VARICOSE VEINS TREATMENTS - Calgary
LASER TREATMENT AND SCLEROTHERAPY FOR VARICOSE VEINS
HOW ARE VARICOSE VEINS FORMED?
Varicose veins are caused by swollen or enlarged blood vessels, which occur due to a weakening in the vein's wall or valves. Heredity, pregnancy, or injury may play a significant role in an individual being predisposed to varicose veins. Located deeper in the skin than spider veins, they can appear raised and are often blue. While surgical stripping under general anaesthetic for varicose veins may be an option, the Cosmetic Laser & Vein Centre offers a number of more effective alternatives.
Varicose veins can be serious because they may be associated with the development of one or more of the following conditions:
- Phlebitis - inflammation of the vein.
- Thromboses - blood clots form in the enlarged vein.
- Venous Stasis Ulcers - an ulcer is formed when there is not proper drainage in the enlarged vein.
WHAT VARICOSE VEIN TREATMENTS ARE AVAILABLE?
VENOUS MAPPING
Recent advances in Venous Ultrasonography and laser surgical technology enable us to treat all varicose veins through small puncture sites that rarely require stitches and provide cosmetically acceptable results. After performing a Duplex Venous Ultrasound exam, an accurate venous map is made of the entire leg. When the precise anatomy and areas of diseased veins are identied, the treatment can be directed toward the patient's specific problem. It is this precise mapping that allows tailored treatment for every patient. Many of our procedures require local anaesthetic or no anaesthetic at all.
LIQUID SCLEROTHERAPY
Liquid Sclerotherapy is the Gold Standard in the treatment of small varicose veins. The medication mixes with the blood in the vessels and causes an inflammatory response. Over time this inflammatory response results in the closure of the treated vessel. By causing the diseased vessel to close, this will allow the surrounding healthy vessels to function.
MICRO-FOAM SCLEROTHERAPY
Micro Foam treatment is the Gold Standard in the treatment of large varicose veins. It delivers a faster and safer result. In order to treat large varicose veins with Liquid Sclerotherpay, larger volumes of medication are required. With that there is a greater chance for an allergic reaction. In Micro-Foam Sclerotherapy, smaller amounts of medication are 'foamed' which results in volumes equal to liquid but because there is less medication there is less chance of an allergic reaction.
The other disadvantage of using Liquid Sclerotherapy for the treatment of large veins is that you cannot control it entirely. Upon injection, the liquid can spread over large areas of the venous and arterial system. The Micro-Foam on the other hand is very easy to direct and control since it displaces the blood and ‘sticks’ to the vessel wall, rather than mixing with the blood and being diluted by it. Patients are encouraged to walk and resume their normal activities.
ULTRASOUND CATHETER GUIDED MICRO-FOAM SCLEROTHERAPY
For deeper varicosities, using ultrasound to guide the catheter Guided Micro-Foam is the best method to deliver medication into the underlying diseased veins. This approach is called Ultrasound Catheter Guided Micro-Foam Sclerotherapy, a technique that Dr. Grondin pioneered and has been adopted world wide.
First, the skin on the leg at the point of injection is numbed. Then a tiny puncture is made, through which the catheter is introduced. Using the probe from the ultrasound to visualize the anatomy, the catheter is guided into the diseased vein. This allows the Micro-Foamed medication to be administered to precise locations, safely and accurately. The patient is required to wear a non-stretch bandage and high compression stocking for 5 days after treatment. It is suggested that the patient avoid strenuous exercise while wearing the non-stretch bandage.
MICRO-SURGERY (PHLEBECTOMY)
This method involves surgically removing a vessel through a tiny incision. This procedure is performed under local aesthetic and the patient can resume a modified routine the next day. Since the incisions are so tiny, the results are frequently cosmetically pleasing.
ENDOVENOUS LASER VEIN SYSTEM (ELVeS®)
Endovenous laser surgery (ELVeS®) is the latest and most exciting introduction to laser treatment for varicose veins. Endovenous laser surgery is a state of the art laser treatment for superficial reflux of the Great Saphenous Vein – which often leads to varicose veins.
Endovenous laser surgery is a minimally invasive procedure where laser energy is delivered to the faulty Great Saphenous Vein, causing it to close. A laser fibre optic is introduced into the diseased vein, the laser energy then destroys the vein and the body absorbs the tissue. The surrounding healthy veins now have the opportunity to function properly. There are many veins in the leg therefore, after treatment, the body simply re-routes blood flow through other healthy veins.
The procedure is performed in our accredited non-hospital surgical facility under local anaesthetic. Afterward, the patient is required to wear a non-stretch bandage and high compression stocking for 5 days - normal activity may be resumed; however, vigorous exercise should be avoided. Endovenous laser surgery has been performed for a number of years on thousands of patients. The procedure has proven to be very effective with outstanding patient satisfaction. There is a low probability that recurrence will be experienced (5% at 5 years).
If unsightly or painful veins have been preventing you from living a full and healthy life, ask us about ELVeS - Endovenous laser surgery to find out if it’s right for you.
