Vein disease is progressive and will get worse over time if left untreated. If you are concerned you may have vein disease, such as varicose or spider veins, act quickly to seek a diagnosis and treatment. Get a leg up on life by contacting us today to schedule a complimentary evaluation.
You can plan 60-90 minutes to complete the exam after finishing a medical history. You will be provided with disposable shorts during the ultrasound of your leg(s). The technician will need to access the site from groin to ankle freely.
You’ll lie on your back for the procedure and be asked to remain still throughout the exam. The sonographer will apply some gel to the skin over the area where the wand will travel. The gel is a conductive medium that allows the sound waves to travel from the wand through the skin. You will feel some pressure as the sonographer moves the device over the veins, recording the images created by the echoes of the sound waves.
Once they have captured the images they need, the healthcare provider will review the images and explain the results to the patient.
First, an ultrasound will be performed, and the veins marked on the skin with a pen. The EVLA procedure takes place while you’re laying down on the exam table. The physician will administer local anesthesia before inserting a laser catheter into the vein. The laser light travels through the laser catheter to heat and destroy the vein without impacting the surrounding tissue. You should feel little-to-no pain during the procedure, but you may experience some bruising.
Since EVLA is a non-surgical procedure, you do not have to abstain from eating or taking medication in preparation; in fact, you should eat a light meal one to two hours prior to the procedure. You should plan on being here for as long as two hours. Patients are on their feet immediately after the procedure and walking is encouraged. EVLA should not leave a visible scar, as the laser catheter only requires a tiny incision.
Though EVLA is considered a relatively minor procedure requiring little downtime, there are some recommended post-procedure recommendations. First, abstain from running or heavy exercise for two weeks after the laser treatment. Second, wearing compression hose for up to two weeks can help with healing. If you have any discomfort, an over-the-counter pain reliever should take care of it quickly.
Ultrasound vein mapping, also referred to as vascular ultrasound, differs from other procedures in that it is a non-invasive technique that uses sound waves administered with an ultrasound probe. It leverages doppler technology to create a visual roadmap of the veins in the legs. The physician is able to identify the size, depth, and flow of the blood so they can diagnose and treat the cause of vascular issues.
Endovenous laser ablation is appropriate for problems in the larger, deeper veins in the legs. It is an FDA-approved, outpatient laser treatment that replaces the older surgical method of tying off and removing abnormal veins. In EVLA, the laser heats and destroys the walls of the diseased vein, allowing the body to absorb the dead tissue. The procedure will be done at our state-of-the-art outpatient clinic. It is successful for 97% of patients after one treatment.
Sclerotherapy is a procedure that is highly effective for eliminating varicose and spider veins, and has been used since the 1930s. It involves injecting a saline solution through a very fine needle, causing the vein to collapse. It may cause mild cramping and discomfort, usually more pronounced for larger veins. The entire procedure is very quick, lasting only 15-30 minutes, depending on how many veins are to be treated, their location, and the physical or medical condition of the patient.
Sclerotherapy is performed by Dr. Gilvydis in our clinic. Before treatment, you will avoid applying lotions; however, taking medications is ok. Post-treatment recommendations are to avoid aerobic activity for several days. Call us with any Questions.
