Vein Treatments

After a comprehensive evaluation that includes an ultrasound examination of the veins. Dr. Hou will determine the optimal treatment for each individual‘s needs.

Our Services Include:

EndoVenous Laser Ablation for varicose veins (EVLT)
The Endovenous Laser Ablation for varicose vein is a method to eliminate the saphenous veins without stripping them from the leg. This is the newest technology for treatment of these painful and embarrassing large varicose veins. A laser fiber is placed inside the vein and is positioned with ultrasound guidance. Energy applied to the catheter destroys the vein lining, causing the vein to shrink and ultimately to disappear. The skin vein circulation spontaneously diverts to the normal deep veins.

With the closure of the vein, the branch veins – those veins close to the skin – shrink and lose their unsightly appearance.

The endovenous methods to remove saphenous veins and varicose veins from the leg circulation are a great improvement over the old stripping surgery. The new methods are far less traumatic, and allow our patients to return to work and to normal activities within a few days.

Who are candidates for the procedures?
Patients with varicose veins, leg swelling, leg ulcers, and dermatitis may have inherited the saphenous insufficiency disorder. The endovenous procedures will correct this problem, with a success rate greater than 90%. Dr. Hou will determine if you are a candidate for this procedure following his consultation with you.

What are the advantages?
The endovenous procedures are far less traumatic than the stripping and ligation operation. Often only a local anesthetic is required, and many procedures are performed in the Vein Center office. Down time for recovery is usually only a few days.

What are the long term results?
Three year follow-up studies indicate better success than the stripping operation. The endovenous methods have a greater than 90% success rate to cure the vein hypertension, eliminate the varicose veins, heal vein ulcers, and prevent recurrence of the vein disorder.

European microsurgical ambulatory phlebectomy for varicose veins
Ambulatory phlebectomy procedure involves removing varicose veins surgically through incisions so small that sutures are not needed, post-op discomfort is minimal and scars are usually not even visible.

Sclerotherapy for varicose veins and spider veins
A tiny needle is used to inject a solution into the involved vein, causing it to close down and be absorbed by the body. There is little discomfort with the procedure. Elastic compression hose are worn after each treatment.

Improving Venous Disease

If you already have some form of vein disease in your legs, there are steps you can take to improve your condition. Some of these tips can also be used for the prevention of spider veins, varicose veins and other vein disorders.

1. Stay active.

Regular exercise helps improve your circulation. If you already have venous disease, get your physician’s permission first before beginning an exercise program. When lying in bed or traveling for prolonged periods, move your feet up and down and rotate your ankles to make foot circles. When you do this, the calf muscles pump blood in the direction of the heart and may result in less pooling. Being active and eating a low-fat balanced diet will also help you control your weight. Obesity is a common cause of circulation problems, including vein disease.

• Avoid standing or sitting in one position for a long period of time – this makes blood pool in the legs.
• Do not sit with your legs crossed.
• Raise up on your toes several times an hour – again, this flexes the calf muscles and helps push the blood toward the heart.
• Shift weight from one foot to the other while standing.
• Elevate your legs several times a day for 10 to 15 minutes. At work, set aside rest periods for leg elevation. It is best to raise the legs higher than the level of the heart. If possible, try lying on the floor with your legs on a chair or against the wall.

2. Avoid injury to the legs & feet.

• If you do become injured, treat it correctly. Cover any wound with a plain, sterile gauze pad. Do not apply any ointments.

3. Inspect your legs & feet every day.

• Check for redness, dry skin, blisters and/or cracks and calluses, which may allow bacteria to grow and infection to form. You may develop breaks in your skin that you can’t feel. Use a mirror to check the soles of your feet.
• See your doctor about any foot problems.

4. Keep legs & feet clean, soft & dry.

• Wash daily with mild soap and lukewarm water. Dry thoroughly with a soft towel, especially between the toes.
• Apply lanolin, a similar mild cream or a skin lotion that does not contain alcohol to prevent dry, cracked skin.
• Dust your feet with powder to control perspiration.
• Wear clean, absorbent socks or stockings, preferably cotton or wool. Change your socks every day.

5. Choose appropriate clothing.

• Wear support stockings at all times when you are awake. You may remove them before you go to sleep.
• Do not wear girdles, garters or socks that have tight elastic bands, or other tight clothing that restricts your circulation.
• Buy shoes at midday when your feet are slightly swollen (they will have swollen too much by evening). Shop for shoes at stores that employ experienced salespeople; you’ll get a better fit.

6. Do not smoke.

• Tobacco smoking narrows the blood vessels, further restricting blood supply to the skin.