Why should I choose a Vascular & Interventional Radiologist to fix my veins?
Vascular & Interventional Radiologists (VIR) specialize in minimally invasive procedures that have traditionally required surgery. They perform daily procedures within the vascular system, and are experts at using x-ray and ultrasound guidance. In fact, he procedure used to close refluxing veins, also known as endovenous thermal ablation, was invented by Interventional Radiologists. These physicians perform percutaneous endovascular procedures that greatly reduce recovery time for patients while at the same time minimizing risk. Some VIR procedures can be offered to high risk patients that would otherwise be disqualified from traditional surgery because of risks.
Vascular & Interventional Radiology is growing and new procedures are constantly being developed, leading to improved patient care.
Why do I need an ultrasound?
An ultrasound gives us an idea of how big your deeper veins are, and what direction the blood is flowing. An ultrasound is also required for a definitive diagnosis and is the best way to determine which veins may need to be treated.
Can a varicose vein reoccur?
Once a varicose vein is eliminated, the same varicose vein will not return. Some patients can eventually experience the formation of a new varicose vein. Once you form one varicose vein, you will always be prone to forming more. However, most patients get at least five years before a new problem vein appears. Eliminating the underlying leaking/reflux will also greatly reduce the likelihood of a new varicose vein formation.
What if I need my saphenous vein for a heart procedure?
When venous reflux occurs, the veins in your leg are stretched to accommodate leaking blood. Veins are not very elastic, and once a vein is stretched, it will not shrink back to normal size. When a vein is needed for a heart procedure, a normal sized vein, not a stretched vein is the best option. We have many veins throughout our body, so a different non-streched vein can be selected for a needed heart procedure.
Why should I wear graduated compression stockings?
Wearing graduated compression stockings daily slows the progression of venous reflux disease. Therefore, most everyone benefits from wearing graduated compression stockings daily. Compression stockings are only beneficial when you are upright, no need to wear them while horizontal in bed.
Are all vein treatments considered cosmetic?
Some veins are considered cosmetic, and according to most insurances, the diameter of the vein is the deciding factor as to whether a vein is cosmetic or medical. Veins that are considered a medical problem tend to be the larger, symptomatic veins. The small, but mostly flat, visible veins are considered cosmetic.
Can you fix everything in one visit?
This depends on what the needed treatment is. With cosmetic sclerotherapy, we will treat your veins until you are happy with the results. Most patients end up doing 2-5 sclerotherapy sessions, but this is strictly at the patient’s discretion.
In a medical treatment, because of the few risks involved, we will only treat one leg at a time. So it depends on how extensive your venous reflux is.
What happens if I just leave my veins like they are?
For most patients, it takes many years for their veins to get to the point that they seek medical treatment. There is usually nothing urgent about treating refluxing veins. However, if you leave leaky veins for a long period of time, you can develop nonreversible skin changes in your lower legs, delayed healing, and sometimes a non-healing ulceration.
What is the difference between arteries and veins?
Arteries are the pump system, veins are the drainage system. Arteries deliver blood that contains oxygen throughout your body, veins then drain the unoxygenated blood back to your heart and lungs for reoxygenation. It is all a closed-circuit system, similar to a motor.
What should I do on the day of my ultrasound?
Be well hydrated and eat a light snack. In order to get a true picture of what your veins look like daily, we ask that you stand as much as possible, and don’t wear your hose on the day of the ultrasound.
What is the No Surprises Act and how does it affect me?
You can learn more about the No Surprises Act and how it affects you as a patient here.
Are vein treatments covered by insurance?
Varicose vein treatment is covered by most insurance and medicare. Our patient-centered approach means that we are here for you every step of the way. We’ll even contact your insurance company to verify that your procedure is covered. When you visit us for an initial consultation, we’ll show you the underlying cause of your varicose veins and help determine your insurance company’s eligibility requirements for coverage.
We also treat spider veins, but since this is considered a cosmetic procedure, it is not covered by insurance. The good news is sclerotherapy treatment for spider veins is highly affordable for most people and interest-free financing options are available.