Overview
Approximately 20-25 million Americans suffer from varicose and spider veins, which cause pain, discomfort and cosmetic concerns, not to mention impairment to the vascular system’s ability to effectively pump blood to the heart.
Cleveland Clinic Akron General Vein Center offers clinically proven, minimally invasive procedures in the treatment of varicose veins and their underlying cause, venous reflux, with little or no pain. Our board-certified physicians are skilled in a wide variety of treatment options, most of which allow patients to walk away from the procedure and return to normal activities the same day.
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Services
Compression therapy
Compression therapy is the most conservative treatment option for varicose and spider veins. It consists of stockings, panty hose, bandages and other devices that exert graduated compression on your legs for the purpose of improving circulation, therefore alleviating the symptoms of venous insufficiency and slowing the progression of the disease. Compression is also used as adjuvant treatment to enhance the effectiveness of other treatment modalities.
Sclerotherapy
This procedure is indicated for the treatment of bluish veins and spider veins. Special liquid and/or foam is injected into the abnormal vein to collapse and ultimately destroy the vein. It is virtually painless. Over a period of weeks, the vessel turns into scar tissue that the body will re-absorb, slowly fading from view. The vein will become barely visible or not visible at all. The number of treatment sessions is determined by the extent of your condition. Sessions usually last 30 minutes to one hour. You will be required to wear compression stockings or panty hose for one to two weeks after treatment to assist in the healing process and help avoid complications. Most patients can expect 75-95 percent improvement in treated vessels.
Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy
With this technique, Sclerotherapy is performed while the physician visually monitors the vein on an ultrasound screen. This enables treatment of veins that can't be seen because they are below the surface of the skin that would otherwise require surgical removal. This procedure is best suited to treat specific incompetent veins. Not all patients may require this treatment modality. The procedure is painless and quick. Expect to be bandaged for 24 hours, with subsequent use of compression stockings or panty hose for an additional one or two weeks.
Ambulatory phlebectomy
Varicose veins are removed through tiny punctures or incisions under local anesthesia. It is indicated for the treatment of bulging varicosities that would not respond very well to Sclerotherapy due to the thickness of the vein wall. Incisions measure 1-2 millimeters, therefore no sutures are required and scars are not visible after three to four months. Patients walk immediately and return to other normal daily activities within 24 hours, except for strenuous exercise. Expect to be bandaged for 48 hours, with subsequent use of compression stockings or panty hose for an additional 10 days during the day only.
Endovascular laser treatment (EVLT)
Developed by an interventional radiologist, this minimally invasive procedure delivers laser energy to the vein wall causing it to collapse and seal shut. EVLT employs true state-of- the-art technology and is FDA approved for the treatment of varicose veins. EVLT offers excellent functional and cosmetic results. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia in less than one hour. Patients return to their normal activities within 24 hours.
Laser/light-based treatment
This procedure is indicated for the treatment of spider veins and may be performed in place of Sclerotherapy or in addition to Sclerotherapy. Intense pulsed light is delivered to the involved vein(s). This intense energy destroys the vein. The destroyed tissue is reabsorbed slowly over time and will fade from view. Light based treatment is virtually painless.
Potential treatment complications
All procedures are performed by a board-certified physician specialized in vascular intervention and the treatment of vein disease. Even when performed by a vein specialist there are always possible side effects and complications, which include your physician will review with you prior to your procedure.
Appointments
To schedule an appointment, please call 330.344.8346 (VEIN).
Location
Vein Center
Physician Office Building
224 West Exchange St., Suite 300
Akron, OH 44302
