So Vein? Effective Treatment of Spider Veins

Weary of legs with veins that resemble a tangle of wires?

Millions of women are bothered by spider veins – those unsightly clusters of red, blue or purple veins that most commonly appear on the thighs, calves and ankles.

Spider veins, known in the medical world as telangiec tasias or sunburst varicosities, are small, thin veins that lie close to the surface of the skin. Although these superfine veins are connected with the larger venous system, they are not an essential part of it.

A number of factors contribute to the development of spider veins, including heredity; pregnancy and other events that cause hormonal shifts; weight gain; occupations or activities that require prolonged sitting or standing; and the use of certain medications.

SCLEROTHERAPY

Today, many doctors and qualified nurses are treating spider veins with sclerotherapy. In this rather simple procedure, veins are injected with a sclerosing solution, which causes them to collapse and fade from view. The procedure may also remedy the bothersome symptoms associated with spider veins, including aching, burning, swelling and night cramps.

Sclerotherapy can enhance your appearance and your self confidence. After each sclerotherapy session the veins will appear lighter. Two or more sessions are usually required to achieve optimal results. Generally normal activities can be resumed after sclerotherapy.

You should also be aware that the procedure treats only those veins that are currently visible – it does nothing to permanently alter the venous system are prevent new veins from surfacing in the future.

In other cases, laser treatments my be used either alone or in combination with sclerotherapy.

ULTRASOUND GUIDED INJECTION

Veins that are not amenable to sclerotherapy are treated with ultrasound guided injection.

Under the guidance of a duplex ultrasound, the varicose vein is located. While watching the screen on the ultrasound the vein is injected with a sclerosing agent. The solution when injected is irritating to the vein, causing it to collapse. A pressure dressing is applied over the area injected to assist in compression of the vein.

Possible adverse effects

Rarely, allergic reactions may occur. Local reactions can include some pain and tissue damage due to the possibility of some solution leaking into the surrounding tissue. The site if the injection will be a bit tender and have some bruising. Sometimes firmness in the area can remain. Over time this will resolve.

AMBULATORY PHLEBECTOMY

Large and tortuous varicose veins may have to be dealt by a minimally invasive procedure called ambulatory phlebectomy. In this procedure, the vein in question is mapped out with a Doppler ultrasound using a marker. Local anesthetic is injected into the skin at the operative site. Very tiny incisions about 2mm in size are made to access the vein. With a tiny instrument, the vein is teased out and removed. The doctor follows the vein, removing it in portions. When the procedure is finished, the incisions are closed with a suture and pressure dressing is applied on the area of surgery.

Possible adverse effects

Moderate to heavy bruising can occur which may take about two weeks to disappear. Infection or phlebitis (inflammation of the vein) if it occurs can be treated with an antibiotic or an anti-inflamatory. Numbness of the lower leg or shin due to swelling and pressure may occur.