Venous insufficiency and varicose vein treatment options

A minimally invasive procedure that uses high-frequency radio waves to create heat in the problem vein to seal it shut.

A minimally invasive surgery in which tiny incisions are made in the skin’s surface to remove bulging varicose veins.

A procedure involving an injection of a material that shuts down the damaged veins using ultrasound guidance. Other veins in the network of blood vessels take over the function of the damaged veins.

This minimally invasive procedure involves injecting the problem vein with a medical-grade adhesive. Compression stockings are often not required for this procedure. This adhesive closes off the vein and allows blood to route through other healthy veins in your leg. 

Injection of Varithena® (FDA-approved medication) into problem veins seals them. Varithena fills the vein and causes it to collapse. After the vein collapses, blood flow shifts to healthier veins.

Compression stockings can help relieve symptoms associated with venous disease and help decrease the chances of the problem getting worse. Compression stockings also help to prevent blood clots and reduce swelling in the legs. 

A stent, or woven polyester tube, is placed into deep veins to improve help blood flow by helping to keep the vein open.

Small coils are inserted into the femoral vein via catheter to clot the blood and close faulty veins in the pelvic area.

Women have a few more contributing risk factors, but both men and women can develop spider or varicose veins.

In the majority of cases, yes. Your health care provider can answer questions specific to your case and insurance provider.

Compression stockings help reduce the symptoms of venous disease and may help prevent blood clots. They apply more pressure at the ankle and less at the top to reduce fluid in the tissues. They can also be used after a procedure to allow the veins to heal and close down properly. Regular use of compression stockings may help prevent worsening of vein disease. Compression stockings need to be properly fitted in order to provide these benefits.

We typically start with an ultrasound of your leg(s) to determine the extent of your vein disease. The ultrasound is performed in our office and is usually covered by insurance. Your provider will use the results of this ultrasound to create your custom treatment plan.

A wide variety of treatment options are available depending on your specific case. Faulty veins can be sealed with heat, adhesives and medications, or they can be removed through tiny incisions.

More than 90 percent of our diagnostic tests and procedures are done in our office. When necessary, procedures are performed at the Fred and Lena Meijer Heart Center or Corewell Health Care Center - 4069 Lake Dr SE.

Most procedures require very little or no downtime. Our patients routinely return to work the same day. Walking and light exercise are encouraged in the immediate post-procedure period. Air travel and prolonged car rides should be avoided around the time of procedures. Post-procedure compression stockings and light bandages are often required. Discomfort after these procedures is generally mild and controlled with ice and over-the-counter medication when needed.

Your best bet is to wear compression stockings. You get improved circulation, relief of symptoms and slower progression of your disease.

No. The body has a large vascular system. The other veins in your legs will take over to route blood, so you don’t need to worry that your circulation will be compromised.

Yes. Whether you experience spider or varicose veins, treatments to keep pathways sealed are highly successful. Sometimes, a previously injected vessel remains sealed and a new spider or varicose vein is seen in the same area.

• Wear sunscreen. 
• Walk or run regularly to strengthen muscles and circulation. 
• Maintain a healthy weight to allow optimal blood flow. 
• Elevate legs when you’re resting. 
• Wear compression stockings.

Superficial thrombophlebitis is a blood clot in a superficial vein, which can cause a hard, lumpy, tender vein that can be felt close to the surface of the skin. These blood clots usually do not require patients to take a blood thinner.