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Varicose veins are caused the ballooning out of leg veins resulting
from too much pressure caused by faulty valves. The valves are
within your veins and the muscles in your leg act as a pump. When the
muscles contract, the blood is forced back to the heart. The one-way
valves prevent the blood from returning when the muscle relaxes.
Sometimes the valves malfunction. A variety of conditions, such as
pregnancy, prolonged standing, obesity or hormone influences may cause
the vein wall to weaken. As the vein dilates, the valves cannot
close. The pressure can build up and over time cause varicose veins.
They can produce discomfort, aching, fatigue, itching, and cosmetic and
emotional distress. Although not usually a serious or life-threatening
condition, varicose veins can develop into serious complications such
as phlebitis, bleeding and ulceration. Even in cases where
complications don't develop, about two thirds of patients with varicose
veins experience leg pain, often toward the end of the day. The
two major known factors are childbearing and family history. It is
important for the patient to understand that varicose veins are
permanently damaged and are not currently serving a function, and as a
result will not be missed when they are removed.
Through the techniques of modern phlebology, varicose veins can often
be treated non-surgically with sclerotherapy and/or with minimally
invasive office surgery called ambulatory phlebectomy. Lasers and other
new light sources can be used as treatment small leg veins
or spider veins.
Several new advances have been made recently for
vein treatment.
One procedure is a treatment, alternative to surigcal stripping of the
greater saphenous vein. A small catheter is inserted, through a needle
stick in the skin, into the damaged vein. The catheter then delivers a
radio- frequency energy to the vein wall, causing it to heat. As the
vein heats, it collapses and seals shut. The procedure is usually done
in the physicians office under local anesthesia. Following the
procedure a bandage or compression hose is placed on the treated leg.
How much does Ambulatory Phlebectomy cost?
Cost is determined by the site, extent,
and type of varicose veins, but can range from $250.00 to $975.00. |
