Overview
An estimated 30 to 60 percent of adults suffer from leg swelling and discomfort from varicose or spider veins. They can be embarrassing, painful, and make walking or standing difficult.
At Cleveland Clinic’s Vein Centers our staff has vast experience in treating all types of vein problems, ranging from common spider veins to the most complex vein conditions. Our staff of Cleveland Clinic vascular specialists is prepared to offer expert evaluation, diagnostics and the latest treatment options, creating a customized treatment plan that is best for you. Dedicated only to vein treatment, our center combines state-of-the-art equipment in a calm, soothing atmosphere, backed by the full resources of our nationally recognized heart and vascular program.
Diagnostic Testing
Thorough evaluation is critical to achieving the best, customized treatment results. Our staff uses state-of-the-art equipment to perform vascular ultrasound exams prior to treatment. These exams identify the exact location and depth of the veins, providing for a quicker, less-painful experience – with better results.
Our expert staff includes board-certified vascular medicine and surgery specialists, as well as registered vascular technologists (RVT). Our lab is accredited by the Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Vascular Laboratories (ICAVL).
Treatment Options
A board-certified vascular specialist will evaluate you during your first appointment at Cleveland Clinic's Vein Centers. He or she will spend time examining your problem areas, discussing your symptoms and recommending nonsurgical and surgical options that will meet your specific needs.
The goal of any vein treatment procedure is to reduce the symptoms and pain, prevent future thromboembolic (blood clotting) complications, and improve your overall appearance. We work to solve the problem correctly the first time and avoid any recurrence.
Sclerotherapy is a simple procedure that eliminates spider veins and some varicose veins by injecting the affected vein with a “sclerosing agent” solution that causes them to collapse and disappear. Most sclerotherapy patients experience significant clearing of the veins and positive results. The number of veins injected in one session is variable, depending on the size and location of the veins, and the patient’s overall medical condition. Several treatments usually are required to achieve desired results. In general, spider veins respond to treatment in three to six weeks, and larger veins respond in three to four months. Sclerotherapy can eliminate the pain and discomfort of varicose veins and helps prevent complications such as venous hemorrhage and ulceration. It is also frequently performed for cosmetic reasons.
Foam sclerotherapy is a variation of sclerotherapy performed with or without ultrasound guidance that involves the injection of a foaming agent mixed with a sclerosing agent. The foaming agent moves blood out of the vein so the sclerosing agent will have better contact with the vein wall.
Micropuncture, micro-incision or stab phlebectomy is performed in office setting or an outpatient surgery center. The physician makes a tiny incision and uses a surgical instrument or a large needle to hook the problem vein through the opening. The vein is then removed a tiny piece at a time.
Compression therapy, or the use of compression stockings, is an important part of care for chronic venous insufficiency, varicose veins and spider veins. Medical-grade support hose that is prescribed specifically for the patient and fits properly, is especially helpful when veins cause painful or uncomfortable symptoms. These stockings generally can be purchased at any medical supply store and at some pharmacies.
Surgical options – Surgery may be the best treatment when varicose veins are severe and associated with problems such as bleeding, or symptoms including pain or swelling. Several surgical treatments are available. Surgical treatments are performed in the hospital or outpatient setting by a vascular surgeon.
Often treatment may require a combination of these treatments to obtain the best results.
Appointments
We can help you with all your vascular needs. We offer two dedicated Vein Centers in the Greater Cleveland area, as well as an entire network of vascular labs and highly qualified surgeons to best serve your needs for all vascular medical issues.
Patients are welcome to make an appointment for evaluation and treatment without a physician referral at either of these Vein Center locations, or through any of our Vascular Surgery and Vascular Medicine physician offices.
Locations
East Side
Hillcrest Hospital Medical Office Building II
6801 Mayfield Rd., Ste. 146B
Mayfield Heights, OH 44124
To schedule an appointment, please call: 440.312.1151
West Side
Gayan De Silva, MD
Douglas Joseph, DO
Meghann McCarthy, DO
Roy Miler, MD
Sean Steenberge, MD
Westlake Medical Campus, Building A
850 Columbia Road, Suite 202
Westlake, Ohio 44145
To schedule an appointment, please call: 440.250.5760
Follow-up
Follow up is individualized and based on your treatment plan. In some cases, more than one treatment is required to obtain the desired results.
FAQs
Q: Are varicose veins a serious condition?
A: Generally, varicose veins are not serious but they may indicate an underlying condition. Because of the potentially serious health risks associated with some varicose veins, people experiencing swollen, painful veins should consult with a physician specializing in the vascular treatment of veins.
Q: Am I a good candidate for spider or varicose vein treatments?
A: Most people with a positive outlook and specific and realistic goals for the improvement of their appearance are good candidates for vein treatment. However, you are not eligible for sclerotherapy if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or confined to bed. (Pregnant women are advised to wait at least three months after delivery before considering this procedure.) If you have had a blood clot in the past, your eligibility for vein treatment will be determined on an individual basis. Cleveland Clinic Vein Centers can help determine the treatment option that is best for you.
Q: How is vein treatment performed?
A: There are a wide range of treatments for varicose and spider veins. Vein treatment is generally performed as an outpatient procedure.
Q: Will the treatment hurt?
A: Generally, varicose vein and spider vein treatments are minimally invasive or superficial in nature, so they involve minimal discomfort. To ensure a relaxed and comfortable experience, some procedures include the use of antianxiety medication and local anesthesia to numb the treatment area.
Q: Will treated veins reappear?
A: If the veins respond to treatment, they usually will not reappear. However, new veins may appear over time. If needed, you may return for treatment.
Q: How long does it take to recover?
A: Unlike methods of the past, you can return to normal activity the same day and are encouraged to walk or perform other light activities right away. Some cases require multiple treatments, and you will need to wear therapeutic support compression stockings for a period after your procedure.
Q: What results can I expect?
A: Most patients experience immediate and long-lasting relief from the pain associated with varicose veins, as well as improved appearance of their legs. Follow up with Cleveland Clinic Vein Centers is the best way to ensure long-lasting results from vein treatment procedures.
Q: Will insurance cover my treatment?
A: Your Cleveland Clinic Vein Center specialist can determine if the treatment needed to correct your symptoms is considered medically necessary, or cosmetic in nature. Most major health insurance carriers, including Medicare, cover medically necessary procedures. The staff at Cleveland Clinic's Vein Center will check with your insurance company for approval before performing a particular treatment.
Q: Why choose Cleveland Clinic for my vein care?
A: Typical vein centers offer cosmetic treatment for unsightly veins. Cleveland Clinic does that and more. Our vascular specialists can also determine the underlying causes of your issues and utilize the latest treatment options to minimize health risks associated with your vein problems. Our dedicated, board-certified vascular physicians, vascular surgeons and imaging technologists specialize in diagnosing and treating the full spectrum of vascular problems. We have extensive experience in vascular ultrasound imaging, performing more than 50,000 ultrasound images each year using top-of-the-line equipment to help guide treatment decisions. Vein and vascular care is all we do every day.
If you need more information, contact us, chat online with a nurse or call the Miller Family Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute Resource & Information Nurse at 216.445.9288 or toll-free at 866.289.6911. We would be happy to help you.
