Varicose Veins

Endoluminal Laser Ablation is a superior alternative to the “old” surgical stripping of a malfunctioning vein. This procedure is accomplished by inserting a small laser filament, with the guidance of ultrasound, into the target vein through a small needlestick. Local anesthetic is administered throughout the procedure for comfort. The delivery of the laser energy causes the vein wall to collapse and seal shut. After the procedure is complete, a compression dressing is applied. There is minimal to no down-time after your procedure with your normal activities resuming within days.

Endoluminal Radiofrequency Closure R is much like the above described procedure with very similar results. It, however, uses radiofrequency energy to collapse the symptomatic vein. Either method is highly effective in correcting the malfunctioning vein.

Varicose Veins - Before & After
Before	After

Micro-Phlebectomy is the removal or disruption of the dilated, superficial, ropey-like veins. This is often done in conjunction with one of the above listed procedures.

Vein Ligation is rarely done in this office. This procedure is indicated when other alternatives are not available. This procedure is done to redirect or correct blood flow. This is done under local anesthetic in an office setting with the enlarged vein being tied off through a small incision.

Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy is much like sclerotherapy as stated above. It is utilized when refluxing vein(s) are identified as the cause of symptoms but are not visible at the skin surface. Ultrasound is then used to directly guide Dr. Stafford into the targeted malfunctioning vein with the irritant solution. Often a foam application of the solution is utilized. This allows better contact with the inside (endothelium) of the vein wall, thereby causing longer contact and better destruction. The after care is the same as visual sclerotherapy with no down-time involved. Compression after your treatment is still considered a vital component for successful collapse of the targeted vein.

Visual Sclerotherapy is a treatment that involves an injection of a solution that is irritating to the malfunctioning or dilated vein. The damaged vein turns into scar tissue and is slowly absorbed by the body. The goal of this therapeutic session is to close off the vein(s) that are causing your discomfort from the refluxing or pooling of blood either caused from problems with the valves or distension within the wall of the vein.

This therapy is usually quite effective in smaller diameter veins. It usually requires an average of 2-5 treatments. It is important that prescription gradient compression stockings be used immediately after your treatment for optimal results.

Diagnostic Ultrasound is necessary to complete a careful clinical examination of the leg veins prior to treatment. State of the art ultrasound is used to assess the veins which cannot be seen through the skin. This careful examination is painless and helps to pinpoint the source of the problem in blood flow.

Duplex ultrasound provides accurate images of the blood vessels in the legs. Ultrasound shows the direction of blood flow in the veins. This is an important recording of the precise location(s) of leaking valves.

By obtaining an accurate mapping of the veins and exact problem areas, Dr. Stafford is then able to plan a course of treatment specific to the your needs. This accurate diagnostic tool greatly increases the benefit of treatment and lowers the recurrence rate.

Following your consultation and diagnostic ultrasound, Dr. Stafford will discuss his recommendations with you. Once you and Dr. Stafford have agreed upon a treatment plan, ultrasound guided procedures may be necessary in eliminating areas of malfunction in venous flow.

Compression Stockings with graduated compression are universally recommended for both non-surgical and surgical treatment of varicose veins. Many studies have been conducted in the use of compression as well as type of compression for varicose veins. . The use of compression stockings following treatment is shown to increase benefits of therapy. It is also used as a conservative measure in the management of symptoms of varicose veins. It may be beneficial to try compression stockings for symptom relief prior to treatment. Relief of symptoms with the use of compression stockings is often relative to the size and extent of the patient’s venous problems.

Dr. Stafford will recommend the amount and type of compression that will compliment your individual needs.