Varicose veins are dysfunctional/incompetent veins in the lower extremities. Vein wall injury allows the vein to elongate and dilate, leading to an increase in vein diameter, valve dysfunction, reflux, and the visual manifestations of varicose veins.
It is currently believed that a dysfunctional venous system can result from injury to vein walls and venous valves. This type of injury entails acquired severe inflammation exacerbated by factors such as heredity, obesity, female gender, pregnancy and a standing occupation.
Spider veins are cosmetic in nature and therefore, NOT covered by insurance. Varicose veins, on the other hand, may be covered by PPO insurances and Medicare, subject to their medical guidelines and criteria. If you would like to find out more about insurance coverage, please contact our office and our staff will be happy to assist you.
The first step in finding the right treatment for damaged veins is finding its source. A Doppler Duplex Ultrasound Scan provides a visual window, revealing the diseased, refluxing veins beneath the skin’s surface. With this diagnostic capability, we can pinpoint the exact cause of varicose veins and customize a treatment plan for each individual patient – and each damaged vein. Because the problem is dealt with at its source, the treatments are quicker, more effective and less painful than traditional methods, such as vein stripping.
This is a well-tested procedure that replaces vein stripping. Under duplex ultrasound guidance, a laser fiber is inserted into the dysfunctional vein and positioned at the base of the terminal valve. Laser energy is then delivered to the tip of the fiber while it is slowly withdrawn. This process enables shrinkage and ultimately closure of the vein wall.
While you cannot entirely prevent varicose veins, there are quite a few ways to improve your vein health. Physical activity, such as walking, swimming or cycling, is a wonderful way to pump blood up the leg against gravity to improve circulation. Compression hose also helps improve circulation by preventing blood from pooling in the leg veins.
Compression therapy such as compression stockings is a fundamental strategy in the treatment of venous dysfunction. Despite recent therapeutic advancements in leg vein treatment, compression remains a simple, effective, and inexpensive modality. It is used as a primary treatment as well as an adjunct when other treatments are employed.
I have a deep vein clot and a superficial clot. The superficial clot is almost completely gone. I had another ultrasound at 6 months, and the doctor said nothing is dissolving with the deep vein. Why wouldn’t the deep vein not dissolve? Sometimes clots do not dissolve and form scar tissue which is permanent. If this happens in the deep system and leads to a condition called post-thrombotic syndrome. This can create lifelong issues for that leg. If the blood flow is somewhat compromised a stent can be placed on occasion to open up that vein.
My husband has had at least 6 superficial blood clots in the last 3 months. What could be causing these so often? Is there a deeper problem? He has been evaluated at the ER for this and they confirmed they are superficial. We are waiting for insurance to kick in next month, but thought I would see if I could get any more info beforehand. If he has varicose veins it could simply be due to this. On the other hand, he could have a clotting disorder and would need to have a workup for this. This is often done by a hematologist and is a blood test.
I was diagnosed with CVI last year. I have heavy, achy legs all the time. I am wearing 20-30 mmHg thigh-high compression stockings daily. My parents are overseas. I know I will not take flight unless absolutely necessary. If I need to take a 12-15 hour flight for an emergency situation, is it safe? A business class seat is a must and so is walking in the cabin every hour, but what else can I do to prevent DVT? The compression hose is fine. The business class seat and frequent walks is nice but not essential. You can do frequent leg motions like "pumping the gas pedal" in an economy seat.
My husband has had at least 6 superficial blood clots in the last 3 months. What could be causing these so often? Is there a deeper problem? He has been evaluated at the ER for this and they confirmed they are superficial. We are waiting for insurance to kick in next month, but thought I would see if I could get any more info beforehand. If he has varicose veins it could simply be due to this. On the other hand, he could have a clotting disorder and would need to have a workup for this. This is often done by a hematologist and is a blood test.
