Most Common Methods For Treating Varicose Veins

Varicose veins usually form in the superficial venous system – notably, in the legs. This system is comprised of blood vessels near the skin’s surface; you can observe them through the skin. They send blood into the deep veins, which lie under several layers of tissue. When the superficial veins suffer high pressure, the valves that normally manage blood flow begin to weaken. As a result, blood starts to flow backward. As it accumulates in the legs, the blood vessels begin to bulge and twist.

Many people with varicose veins experience a dull, aching sensation that worsens in the evening. Occasionally, a rash or group of sores may develop near the site. There are several treatment options available that can eliminate the diseased vessels, providing relief to the patient. We’ll describe several of them below.

Compression Stockings

Compression stockings are worn around the lower half of the legs (calves). They provide pressure on the leg veins, compressing them and encouraging blood flow to the heart. For many patients, the stockings are sufficient. Wearing them consistently over the course of several weeks causes the diseased blood vessels to disappear.

Sometimes, patients require additional forms of treatment (discussed below). Other times, the compression stockings cause discomfort to the point that the patient becomes unwilling to wear them consistently. When this is the case, other treatment options may be necessary.

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is a non-surgical treatment option in which a chemical agent is delivered to the diseased blood vessels. This chemical (i.e. sclerosing agent) causes them to become inflamed. The inflammation leads to scarring along the inner wall of the vessel, and the vessel eventually closes upon itself. Blood that had previously traveled through the varicose vein is rerouted to other vessels. The closed vein is absorbed by the body, and disappears.

This treatment method is usually reserved for smaller blood vessels. The reason is due to the amount of sclerosing agent needed to address larger ones.

Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT)

This FDA-approved procedure has become a popular option with patients since it is minimally invasive, and does not produce noticeable scarring. The surgeon makes an entry point into the leg, and threads a small laser fiber through the diseased blood vessel. Once the fiber has been threaded, it is heated to inflame the vein’s inner wall. The heat irritates the wall, and causes the vessel to close upon itself. As with sclerotherapy, it is absorbed into the leg.

Recovery from endovenous laser therapy is quick. The patient can normally return to her typical daily routine the following day.

Ambulatory Phlebectomy

Ambulatory phlebectomy differs from sclerotherapy and EVLT in that the varicose veins are removed from the patient’s leg; they are not allowed to be absorbed into the body. With this treatment option, the vascular surgeon makes tiny holes above the diseased vessels. The vessels are then removed. The holes are small enough that they don’t need to be sutured following the procedure. Scarring is possible, but minimal.

Radiofrequency Occlusion

This method of treatment follows a similar process as the one used with endovenous laser therapy. Rather than a laser fiber, however, a catheter is sent through the varicose vein. Once the instrument has been threaded through the vein, it is heated with radio-frequency sound waves. The heat causes the vessel to collapse.

Compression stockings are usually worn for a few weeks following the procedure to encourage blood flow. The patient can usually return to her daily routine within two or three days.

Vein Stripping

This treatment option involves the removal of the varicose vein. Two incisions are made into the patient’s leg: one near the groin and the another in the calf. The ends of the target vessel are tied off to prevent blood flow. The surgeon then inserts a wire through the incision near the groin, and passes it through the vessel. The wire is pulled through the incision in the calf. A small object on the top end of the wire grabs the diseased vein, and pulls it downward.

The best method of treatment will depend on your circumstances. Discuss the options above with your doctor to choose the one that is most appropriate.

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