Diagnosis Process
The first step in the diagnosis process is a detailed consultation and physical exam, usually in conjunction with a diagnostic ultrasound. At Bucks Vein & Body it is crucially important for us to learn the reasons that any patient has to seek out our help—every patient has a slightly different reason for pursuing evaluation. It is extremely important for us to learn this in order for us to be best able to help you. Once we determine that venous reflux (“leaky vein valves”) is likely to be occurring, we perform a detailed, non-invasive ultrasound to detect whether or not reflux is present, and to identify which veins are malfunctioning and which veins are functioning appropriately. Using this data we are able to customize a treatment plan that will be most appropriate, comprehensive, and appropriate for you.
Treatments
Radiofrequency Ablation is a minimally-invasive procedure that uses heat to treat the inside of the target vein, which acts to seal down the vein internally, redirecting the flow of blood to healthy veins that are better able to carry the blood appropriately. It is performed through an IV that is inserted into the target vein, after the area is made numb with lidocaine. This is done with the guidance of Ultrasound, because the vein that is treated is typically not visible to the naked eye. This procedure is used on certain veins that are straight, and typically at the “root” of the problem. The procedure usually takes about 15 minutes, and is performed in the office, while completely awake, allowing patients to drive themselves to and from the appointment, and return to work and to normal activities immediately afterwards, with very minimal/very brief restriction. Radiofrequency Ablation is typically performed to alleviate the symptoms associated with venous insufficiency, but it may also begin to help certain visible veins.
Venaseal Ablation
Venaseal Ablation is an alternative to Radiofrequency Ablation. It is also a minimally-invasive performed through an IV, just like the IV used for Radiofrequency Ablation. It is also performed with ultrasound guidance, since the target vein is not visible to the naked eye. Instead of using heat to seal the vein internally, a special vein medication adhesive product is administered through the special IV, which seals the vein down immediately, redirecting the flow of blood to healthy veins that are better able to carry the blood appropriately. This procedure is used on certain veins that are straight, and typically at the “root” of the problem. The procedure usually takes about 15 minutes, and is performed in the office, while completely awake, allowing patients to drive themselves to and from the appointment, and to return to work and normal activities immediately afterwards, with very minimal/very brief restriction. Venaseal Ablation is typically performed to alleviate the symptoms associated with venous insufficiency, but it may also begin to help certain visible veins. Advantages of Venaseal include the following: less needles used during the procedure, and no need for Compression Stockings afterwards.
Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy (UGS)
Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy is very similar to Varithena. The technique is generally the same as the technique used for Varithena. Sclerotherapy medication is injected into veins using the guidance of ultrasound, since many of the veins that are targeted in this procedure are not fully visible to the naked eye. Whereas Varithena is used on specific “root” veins at the structural foundation of the problem, Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy is used on veins that are branches off of the “root”. Veins that bulge are typically targeted with Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy, but this procedure is also used to target certain other veins that are not visible to the naked eye. Similar to all of the procedures that we perform, the procedure usually takes about 15 minutes, and is performed in the office, while completely awake, allowing patients to drive themselves to and from the appointment, and return to work and normal activities immediately afterwards, with very minimal/very brief restriction. Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy is typically performed to alleviate the symptoms associated with venous insufficiency, but it also helps certain visible veins, especially ones that bulge.
Varithena Ablation
Varithena is a special type of vein sclerotherapy. The procedure usually takes about 15 minutes, and is performed in the office, while completely awake, allowing patients to drive themselves to and from the appointment, and return to work and normal activities immediately afterwards, with very minimal/very brief restriction. Varithena is a product that is used on certain specific malfunctioning veins. It is usually administered through one single needle and the procedure usually takes less than 5 minutes. This procedure is done with ultrasound guidance because the target vein is usually not visible to the naked eye. Varithena has the ability to treat “root” veins that twist and turn, which makes it a great supplement to Radiofrequency Ablation, which is only able to target “root” veins that are straight. Varithena Ablation is typically performed to alleviate the symptoms associated with venous insufficiency, but it may also begin to help certain visible veins.
Visually-Guided Sclerotherapy (VGS) (“Spider Vein Treatments”)
Visually-Guided Sclerotherapy is used for the treatment of Spider Veins. Similar to the other types of sclerotherapy, VGS is the injection of sclerotherapy medication into veins, but the veins that are targeted are typically visible to the naked eye, and therefore this form of treatment is guided by the naked eye, rather than ultrasound. Unlike most of our treatments, VGS is typically a cosmetic procedure, and does not usually have much impact on relieving symptoms.