Duplex Ultrasound Examination

The duplex ultrasound examination enables the physician to check the flow characteristics of the veins beneath your skin. Useful information is gathered that your physician can use to adequately diagnose your specific vein problem and to plan and guide treatment.

Compression Stockings

Properly fitted gradient compression stocking can temporarily reverse the effects of vein disease and lessen the discomfort, as well as skin damage. Many insurance companies require a trial of compression stocking use before approving definitive therapy.

Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA)

Endovenous Laser Ablation is a very effective outpatient treatment for varicose veins. Using ultrasound technology, a thin laser fiber is guided into the diseased vein through a very small opening to deliver pulsed laser heat to the diseased vein wall. This causes the vein to collapse and seal shut and the blood is diverted to healthy veins. It’s that easy.

This procedure is done in-office under local anesthesia. Following the procedure a bandage or compression hose is placed on the treated leg. Patients are able to walk immediately after the procedure and most individuals are able to return to work the next day. Endovenous Laser Ablation treatment for varicose veins is FDA approved.

Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy

Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy is an in-office treatment that enables treatment of veins that can’t be seen because they are below the surface of the skin and would otherwise require surgical removal. Ultrasound imaging is used to guide a needle into the abnormal vein and deliver medication to destroy the lining of the blood vessel and seal it shut. Ultrasound guided sclerotherapy is primarily used to treat large veins beneath the surface of the skin.

What Can Happen If I Don't Treat My Varicose Veins?

There are several adverse consequences of untreated varicose veins, and their severity will vary from person to person depending on the circumstances. Many people who don’t treat their varicose veins will experience continued symptoms of pain, fatigue and swelling of the legs or ankles. More advanced medical problems may include hyperpigmentation, venous leg ulcers, spontaneous bleeding and a potentially life-threatening condition called Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT).

DVT can be associated with significant and serious medical problems. DVT is often first noticed as a “pulling” sensation in the calf of the lower leg, and it can be quite painful. Symptoms also include associated warmth, redness and swelling. The swelling often extends to above the knee.

A condition that may occur over time, when there is chronic venous insufficiency, is a venous leg ulcer. The ulcers due to varicose veins are painful and difficult to heal. Sometimes the ulcers cannot be healed until the backward blood flow in the veins is corrected.



Another possible consequence of untreated varicose veins is spontaneous bleeding from the varicose veins. As the skin over the veins becomes thin, eventually the vein can be exposed to the outside world and be easily injured by clothing, bedding, etc.