Endovenous Laser Treatments
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.
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Avoid standing or sitting in one position for a long period of time
– this makes blood pool in the legs.
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Do not sit with your legs crossed.
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Raise up on your toes several times an hour – again, this flexes the
calf muscles and helps push the blood toward the heart.
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Shift weight from one foot to the other while standing.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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See your doctor about any foot problems.
4.
Keep legs & feet clean, soft & dry.
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Wash daily with mild soap and lukewarm water. Dry thoroughly with a
soft towel, especially between the toes.
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Apply lanolin, a similar mild cream or a skin lotion that does not
contain alcohol to prevent dry, cracked skin.
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Dust your feet with powder to control perspiration.
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Wear clean, absorbent socks or stockings, preferably cotton or wool.
Change your socks every day.
5.
Choose appropriate clothing.
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Wear support stockings at all times when you are awake. You may
remove them before you go to sleep.
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Do not wear girdles, garters or socks that have tight elastic bands,
or other tight clothing that restricts your circulation.
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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.
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Tobacco smoking narrows the blood vessels, further restricting blood
supply to the skin.
TO FIND A VARICOSE VEINS OR SPIDER VEINS CENTER AND DOCTOR NEAR YOU,
VISIT VEINSonline.com
Copyright 2010 Vascular Institute of Kentucky, PSC.
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