Varicose Veins, Relief Unlocked
Think of your veins as a system of garden hoses running from your legs up to your heart. In a healthy system, the valves act like little gates inside the hose, opening to let water (blood) flow upward and closing to prevent it from slipping back down. With varicose veins, it's like these gates are loose or broken, so water starts pooling in sections of the hose. Over time, the pressure from this pooling causes parts of the hose to swell, bulge, and twist. This is why varicose veins appear raised and lumpy under the skin, like parts of a garden hose with too much water stuck in it. For some people, this is just a visual issue, like seeing water bubbling up in a clear hose. But for others, the constant pressure and pooling can cause soreness, like the hose straining under pressure.There’s hope: modern Interventional treatments can seal off troubled veins, easing pressure and guiding blood to healthier pathways—all without surgery
How Can We Help You?
Gone are the days when addressing varicose veins meant invasive surgery or minimally effective solutions. Today, interventional radiologists harness advanced, minimally invasive treatments that bring fast relief, improved aesthetics, and quick recovery.
Cutting-edge techniques now take the place of traditional vein stripping. Radio frequency ablation (RFA) and laser therapy heat and seal veins in place, while VenaSeal™—a novel glue injection—uses medical-grade adhesive to close off the vein, redirecting blood flow to healthier veins.
RFA Ablation or Laser Therapy
- Description: A slender catheter applies radio frequency or laser energy to close off the affected vein.
- Benefits: The heat seals the vein from within. This non-surgical treatment is highly effective for straight veins and typically requires little recovery time.
VenaSeal™ (Glue Injection)
- Description: A catheter injects an adhesive into the vein, closing it off as blood is redirected.
- Benefits: Quick and minimally invasive, this option has a high success rate and requires only a small puncture, with rapid recovery in as little as 15-30 minutes.
The Magic of Vein Ablation: A High-Tech Transformation
Imagine a state-of-the-art treatment that combines pinpoint accuracy with patient comfort. The journey begins with local anesthesia, numbing the skin. Guided by ultrasound, a thin catheter—about the width of a spaghetti strand—targets the problem vein with laser or radio frequency energy. This energy heats the vein until it seals shut, essentially "rebooting" your vein system.
As the treated vein closes, it fades, revealing smoother skin while relieving pressure on your circulatory system. In just 20-30 minutes, your legs begin a visible transformation, giving you back both comfort and confidence.
Vein ablation therapies not only improve appearance but also promote healthier circulation with minimal downtime. If you're ready to discover how these advanced techniques can revitalize your legs, explore your options with an interventional radiologist!
Frequently Asked Questions
At your initial visit, you’ll meet with a team, including an interventional radiologist, who will assess your condition and may recommend a vein ultrasound to guide treatment planning.
Most procedures, such as RF vein ablation or sclerotherapy, are outpatient treatments lasting 15 to 30 minutes.
Yes! You can return to daily activities, including driving and work, immediately following treatment.
Light activities are fine, but avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for the first 2 weeks.
We recommend waiting 7-10 days before taking long flights. During your flight, wear compression stockings and walk every hour.
Side effects are generally mild, such as bruising or irritation. More serious side effects are rare and can include clots in your deep veins (DVT).
There’s no downtime; you can resume daily activities right away. Wearing compression stockings is often recommended for optimal results.
RFA is performed under local anesthesia, making it comfortable for most patients. Sometimes a small amount of sedation may be administered.
Yes! VenaSeal uses a medical adhesive to seal the vein without heat, making it a pain-free option with no need for anesthesia. The adhesive is absorbed naturally over time.
Table of Contents
- Understanding Varicose Veins: More than Meets the Eye
- Delving into Varicose Veins: When Veins Fight Gravity and Lose
- Prevention Tips: Keep Your Veins Strong
- Frequently Asked Questions
