More Than a Cosmetic Problem

More than 50% of the U.S. population has some form of vein disease. Varicose veins appear as bulging, rope-like cords on the legs anywhere from the groin to the ankle. In addition to the visual appearance of purplish, knotted veins, many patients with varicose veins experience symptoms that affect their daily lives. These symptoms include:

• Swelling or throbbing
• Pain
• Tiredness
• Burning
• Itching or tingling
• Tenderness around the veins

Delaying treatment of varicose veins can result in more serious complications, including phlebitis, rupture of varicose veins with bleeding, and formation of skin ulcers and discoloration.

Spider veins are too small to be called varicose veins. They are small, red, and purple blood vessels that are easily visible through the skin. Although often considered cosmetic, many are symptomatic. They are most often seen on the face and legs.

Varicose veins are not just a cosmetic issue, they can often be a sign of early vein disease. Having an expert, board-certified physician treat your legs can make a big difference in your results and your care. At Jefferson Radiology, we have an industry-leading interventional radiology team that will build a custom care treatment based on your needs.

• Our vein specialists are fellowship-trained and board-certified vascular radiologists.
• Our Vascular Lab has the distinction of being accredited by the Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Vascular Laboratories (ICAVL).
• A physician is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to address patient concerns.
• The Vein Center is backed by the largest radiology group in Connecticut and is affiliated with Hartford Hospital as well as other regional hospitals.
• Jefferson Radiology is accredited by the Joint Commission for its commitment to quality care and patient safety.

Veins that cause leg pain, swelling, recurrent superficial blood clots, bleeding, or ulceration are prime candidates for treatment. Veins that cause other symptoms, such as aching, heaviness, and fatigue, or that are cosmetically unappealing may also benefit from treatment. There are two general treatment options: conservative measures, such as compression stocking, and corrective measures, such as sclerotherapy, ambulatory phlebectomy, and endovenous laser therapy.

Sclerotherapy can be used to treat both varicose and spider veins. A tiny needle is used to inject the veins with one of several different kinds of chemical irritant, or sclerosant, that irritates the lining of the vein. In response, the vein collapses, seals shut, and is absorbed by the body. The number of sclerotherapy treatments needed is variable. Prescription compression stockings are usually worn for several days after treatment.

Ambulatory Phlebectomy is a method of varicose vein removal at the surface of the skin. After local anesthesia, tiny nicks are made next to the vein, and sections of the vein are removed through these tiny openings (which do not require stitches). Afterward, a compression stocking is worn for one to two weeks.

Radiofrequency Ablation Therapy is a minimally invasive treatment that uses heat to close the abnormal vein. A thin radiofrequency catheter is inserted through the abnormal vein and guided using ultrasound. The energy from the heat generated at the tip of the catheter is deposited in the vein wall as the physician slowly pulls the catheter through the length of the abnormal vein. The energy of the heat causes the vein to close and eventually shrink and disappear. Compression stockings are worn for one to two weeks after treatment.

Before scheduling your procedure, you will have a consultation with one of our vein specialists. During your consultation, we will take a full medical history and conduct a thorough evaluation of the veins in your legs, including an ultrasound evaluation. The doctor will discuss your treatment options with you and will answer any questions you have.

At the Vein Center of Jefferson Radiology, a team of dedicated professionals will care you for. Our vein specialists are board-certified physicians with subspecialty certification in minimally invasive treatments using imaging guidance.

Other members of the Vein Center team include physician assistants, radiologic technologists, ultrasonographers, registered nurses, and medical assistants, all with advanced certification and training in addition to our knowledgeable support staff.

Your initial consultation will be billed to your insurance company. You will be responsible for the co-pay that you would normally pay when visiting your physician’s office. Our staff will discuss insurance coverage for the treatment that is recommended during the consultation. Costs for treating varicose veins are covered by most insurance plans. Learn more here.