Painful Varicose Veins?

Millions of Americans have varicose veins of the legs.  Most do not even know that they have vein reflux.  The veins of the leg normally carry blood back to the heart.  Within the larger veins of the leg, one way valves are present to prevent blood from falling towards the feet (reflux).  A leaky or damaged valve allows pressure to back up into smaller veins causing them to become varicose, similar to the damming of a river.  As the varicose vein enlarges, it causes uncomfortable symptoms.

The large majority of varicose veins of the legs are cause by vein reflux.  More than 75 million Americans have venous reflux disease.  Of these, approximately 25 million have symptoms of pain, burning, itching, tiredness/heaviness, and swelling of the legs, often with enlarging varicose veins.  This is more people than are affected by coronary heart disease.  Are you bothered by these symptoms throughout the day?  Do your progressively feel tired, heavy, or achy?  If so, chances are that you suffer from vein reflux. 

Left untreated, vein reflux can lead to complications such as the darkening of the skin of the lower leg, skin breakdown/ulcer formation, and bleeding. This reflux even increases your risk of phlebitis (vein irritation or infection) and localized thrombophlebitis (vein clotting). Years ago, either compression stockings or vein strippings were offered as long-term treatment options.  Vein strippings often left patients with a painful, bruised leg which prevented them from returning to work and recreational activities for weeks.

Today, catheter-based technology exists to allow radiofrequency energy to be applied directly to the refluxing vein which causes it to shrink and scar down (close).  This stops the blood from refluxing down the offending vein.  Approved by the FDA in 1999, the Closure procedure (VNUS Medical Technologies, Inc.) is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that is very effective and widely embraced by vascular surgeons.  It offers a much lower post-operative risk profile (pain, bruising, infection, localized numbness) and a quicker return to normal activity than does a vein stripping.  More than 100,000 Closure procedures have been done in the United States.  Ninety-eight percent of patients treated with the Closure procedure would recommend in to a family member or friend. The first 5 year follow up of Closure patients was reported in 2005 from a multi-center clinical registry showing an 85% success in stopping vein reflux.

The Closure procedure is performed while lying or a procedure table.  Ultrasound imaging is used to assist in getting access to the refluxing vein with a small needle.  A radiofrequency catheter is advanced under ultrasound guidance to the top of the vein planned to be treated.  Local anesthetic is placed around the vein to insulate it and deepen it from the skin surface.  Radiofrequency energy heats the vein while the catheter is pulled back.  Afterwards, there is usually no more than a single suture placed.  The leg is wrapped with mild compression for 24-36 hours.  Patients may return to normal activity usually within 24-36 hours.  Over-the-counter pain medicines are recommended for short term relief.  Post-operative ultrasound evaluations of the treated vein are required during the first year. Most insurance companies provide coverage for this outpatient procedure.  Help is just a phone call away.