Current estimates calculate that more than 80 million Americans suffer from varicose and/or spider veins. While cosmetic improvement is a factor in seeking treatment, the Division of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy at Emory in Atlanta, Georgia, understands that relief from pain is often the patient's primary concern. Therefore, the division is dedicated to providing the most comprehensive and vanguard therapies available for treating venous disorders to insure that aesthetic and discomfort symptoms are addressed simultaneously, effectively and safely.
| Description and Causes of Varicose Veins |
Veins have one-way valves that channel blood back to the heart from the extremities. If the valves malfunction, blood flow becomes erratic, congesting the veins and creating either small, red, blue or purple veins on the surface of the skin known as spider veins, or large, deep, ropey and distended veins referred to as varicose veins.
Pain in the legs is frequently caused by these dysfunctional vessels. Symptoms are often made worse by prolonged standing and can include sensations of fatigue, heaviness, aching, burning, throbbing, itching, cramping, swelling and restlessness of the legs. Severe varicose veins can compromise the nutrition of the skin, leading to eczema, inflammation or even ulceration of the lower leg.
The primary predisposing factor for abnormal leg veins is heredity. Other causes include aging, too much standing at work, obesity and leg injury. Significantly, women are more likely than men to suffer from varicose and/or spider veins and have a 50 percent chance of developing them in their lifetime. Hormonal factors include puberty, pregnancy, menopause, the use of birth control pills, estrogen and progesterone. The varicose veins that can result from the heightened hormone levels, blood volume and pressure from the enlarged uterus experienced during pregnancy generally dissipate within three months of delivery. However, abnormal veins become more entrenched with each successive pregnancy.
Back to Section Listing
Top of Page
| Diagnosis and Treatment Options |
Since vein disorders are not always visible, the diagnostic services available at the Emory Non-Invasive Vascular Laboratory are essential to determining cause and severity, the primary method being duplex ultrasound imaging, which uses sound waves to trace the patient's blood flow.
Once the diagnosis has been established, there are two primary treatment modes: the conservative approach, which can involve such low-impact methods as compression stockings to support and compress veins and improve circulation; or the corrective approach, which applies procedures like sclerotherapy, endolaser ablation or phlebectomy. In some cases, a combination of treatment methods is advised.
Back to Section Listing
Top of Page
| Sclerotherapy for Spider Veins |
Sclerotherapy produces the best results when spider veins are at an early stage. A tiny needle injects the veins with a medication that irritates the vein lining, causing the veins to collapse and be reabsorbed so that they are no longer visible. Depending on the type and number of veins being treated, one to several sclerotherapy sessions with one to many injections per session may be needed.
An outpatient procedure, sclerotherapy usually causes only minimal discomfort. While bruising typically disappears within one-to-two weeks, any pigmentation that occurs can persist for several months before fading. Normal activities can generally be resumed almost immediately, though medically prescribed support hose may have to be worn for several days or up to several weeks to assist in resolution of the veins. Other complications such as scarring are rare.
Spider veins before and after sclerotherapy. Individual results can vary.
Back to Section Listing
Top of Page
| Endolaser Ablation for Varicose Veins |
This FDA-approved, outpatient procedure is an alternative to surgical stripping of the greater saphenous vein. After applying local anesthesia, a small laser fiber is inserted into the damaged vein to deliver pulses of laser light, causing the vein to collapse and seal shut. Afterwards a bandage or compression hose is placed on the treated leg. Please click here to view a CNN spot* on the procedure that features the Emory vascular service; the RealPlayer plug-in is required.
Schematic of endovenous laser treatment
* The use of this CNN material is primarily for informational/educational related purposes and does not constitute an implied endorsement by CNN.
Back to Section Listing
Top of Page
Using local anesthesia, this outpatient surgical method removes surface varicose veins through tiny punctures that typically leave nearly imperceptible marks. After the procedure, a bandage and/or compression stocking is worn for a short period.
Varicose veins before and after ambulatory phlebectomy. Individual results can vary.
Back to Section Listing
Top of Page
To schedule a consultation regarding varicose or spider vein therapy, please call (404) 778-3324. The clinical site for initial consultations is located on the 3rd floor of Emory Clinic A, 1365 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30322.
Back to Section Listing
Top of Page
Home Page, Division of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy
|
