FAX: (763) 398-6051Varicose Vein Treatment
Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins close to the skin surface. These veins are commonly visible under the skin. They most often occur in your legs and feet due to the increased pressure in your leg veins while standing and walking, but varicose can also develop in other areas of the body.
There are numerous treatment options for varicose veins. Once a detailed ultrasound of your legs is completed, your Minneapolis Vein Center provider will explain the ultrasound findings in detail and provide you with specific treatment options.
Phlebectomy
Phlebectomy is a minimally invasive surgical technique to remove abnormal medium to large veins. Your leg will be evaluated using ultrasound, and your veins will be marked with a skin marker. You will receive local anesthesia at the incision site to numb the entire area. Using a special set of tools, the physician makes tiny incisions in the skin to remove the affected veins. Incisions are so tiny that stitches are not required. Once the diseased vein is removed, other healthy veins empty blood from your legs. As normal blood flow is re-established, your symptoms should improve noticeably.
Patients scheduled for phlebectomy should arrange for transportation as they will be sedated for the procedure and should not drive for the rest of the day.
The procedure typically takes approximately 45-60 minutes.
Phlebectomy offers permanent vein removal with no scarring, skin discoloration, or ulcers.
- Many physicians recommend walking after treatment. Walking reduces pressure in the veins, and increases flow while reducing the risk of forming a blood clot. Typical side effects include mild discomfort, bruising, and bleeding.
- After treatment, patients typically wear a compression stocking for two weeks. Your physician will discuss this with you after the procedure.
Venous ablation
Venous ablation is a minimally invasive treatment performed at the Minneapolis Vein Center for superficial venous reflux. Using state-of-the-art technology, venous ablation provides an alternative to traditional vein-stripping surgery.
During this outpatient procedure, your leg will be evaluated using ultrasound, and the affected vein will be localized. You will receive local anesthesia to numb the skin entry site on your leg and along the treatment path. A thin catheter, or tube, is inserted into the vein through a small opening using only a single needle stick. The catheter delivers radiofrequency (RF) or laser energy to the vein wall, causing it to heat, collapse, and seal shut. Once the diseased vein is closed, other healthy veins empty blood from your legs. As normal blood flow is re-established, your symptoms should improve noticeably. An ultrasound exam will be repeated to verify the vein is completely sealed.
Patients scheduled for venous ablation should arrange for transportation as they will be sedated for the procedure and should not drive for the rest of the day.
The procedures typically take approximately 45-60 minutes.
Ninety-eight percent of patients who have undergone venous ablation would recommend it to a friend or family member with similar leg vein problems.
Most patients report a noticeable improvement in their symptoms and appearance following the procedure. Expect a short recovery period and then resume normal activities in a few days with minimal to no long-term scarring.
- After treatment, wear compression stockings for one week.
- You can begin walking the same day; however, do no vigorous exercise or lift more than 15 pounds for two weeks after the procedure.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is a treatment for spider veins; it involves using a fine needle to inject a solution directly into the problematic veins. The solution starts a process that leads to the vein turning to scar tissue and fading from view. Blood circulation continues through other healthy veins. Larger veins are treated first. Some veins may require several injections and most disappear within two to six weeks.
The number of treatments needed to achieve the desired amount of fading differs for each patient depending on the size of the treated veins and the amount of spider veins presented. The average number of treatments is 3 to 4 sessions.
Sclerotherapy typically requires no special preparation. However, you should not shave or apply lotion to the treated area. Let your doctor know of any medications you may be taking.
The sclerotherapy procedure itself typically takes approximately 30-60 minutes, although we advise patients to plan on spending roughly two hours at the Minneapolis Vein Center.
Patients who have received sclerotherapy report little discomfort. Some experience a slight to moderate burning sensation immediately after the injection, but this disappears within a few seconds.
Patients can expect to return to normal activities the same day since we encourage walking immediately following the procedure. Strenuous activity, prolonged standing, and lifting more than 15 pounds should be avoided for the first two weeks after the procedure.
- Compression stockings are required for two weeks following your procedure.
- We do not recommend tanning or direct sun exposure for six weeks following treatment since this may increase the prominence of any hyperpigmentation.
- Most patients experience 60-80% improvement within a few months of the procedure.
Treatment and Evaluation of Venous Leg Ulcers
Approximately 70 percent of all leg ulcers are venous ulcers. A leg with venous problems has a very characteristic appearance. The leg is swollen, and the skin around a venous ulcer is dry, itchy, and sometimes brownish—eczema may appear (varicose eczema). The ulcer has a weeping, raw appearance and is usually painless unless infected. These ulcers are normally located just above the ankle, usually on the inside of the leg.
To treat ulcers, MVC typically starts with a medicated wound wrap or Unna boot to treat and heal the wound. As the healing process begins, some patients will need further treatment to control the disease process entirely and prevent recurrent ulcers or other problems. A full ultrasound evaluation should be completed to determine the presence of venous disease.
VenaSeal™
VenaSeal™ is the most recent technology approved to treat varicose veins and venous insufficiency. It uses a medical adhesive delivered to the vein that closes it. There is less patient discomfort since the procedure does not require local anesthesia, unlike the venous ablation procedure. No exercise restrictions after the procedure and no compression stockings. This procedure is appealing to individuals who want their veins treated right away and do not want any post-procedure restrictions. This procedure is currently not covered by insurance.
Self-care and lifestyle modifications
Compression stockings, leg elevation, weight loss, exercise, and anti-inflammatory medications (such as ibuprofen) can help to alleviate the discomfort varicose veins cause. Many patients attempt these measures before seeking medical interventions.
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Treatment
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is caused by plaque building up on the inside of the walls of arteries that carry blood to your extremities. Your arteries then start a process called atherosclerosis, during which they harden and narrow. This is why PAD can increase your risk of heart attack or stroke.
Dialysis Access Care
Vascular access for when the kidneys are failing.
Dialysis Catheters
A dialysis catheter is a long, thin, flexible tube that can be tunneled under the skin into a large vein in the neck, chest, or groin. MVP also places Peritoneal dialysis catheters. A peritoneal dialysis catheter is a long, thin, flexible tube placed through the wall of the abdomen in the peritoneal cavity. (more info vascularphysicians.com)
FISTULAGRAM
You had an AV Fistula or graft created to treat your renal failure. MVP has been asked to perform a fistulagram to evaluate your fistula or graft. A fistulagram is an exam in which contrast dye is injected into the fistula or graft with a small catheter to evaluate the blood flow into and out of the fistula or graft.