The Vein Center of Northeast Ohio is using the most modern and advanced medical science technology and procedures to present the safest, most effective treatments available.
VARITHENA®
Varithena® (polidocanol injectable foam) is a prescription medicine used to treat varicose veins caused by problems with the great saphenous vein (GSV) and other related veins in the leg’s GSV system. Varithena® improves symptoms related to or caused by varicose veins, and the appearance of varicose veins.
VENASEAL CLOSURE SYSTEM
VenaSeal is one non thermal treatment option for closing the vein with malfunctioning valves or causing reflux. The system delivers a small amount of a specially formulated medical adhesive called Cyanoacrylate to the diseased vein. The adhesive after polymerization permanently seals the vein and blood is rerouted through the healthy deep vein.
CLOSUREFAST™ ENDOVENOUS RADIOFREQUENCY ABLATION PROCEDURE
Formerly known as the VNUS® Closure procedure, this procedure is a very similar to Laser Ablation, in that a specialized catheter is threaded through the major vein causing varicosity. Using a special radio frequency generator, the catheter tip is heated similar to a microwave device. As the catheter is withdrawn in graduated segments, the affected vein is closed on a permanent basis. Recovery for this procedure is the same as that of the laser procedure.
LASER ABLATION WITH COOLTOUCH 1320 LASER
Pioneered at Cornell University in New York, this revolutionary new treatment of larger varicose veins is well accepted by all specialists involved in the treatment of varicose veins. Endovenous Laser Ablation is an in-office procedure and takes less than an hour to achieve the same results as a major surgical vein stripping. The major vein stripping has become an old-fashioned procedure and is not offered or recommended at the Vein Center.
Using ultrasound guidance and local anesthesia, the procedure is performed with a laser fiber inserted through a small puncture into the vein. As the fiber is slowly advanced to the desired area, it is gradually withdrawn, most often using an automatic withdrawal device. As the fiber is withdrawn, the vein shrinks and seals. In most cases, these veins are the root cause of smaller varicose veins, and there is very minimal pain or any associated scarring.
This procedure has a 98% success rate in most cases, and the entire process involves minimal pain. Recovery is faster and most daily activities can be resumed the following day. It does, however, involve wearing external compression stockings for a period of two weeks. Patients should also wait two to three weeks before resuming strenuous activities such as swimming and aerobic exercise.
SCLEROTHERAPY
This is the oldest form of treatment for small varicose veins, which remains one of the most common ailments patients present to the Vein Center of Northeast Ohio, Ltd. A detergent solution is injected gently into these veins, causing the veins to collapse and form adhesive clots which the body will absorb. Compression hoses are also advised following the treatment, to be worn for two days to two weeks, depending on the size of the veins treated. This procedure normally involves minimal discomfort and there are three types of sclerotherapy offered by the Vein Center today.
Visual Sclerotherapy. This is the most traditional form of sclerotherapy performed by the physician or a trained nurse, involving using a variety of solutions of different concentration being injected into the irregular veins under direct vision with magnification and elimination.
Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy. This form of sclerotherapy involves using a duplex scanner at the bedside, placing a needle into the vein involved, followed by injection of sclerosing agent.
Foam Sclerotherapy. While not truly a new technique for sclerotherapy, foam sclerotherapy involves injecting a foamed solution of Sotradecol or Polidocanol into the involved veins. This approach can be used with both traditional and ultrasound guided sclerotherapy, and is more effective and more convenient, requiring fewer needle injections with minimal skin effects.
AMBULATORY PHLEBECTOMY
This procedure is also considered a gold standard in the treatment of recurrent varicose veins after previous failed surgery or failed treatment. Ambulatory or avulsion phlebectomy involves removal and avulsion of the varicose vein through small incisions. There is no need for suturing and the procedure is associated with minimal post-operative pain or discomfort. Scarring is minimal and most often invisible to the naked eye.
Developed by a Swiss dermatologist, the principle behind this procedure is very simple. While you are on your feet, these veins are filled with blood, making them quite large. However, if you lie down and elevate your legs, the veins will empty and deflate, making them quite small. Using small instruments, ambulatory phlebectomy makes use of this property to make removal of these veins quite simple. Ambulatory phlebectomy can be performed under tumescent anesthesia. Patients are usually more comfortable and generally asleep with an orally administered sedation. Whenever any of the above procedures are performed, patients are encouraged to be active, to walk as much as possible, and resume their normal activities. Strenuous exercises, however, are avoided for a week or two.
INTENSE PULSED LASER FOR AESTHETIC PROCEDURES
The intense light source can also be used to treat left over spider veins or sunburst veins underneath the skin that are not covered by either endovenous laser surgery or phlebectomy. This is a safe procedure that involves cooling of the skin through which laser energy is used to shrink the collagen and elastin in the smaller blood vessels. This is also intended to rejuvenate the skin and will help reduce the signs of aging. This procedure is quick and easy and can often be performed in the office over a lunch break. This procedure is also called photo rejuvenation. Some of these procedures are generally not covered by insurance carriers, as patients are required to pay in advance.