Away with Varicose Veins!

Our heart takes on most of the heavy-duty work to pump oxygen and nutrients out from our lungs and into our extremities, but the heart cannot circulate blood all on its own. Tiny valves inside our veins expand and contract to allow blood to move forward without any back flow. This system can unfortunately become compromised over the years as the walls of our veins over-stretch or lose elasticity, which is called venous reflux disease. 

A predisposition for developing swollen varicose veins may be genetic but it is especially a side effect of the common lifestyle of our generation. The good news is that there are ways you can treat it and, with several contemporary techniques to mention, endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) and VenaSeal™ might just be the treatments for you. These solutions include thermal and chemical mediums that either shrink or seal off diseased veins to improve your overall circulation and mobility.[1]

Laser treatment for varicose veins

With the laser treatment, for example, the surgeon places a catheter into position then slowly draws it backwards. The heat of the catheter slowly closes off the vein and, if required, the surgeon may choose to remove a side branch of the varicose vein or tie it off with several small incisions.[2] 

VenaSeal™ closure system

The VenaSeal™ closure system treats painful varicose symptoms by using a medical adhesive ‘superglue’ to close the vein. When blood comes into contact with the adhesive, it polymerizes and creates a long-lasting seal so that blood reroutes through other healthy veins. It is the only non-thermal, non-tumescent, non-sclerosant procedure approved for use in the United States and is now also popular in Europe.[3]

What are the risks of surgery?

All surgeries have some risks. Here are possible complications related to laser treatment:

• Infection

• Localized pain around the vein

• Bleeding

• Bruising

• Nerve damage

• Inflammation of the vein

• Blood clots

• Burns

• Skin discoloration around the vein [4]

Possible side effects from treatment with VenaSeal™:

• Allergic reactions to cyanoacrylates in the form of hives, asthma, hay fever or anaphylactic shock

• Arteriovenous fistula; i.e. malformed vessels

• Bleeding

• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

• Swelling

• Blood clots

• Hyperpigmentation

• Infection

• Inflammation and localized pain 

• Visible scarring [5]

Talk with your doctor about any concerns you may have before surgery. Seeking out treatment for your varicose veins is a great step towards restoring your vascular health.

Other proactive ways to promote vascular health

While you should still discuss in detail your health status with a doctor, careful sauna use paired with cool bathing could facilitate elasticity of the veins via controlled dilation and contraction. You can think of it as targeting the veins for vascular exercise. This lifestyle habit is useful but do make sure to cover troubled areas with a cold, damp cloth while in the sauna and cool down your legs thoroughly as soon as you leave.[6]

Additional habits to adopt for a healthier vascular system:

• Stand up and move around after sitting for long periods

• Elevate your legs above the level of your heart while sitting, resting and sleeping

• Lose extra weight to improve blood flow and ease the pressure on your veins

• Avoid wearing tight clothing around your waist, upper thighs and legs 

• Remove high heels from your wardrobe

• Never cross your legs or ankles and maintain good posture

• Add an activity to your daily routine that gets your legs moving [7]

Our clinic is proud to offer the latest technology available to treat varicose veins at an affordable price. You are only one consultation away from getting the treatment you need and deserve. Check out our price and procedure description now.

Sources:

[1] “Varicose Veins Causes.” NHS, United Kingdom National Health Service, 7 May 2020, www.nhs.uk/conditions/varicose-veins/causes/.

[2] “Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT) for Varicose Veins.” Fairview, Fairview Health Services, www.fairview.org/sitecore/content/Fairview/Home/Patient-Education/Articl....

[3] “The VenaSeal™ Closure System .” American Vein & Vascular Institute, American Vein & Vascular Institute, www.americanvein.com/services/vein-treatment-center/vein-disease-treatme....

[4] “Endovenous Laser Varicose Vein Surgery.” Johns Hopkins Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University, The Johns Hopkins Hospital and Johns Hopkins Health System, www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/endovenous-....

[5] “Superficial Vein Products - Indications, Safety, and Warnings.” Medtronic, Medtronic, www.medtronic.com/us-en/healthcare-professionals/products/cardiovascular....

[6] “Can I Use the Sauna If I Have Problems with Varicose Veins or Other Vein Disorders?” KLAFS, KLAFS, www.klafs.com/health/faq-for-well-being/varicose-veins.html.

[7] Jaliman, Debra. “What Are Some Lifestyle Changes That Can Improve Symptoms of Varicose and Spider Veins?” Radiance by WebMD, WebMD LLC, 5 Nov. 2019, www.webmd.com/beauty/qa/what-are-some-lifestyle-changes-that-can-improve....