Treatment Options

Our board-certified physicians use the latest procedures when treating venous disease. As a result, our patients experience higher success rates, fewer complications, and a much lower rate of recurrence. These are the most commonly used techniques for treating venous disease, but the list below is certainly not exclusive. The type of treatment used will depend on what type of vein problem that you are experiencing.

The Closure® Procedure

Aria's surgeons were the first in Central Oregon to use the VNUS® Closure Procedure, and with it replaced traditional vein stripping surgery by bringing state-of-the-art technology to an age-old disease.

The Closure Procedure is performed on an outpatient basis. Using ultrasound, the Closure catheter is positioned into the diseased vein, through a small opening in the skin. The tiny catheter delivers radiofrequency (RF) energy to the vein wall. As the RF energy is delivered and the catheter is withdrawn, the vein wall is heated, causing the collagen in the wall to shrink and the vein to close. Once the diseased vein is closed, blood is re-routed to other healthy veins.

Following the procedure, a simple bandage is placed over the insertion site, and additional compression may be provided to aid healing. Your doctor may encourage you to walk, and to refrain from extended standing and strenuous activities for a period of time. Patients who undergo the Closure procedure typically resume normal activities within a day.

VNUS Closure Procedure studies show that greater than 90% of veins treated remained reflux-free and gave long term relief of symptoms. Good cosmetic outcome with minimal scarring, bruising or swelling was also demonstrated. The VNUS Closure Procedure is fast becoming the Gold Standard for treatment of incompetent saphenous veins over surgical stripping or laser therapy.

Microphlebectomy

Occasionally, veins near the surface of the skin are too large to treat with sclerotherapy, but are too small or twisted to treat with the Closure Procedure. In these cases, microphlebectomy, also referred to as stab phlebectomy, is sometimes recommended to treat unsightly or painful leg veins close to the skin’s surface.

With microphlebectomy, varicose veins are removed through small punctures, which leave virtually no scars. This technique differs significantly from vein stripping and should not be confused with that procedure, although in many cases it is used as a replacement for vein stripping.

Following the procedure, the incisions are closed with sutures or (more commonly) sticky strips called steri strips. A bulky compression dressing is then applied to the leg, and additional compression may be provided to aid healing. Patients who undergo the microphlebectomy typically resume normal activities within 2-3 days, although being that this is an invasive procedure, bathing, hot tubs, and swimming pools should be avoided for 1-2 weeks.

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is a safe, proven, and effective non-surgical treatment that can be performed in the office. It is used most often and most effectively on spider veins.

A tiny needle is used to introduce a sclerosing solution into the target vein in order to shut it down. The sclerosing agent may be a saline solution or mild detergent. These agents/solutions do two things. First, it displaces the blood in the vein causing the vein to immediately fade or appear lighter in color. Second, the solution irritates the vein lining causing the vein walls to adhere together, preventing the vein from filling with blood again.

The blood is then redirected to healthier veins and generally circulation improves. Typically, a few weeks after treatment, the non-treated vein is absorbed by the body and disappears.

Conservative Treatment

These make up the non-invasive forms of treating varicose veins. Most providers will recommend a short 3-6 month trial of conservative treatment before beginning more aggressive therapy. These almost never eliminate the varicose veins, but may improve the symptoms of pain and swelling. These include the following:

Compression Socks worn during the waking hours.
Elevating the legs frequently during the day.
A good exercise routine to encourage good muscle tone.
A trial of non-steroidal anti-inflammatories such as Ibuprofen.

Insurance companies almost always require that a period of conservative therapy be tried before they will authorize any of the above treatments.

Questions? Please call our Vein Coordinator direct at 541.322.1756.

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