902 North 7th Street
Cordele, GA 31015
229-276-3600
Millions of men and women in the United States suffer from varicose veins, spider veins, or another vein disease. Even when painful veins are a major concern, many people avoid seeking help.
We can treat varicose veins, spider veins, and even venous ulcers with virtually painless outpatient procedures that enable you to return to normal activities quickly. The Vein Center at Crisp Regional Hospital provides high-quality care for vein disease. We offer a highly effective, minimally invasive procedure to treat these problems to return you to the best life possible.
Commonly occurring in the legs, vein disease symptoms may include pain, swelling, heaviness, restless legs, cramping, and ulcer or skin changes. Varicose and spider veins are also outward signs of this disease. We specialize in the treatment of varicose veins, spider veins, and advanced venous stasis disease.
A referral to and consultation with the Vein Center will yield a specific diagnosis and treatment plan tailored to your needs. We offer cosmetic, surgical, and non-surgical treatment options. Procedures include:
Sclerotherapy
Vein stripping
Avulsion phlebectomy
close up of leg veins
Varicose veins are large bulging veins occurring immediately under the skin due to malfunctioning valves that create high pressure and pooling of blood. The great saphenous vein, which normally is not visible, runs from the foot to the groin along the inner thigh and is the most common culprit. Left untreated, varicose veins can lead to disfigurement, pain, and disability.
The venous insufficiency that causes varicose veins can lead to serious medical problems, including thrombophlebitis (painful, inflamed, or thrombosed veins) and leg swelling. As the disease process increases in severity, bleeding can develop.
Spider veins (or telangiectasias) are small red or blue veins that appear on the skin and are usually caused by small abnormal veins under the skin. Normal veins are usually not visible. Spider veins can develop even when major leg veins are normal and are usually a cosmetic concern. Sometimes, however, large clusters are associated with pain, itching, and stinging.
Patients with vein disease usually seek treatment based on cosmetic concerns or physical complaints. Symptoms may include leg heaviness, pain, tenderness over the course of a vein, itching, burning, restless legs, night cramps, swelling, skin discoloration, and numbness and tingling.
High venous pressure, particularly at the ankle, can cause chronic venous insufficiency, potentially resulting in inflammation that causes skin thickening and discoloration. In more severe cases, skin breakdown and ulceration may result. Venous stasis ulcers require aggressive treatment to avoid enlargement and infection. Ultimately, we must treat the underlying abnormal veins to allow adequate healing.
It is important to differentiate leg pain related to venous disease from pain associated with arterial disease. Typically, walking or leg elevation will improve vein disease pain. In arterial disease, leg pain is typically made worse by walking or elevation.
What causes varicose veins?
Varicose veins are caused by malfunctioning valves that allow blood to pool in the veins of the legs. The great saphenous vein is the most common culprit. This vein may not be visible; however, this vein’s high pressure will normally cause small tributary veins under the skin to bulge. The characteristic symptoms then result. To effectively treat the visible, bulging veins, We must treat the underlying cause. This is usually accomplished with thermal ablation of the great saphenous vein.
In women, varicose veins may be caused by refluxing pelvic veins, especially after multiple pregnancies. This condition may be associated with pelvic pain and heaviness and is then called pelvic congestion syndrome. Pelvic congestion syndrome and associated varicose veins are readily treated with minimally invasive techniques.
What is endovenous thermal ablation?
A laser fiber or radiofrequency catheter is placed in the vein. The device heats and damages the wall of the vein. This causes the vein to close permanently.
How does losing the saphenous vein affect me?
When the abnormal vein is eliminated, the high pressure which has caused the visible varicose veins is eliminated. Venous drainage is then routed through more efficient, normal channels.
What happens if I need bypass surgery?
The saphenous vein is not the preferred conduit for bypass grafts. Arteries in the arms and chest wall are now most commonly used. Other veins are available if needed. Also, the abnormal saphenous vein is usually not suitable for a bypass graft, even if present.
How long does the procedure take?
Laser ablation typically takes1hour or less. The procedure is often performed in association with ambulatory phlebectomy to remove the large varicosities. This may require an additional 30 to 40 minutes.
What is the recovery time, and what can I expect since this is a minimally invasive procedure?
Patients can walk out of the office and return to work and other normal activities the next day. You should avoid strenuous activity for about 2 weeks after the procedure. The procedure itself is painless. Most people develop some discomfort during the first week after the procedure. This is usually relatively mild and passes quickly. Patients are given a detailed set of instructions. Close adherence to these recommendations will greatly reduce the risk of any post-¬procedure discomfort.
Does endovenous thermal ablation work as well as traditional vein stripping?
Laser ablation is a far less invasive procedure that allows for a much faster recovery with much less post-procedure pain. Long-term follow-up studies have shown that the risk of developing new varicose veins is actually significantly less with laser ablation than with vein stripping.
What are the potential complications?
Significant complications are infrequent. These include skin bums, blood clots, and numbness and tingling in the leg.
Does insurance cover this treatment?
Most insurers now cover laser or radiofrequency ablation when medically indicated. The procedure is not covered for cosmetic treatment. It is usually necessary to show that the patient has failed conservative management. This will usually involve the use of compression stockings for 3 months without significant improvement. Our office will submit all necessary information to obtain insurance pre-certification before any procedure.
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