for unparalleled vein and vascular care. 

 

Nisha Bunke, MD, Sarah Lucas, MD, and Elliot DeYoung, MD are specialists who combine their experience and expertise to offer world-class vascular care. 

 

Our accredited center is also a nationally known teaching site and center of excellence. 

 

For more information on treatments and to book a consultation, please give our office a call at 858-550-0330. 

 

For a deeper dive into vein and vascular care, please check out our Youtube Channel at this link.

 

For more information on varicose veins and eliminating underlying venous insufficiency, check this link out full of resources. 

 

Varicose Veins: Patient Transformations2022-09-19T20:19:29-07:00

Vein Health & Compression Stockings

2022-09-19T18:38:39-07:00

Why Compression Stockings:

Compression is an important part of the overall healing process. As a result, you’ll need to wear compression stockings following the vein treatments from La Jolla Vein Care to ensure you get the best outcomes. Physiologically, compression therapy increases venous blood flow back to the heart, reduces reflux in diseased veins, increases venous blood flow, reduces elevated water content of the tissue, reduces inflammation, and sustains reparative processes. In short, compression therapy not only improves results after treatment, but it also improves blood flow and reduces symptoms and swelling in the legs. 

 

  1. Compression stockings offer style after vein treatment:

In the past, patients recovering from varicose vein treatments were limited in both mobility and style. After a procedure, patients were required to wear compression stockings in a lovely shade of beige. This might work if you’re looking to hang around the house for a couple months. If you’re ready to live an active life while you heal, however, you can get medical grade compression stockings that are fashionable, stylish, and comfortable.  At La Jolla Vein Care, you get more than a safe and effective alternative to surgery—you get access to customized compression stockings in a variety of styles from the leading brands, including Sigvaris, Medi, ComfoMed, Ames Walker, and JOBST.  While we are more than happy to order beige stockings for you, it’s good to know that you have options—the option to look good, feel good, and heal in style.

  1. Compression stockings help prevent deep vein thrombosis: 

Stay moving, avoid prolonged sitting. For example, when flying or traveling, the risk of DVT is 1% on a long haul flight (greater than 6 hours).  

To minimize this risk, you should wear compression stockings (which helps increase the blood flow in the legs), stay hydrated, avoid excessive alcohol, use the calf muscles- walk about the cabin and frequently pump the calf muscles by doing foot lifts.

During pregnancy, compression stockings should be worn and after pregnancy, when the risk of DVT is highest (the likelihood of a blood clot postpartum is 40-65 for every 10,000 women).

 

  1. Compression stockings increase athletic performance: 

Compression stockings are known for improving circulation after the removal of varicose veins. But can they improve athletic performance? The answer is a resounding yes. According to Medi, compression sport stockings are clinically proven to increase performance. Over the course of a marathon, for example, running time is reduced by approximately five minutes while the exertion on your muscles is reduced by roughly six percent. Moreover, a study by Technische Universität Dresden reveals that blood circulation is 30% higher at rest after engaging in certain athletic activities when wearing compression sport stockings. So whether you’re a jogger checking out the scenery or a hard-core athlete training for a marathon, there’s something to help you reach your peak.

 

“Bringing Experts Together for Unparalleled Vein and Vascular Care”

 

La Jolla Vein & Vascular (formerly La Jolla Vein Care) is committed to bringing experts together for unparalleled vein and vascular care. 

 

Nisha Bunke, MD, Sarah Lucas, MD, and Elliot DeYoung, MD are specialists who combine their experience and expertise to offer world-class vascular care. 

 

Our accredited center is also a nationally known teaching site and center of excellence. 

 

For more information on treatments and to book a consultation, please give our office a call at 858-550-0330. 

 

For a deeper dive into vein and vascular care, please check out our Youtube Channel at this link.

 

For more information on varicose veins and eliminating underlying venous insufficiency, check this link out full of resources. 

 

Vein Health & Compression Stockings2022-09-19T18:38:39-07:00

The connection between cholesterol and vascular health

2022-09-19T18:13:55-07:00

How cholesterol affects your vascular health

When it comes to vascular disease, cholesterol is enemy number one. Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in the walls of human cells. The human body produces cholesterol but it also comes from foods that are high in animal fats such as eggs, cheese and meat.

But all cholesterol is not created equal. It comes in two very different types:

  • Good cholesterol, or high-density lipoprotein (HDL), helps keep arteries from becoming blocked.
  • Bad cholesterol, or low-density lipoprotein (LDL) can build up and cause blockages in the arteries.

Triglycerides are fats produced by the liver. They can cause the same kinds of health problems as LDL. Over time, a buildup of extra cholesterol, or plaque, can narrow the insides of blood vessels. Eventually, the plaque causes hardening of the arteries, also called atherosclerosis. This condition can lead to vascular disease, strokes, heart attacks, aneurysms and other life-threatening problems.

When doctors tell you to “know your numbers,” one of those numbers is your cholesterol level. For good vascular health:

  • Total cholesterol should be less than 200.
  • Good cholesterol (HDL) should be more than 60. 
  • Bad cholesterol (LDL) should be less than 130.
  • Triglycerides should be less than 150.

Why take statins for cholesterol control?

All types of atherosclerosis are improved when patients take statins.

Side effects are relatively rare, and if a patient does not tolerate one statin, there are many different ones that can be tried.

What are statins?

Statins act as a key control point in the metabolism of serum cholesterol.

Specifically, when “bad” (LDL) cholesterol is high, the risk of heart attack and stroke is high.

Can lifestyle changes impact cholesterol levels?

Yes. Even slight lifestyle choices can impact vascular disease. For example, a 10-pound weight loss can result in a 5 to 8 percent reduction in LDL.

If lifestyle changes are not enough to bring your numbers to a healthy level, medication may help. Total cholesterol levels that are borderline high (between 150-199 mg /dL) or high (200 mg / dL or more) may require treatment with a statin drug. Some conditions actually benefit from a statin even if your numbers are normal.

Who benefits from taking statins?

  • People who are at risk of heart attack and stroke due to high cholesterol
  • Patients with hardening of the arteries supplying oxygen-rich blood to the brain or the legs
  • Vascular surgery patients. During a vascular procedure, they have fewer complications

Do statins affect plaque in the blood vessels?

Newer research suggests that statins don’t just stop plaque from getting worse, they may also reduce plaque in the leg arteries. Studies also now suggest that statins keep plaque stable so it is less likely to break off and form blood clots that cause heart attacks and strokes. Statins also improve the function of cells inside of the artery.

Don’t statins have side effects?

Few statin side effects have been recorded since they were introduced 40 years ago. Most mild side effects, such as muscle pain and cramps, can be avoided by switching statins. Serious side effects are rare but it is important to be aware of them. They include:

  • Liver damage. This very rare condition doesn’t cause symptoms, so laboratory tests are ordered when patients first start taking statins.
  • A wide range of muscle injuries. In rare cases, inflammation of the muscles can occur. At its worst, this rapid muscle destruction can lead to kidney failure.

“Bringing Experts Together for Unparalleled Vein and Vascular Care”

 

La Jolla Vein & Vascular (formerly La Jolla Vein Care) is committed to bringing experts together for unparalleled vein and vascular care. 

 

Nisha Bunke, MD, Sarah Lucas, MD, and Elliot DeYoung, MD are specialists who combine their experience and expertise to offer world-class vascular care. 

 

Our accredited center is also a nationally known teaching site and center of excellence. 

 

For more information on treatments and to book a consultation, please give our office a call at 858-550-0330. 

 

For a deeper dive into vein and vascular care, please check out our Youtube Channel at this link.

 

For more information on varicose veins and eliminating underlying venous insufficiency, check this link out full of resources. 

 

The connection between cholesterol and vascular health2022-09-19T18:13:55-07:00

La Jolla Vein & Vascular: Venous Reflux Disease

2022-09-19T17:59:18-07:00

When you become a patient with La Jolla Vein Care, you will go through a screening process, and a vascular evaluation using ultrasound technology to diagnose your venous reflux disease.  

 

Chronic venous insufficiency is a disease affecting at least 50 million Americans. It is very common, but unfortunately undiagnosed. 

 

The anatomy and process of venous insufficiency: 

 

One of the major veins that takes the blood to the heart is deep inside the muscles of the thigh and calf called the deep veins. Parallel to this lies the superficial veins inside the legs. Superficial veins dump the blood into the deep vein in the groin area and collectively they take the blood back to the heart. 

The direction of the blood flow begins from the ground up towards the heart. Both deep and superficial have a structure system known as the valves. They function as a safety unit directional valve system. Where the blood can flow upward and not downward and be open or closed off. Similarly the same type of structure is found in your heart with heart valves. 

 

Over the course of the years, depending on your occupation, family history, pregnancy, surgeries, any trauma or injury to your legs, and any kind of underlying muscular or skeletal problem will contribute to problems with the valves in your legs. The valves, over the course of the years may get farther apart from one another. They will still be able to open and close, but the main problem will be the blood flow will not be able to go in one direction. This causes the veins to become enlarged. As a result,  the valves remain open and the blood to flow upward and also downward. This is known as venous reflux disease. 

 

A consultation with one of our vein specialists involves taking a detailed history and physical examination in combination with a venous reflux ultrasound study.  Based on your personal findings, a customized treatment plan will be discussed which may include doing nothing, conservative management, or various treatment options based on your individual needs. 

 

“Bringing Experts Together for Unparalleled Vein and Vascular Care”

 

La Jolla Vein & Vascular (formerly La Jolla Vein Care) is committed to bringing experts together for unparalleled vein and vascular care. 

 

Nisha Bunke, MD, Sarah Lucas, MD, and Elliot DeYoung, MD are specialists who combine their experience and expertise to offer world-class vascular care. 

 

Our accredited center is also a nationally known teaching site and center of excellence. 

 

For more information on treatments and to book a consultation, please give our office a call at 858-550-0330. 

 

For a deeper dive into vein and vascular care, please check out our Youtube Channel at this link.

 

For more information on varicose veins and eliminating underlying venous insufficiency, check this link out full of resources. 

 

La Jolla Vein & Vascular: Venous Reflux Disease2022-09-19T17:59:18-07:00

La Jolla Vein & Vascular: Varicose Veins

2022-09-19T16:05:40-07:00

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 varicose veins. 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 veins. 
  • During pregnancy, 50 to 55 percent of American women experience veins. In most cases, the veins return to normal within a year after childbirth.
  • Women who have multiple pregnancies may develop permanent veins.
  • The varicose vein risk factors for women and men include:

o family history of varicose veins

o being overweight

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 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 with varicose veins. 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 for ridding the legs of varicose veins:

  • 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 for more involved varicose veins. 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 varicose veins known as small incision avulsion or ambulatory phlebectomy.

“Bringing Experts Together for Unparalleled Vein and Vascular Care”

 

La Jolla Vein & Vascular (formerly La Jolla Vein Care) is committed to bringing experts together for unparalleled vein and vascular care. 

 

Nisha Bunke, MD, Sarah Lucas, MD, and Elliot DeYoung, MD are specialists who combine their experience and expertise to offer world-class vascular care. 

 

Our accredited center is also a nationally known teaching site and center of excellence. 

 

For more information on treatments and to book a consultation, please give our office a call at 858-550-0330. 

 

For a deeper dive into vein and vascular care, please check out our Youtube Channel at this link.

 

For more information on varicose veins and eliminating underlying venous insufficiency, check this link out full of resources. 

 

La Jolla Vein & Vascular: Varicose Veins2022-09-19T16:05:40-07:00

26, 8, 2022

What you need to know about vein valves

2022-07-20T15:40:53-07:00

In the circulatory system, the vein valves carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart. The leg veins carry blood toward the heart, against gravity. Therefore, the leg veins have one-way valves to prevent backflow of blood. When the valves do not function properly, they allow blood to flow backward, causing the pooling of blood. This is referred to as venous reflux or venous insufficiency. Eventually, the backflow of the blood will cause varicose veins to develop and symptoms related to the increased pressure in the leg veins such as leg heaviness, aching, swelling, restless legs, night cramps, throbbing, and pain. Varicose veins  can be treated with different lifestyle changes.

 

Conservative Management & Lifestyle Modifications Include for varicose veins and vein valves:

 

The goals of treatment are to relieve symptoms, prevent complications and for some to improve appearance.  Lifestyle changes can ease the symptoms, but do not cause the veins to vanish.  These treatments include:

  • Avoid standing or sitting for long periods of time:  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 ten times an hour.
  • 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.
  • Weight loss or maintaining a healthy weight: Being overweight puts extra pressure on your veins.
  • 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.
  • Compression stockings: These elastic stockings squeeze or compress the veins and prevent blood from flowing backward. Compression stockings must be graduated, medical-grade compression to be beneficial. Over the counter,support hose or TED hose are not adequate to reduce symptoms in venous disease for active patients.
  • Supplements such as horse chestnut and grape seed extract can help reduce symptoms of venous disease. Check with your doctor before starting supplements.
  • Anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen.
  • Anti-inflammatory topical agents such as OTC Arnica, or prescription voltaren gel may be helpful for painful phlebitis.
  • Ice packs can be applied to veins that are tender to reduce inflammation

 

Leg veins have one-way valves that prevent blood from flowing backward. Diseased valves are ‘leaky’ and allow blood flow both forward and backward, eventually causing bulging of the veins, i.e., varicose veins.

 

The valves inside the leg veins can be seen on ultrasound. 

 

 For more information and to book a consultation, please give our office a call at 858-550-0330. 

 

For more information please check out our Youtube Channel at this link.

 

For more information on varicose veins and eliminating underlying venous insufficiency, check this link out full of resources. 

 

What you need to know about vein valves2022-07-20T15:40:53-07:00
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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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