Varicose Vein Treatments
Minimally Invasive Varicose Vein Doctor in Katy
Understanding Venous Disease
Veins normally act as channels to pump blood back to the heart using valves to aid with blood return. Venous insufficiency occurs when abnormal reversal of blood flow occurs within the veins, either due to faulty valves, inadequate muscle contraction, or venous blood clots. This can lead to blood pooling within the veins and high venous pressures with development of aching/cramping in the legs, leg swelling, visible varicosities, skin discoloration and/or ulceration.
Appropriate clinical diagnosis begins with a careful examination by a physician. At Texas IR, you receive direct interaction with an expert physician who will perform a history and physical examination. A definitive diagnosis is achieved with an ultrasound examination of your legs. This is important, as other medical conditions can manifest with symptoms similar to venous insufficiency.
There are a number of treatment options available to patients with venous disease. Dr. Rafiei is specially trained in both the diagnosis and treatment of venous disease. He uses the latest medical technologies to provide the safest and least invasive treatments for his patients. After your medical evaluation, he will discuss with you which treatment option is best for you.
Click on the links to learn more about the various treatment options available to individuals with venous disease. If you still have questions, please feel free to contact us.
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Contact Texas IR today to discuss options available for your health.
Non-thermal vein closure
Varithena is an innovative treatment that uses a microfoam agent to close the vein without the need for thermal energy. This technique requires only one needle stick for vein access and can be performed without need for tumescent anesthesia. This will close off the diseased vein and forces your body to reroute blood flow to healthier, stronger veins. Overall vein occlusion rate is approximately 93%.1-2
References:
- Deak ST. Treatment of superficial venous insufficiency in a large patient cohort with retrograde administration of ultrasound-guided polidocanol endovenous microfoam versus endovenous laser ablation. J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord 2022; 10(5):999-1006.
- Kim PS, Elias S, Gasparis A, et al. Results of polidocanol endovenous microfoam in clinical practice. J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord 2021; 9(1):122-127.
Endovenous radiofrequency ablation
Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure where a small catheter containing a heating element is inserted into one of the leg veins. Once appropriately positioned inside the vein, the heating element is activated to obliterate the problematic vein. This method of treating refluxing veins has less procedural pain and a shorter recovery time compared to surgical stripping. When compared to laser ablation, patients undergoing radiofrequency ablation report less bruising and pain and improved quality of life.1 Overall 5-year occlusion rate is approximately 91.9% and reflux-free rate is 94.9%.2 Patients can immediately return to their normal activity the same day, and no stitches are required.
References:
- Almeida JI, Kaufman J, Goekeritz O, et al. Radiofrequency endovenous ClosureFAST versus laser ablation for the treatment of great saphenous reflux: a multicenter, single-blinded, randomized study (RECOVERY study). JVIR 2009; 20(6):752-759.
- Proebstle TM, Alm BJ, Gockeritz O, et al. Five-year results from the prospective European multicentre cohort study on radiofrequency segmental thermal ablation for incompetent great saphenous veins. Br J Surg 2015; 102(3):212-218.
Sclerotherapy
Injection sclerotherapy is an outpatient procedure for treatment of varicose veins and spider veins. During the procedure, a very fine needle is placed into the vein and a sclerosing solution is injected to shrink the vein. Patients usually require several repeat treatments for optimal results.