Treatments & Procedures

The physicians at the Center for Venous Disease are highly experienced in the treatment of venous disease. During the evaluation appointment, a CVD vein specialist will complete a full exam, which may include the use of Ultrasound, and develop a personalized TOTAL VEIN CARE treatment plan to address your condition. All the treatments performed at CVD are considered minimally invasive and are associated with minimal pain and faster recovery time.

A CVD vein specialist may recommend one or more of the following treatments:

Ultrasound Exam

A complete ultrasound exam is an important first step in successfully treating venous disease. A thorough ultrasound exam will be completed during the initial exam to identify underlying chronic venous insufficiency, which may be causing other symptoms. Ultrasound is often used during the treatment and post-procedure to confirm results and to rule out any complications. Routine ultrasound exams are part of follow-up visits at CVD to track progress and ensure a successful treatment.

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is often the treatment for spider veins and small varicose veins closer to the skin surface. With sclerotherapy, a solution is injected into the varicose or spider veins, which causes them to seal off and close over time eventually being absorbed into the body. Blood is rerouted to healthy veins in the leg. A vein light or ultrasound guidance may be used to assist in the delivery of the solution. Sclerotherapy is usually considered a cosmetic procedure and used in conjunction with other therapies to treat the underlying venous disease.

Radiofrequency Vein Ablation

Radiofrequency (RF) vein ablation is used to treat chronic venous insufficiency, the underlying cause of varicose veins and other symptoms. A thin catheter is inserted into the diseased vein and radiofrequency energy (heat) is applied to the inside of the vein causing the vein wall to collapse and form a fibrotic seal. Over time the body absorbs the vein tissue. Blood is rerouted to healthy leg veins. The Center for Venous Disease has performed thousands of these procedures with a 98% success rate making us the most experienced vein center in the Southwest United States. CVD is a VNUS™ Certified Training Site. CVD vein specialists prefer radiofrequency ablation to laser ablation when treating vein disease due to the significantly less pain, bruising, tenderness and adverse events following treatment. Most patients experience relief from the pain associated with venous disease following radiofrequency ablation. The recovery period is minimal with most people returning to normal activities within 1-2 days. An additional procedure such as sclerotherapy may be done following the ablation treatment to address any residual spider veins or cosmetic concerns.

Perforator Vein Treatment

Perforator veins connect the superficial venous system to the deep venous system. If the valves in the perforator veins become damaged it can cause the superficial venous system to work poorly and cause varicose veins and other associated symptoms. As part of a commitment to Total Vein Care it is important to diagnose and treat the full disease to achieve complete symptom relief and long-term results. The Center for Venous Disease physicians use the RFSStylet™ from Covidien, the only FDA cleared medical device approved for energy based treatment of refluxing or diseased perforator veins.

Wound Care

Venous ulcers, or open wounds, may occur with advanced stages of venous disease, especially when the condition is left untreated. Wound care to treat venous ulcers requires debridement of any dead tissue in the wound. This will help the ulcer heal. Another procedure to treat the underlying chronic venous insufficiency would be used in conjunction to help prevent future ulcers from developing.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Screening

Deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, is a blood clot that mainly affects the larger veins deep in the lower leg and thigh. DVT, though rare, can be life-threatening if the blood clot breaks off and travels to the lungs. During the initial exam, an ultrasound is used to rule out DVT. Also following any vein procedure a follow-up appointment including a DVT screening using ultrasound will be required. A physician may recommend an annual DVT screening as part of your wellness plan.

Cosmetic Laser

Cosmetic laser treatment is used to treat small spider veins on the skin surface. These veins are most common on the legs though may also be seen on the face in particular the cheeks and nose. The cosmetic laser treatment does not resolve underlying vein disease that may be causing the spider veins. It is important to address any underlying vein disease before treating cosmetic concerns.

Compression Stockings

Many insurance companies require the use of compression hose as the first step in treating vein disease to see if symptoms improve before approving any other treatments. Compression stockings are also required before and after treatment of varicose veins to help reduce the risk of blood clots post-procedure. The CVD staff is trained to properly fit compression stockings.

Use theRequest an Appointment form to schedule a free consultation with a vein specialist to review your condition and determine the best treatment plan for you. At the Center for Venous Disease, our vein specialists focus on providing TOTAL VEIN CARE so that our patients can get the very best personalized treatment for long-term results utilizing state-of-the-art technology for long-term results.

“We’ll treat your symptoms and touch your Heart.”