Definition

Varicose veins are the large, ropy, and twisting blue vessels which appear in the skin anywhere from the thigh to the foot. They are almost always a result of an incompetent saphenous vein, meaning that the one-way valves do not close properly. The reflux of blood back down the saphenous vein causes high vein pressures which are transmitted into the skin veins, resulting in the twisted and ballooned out skin veins. Varicose veins are often painful due to the high pressure inside the vessel, and the pain may affect the entire leg. When blood flow is slow or stagnant through tese veins, they will often form a clot. The result is classic phlebitis, meaning the painful, hot, and red area around a clotted varicose vein.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of this problem can be determined by a physical examination and non-invasive ultrasound test. The pattern of varicose or spider veins on the leg will often indicate what part of the trunk vein anatomy is abnormal. This is determined during the first consultation visit with Dr. Jones and his office staff.

Treatment
The treatments to eliminate varicose veins and all vein abnormalities have improved dramatically in the past few years. The abnormal saphenous vein is eliminated by modern endovenous radio-frequency ablation (the VNUS Closure method) and by endovenous laser ablation. Both methods are excellent and both have superior results when compared to the old stripping operation. Endovenous ablation is performed by placing the RF catheter or laser fiber inside the abnormal vein, and slowly heating the vein from the  inside. The 

Micro-phlebectomy and Sclerotherapy:

Micro-phlebectomy and sclerotherapy are two other treatments available. Modern micro techniques, and new European sclero- therapy solutions are excellent means to remove all bulging 
and painful unsightly large and smaller veins of the leg.

Who can be treated?

Nearly all patients with varicose veins, many patients with leg swelling and leg pain, many patients with spider veins, and most 
patients with more serious leg ulcers will have saphenous vein valve incompetence. These patients can be treated with the modern methods, and can expect excellent results.

What are the advantages of the new procedures?

The endovenous operations, and the adjunctive phlebectomy and 
sclerotherapy are far less traumatic. The associated pain is much 
less than with stripping surgery, and the return to normal activity is usually within a few days. Many patients return to work two or three days after the operation. Most patients can undergo these 
procedures in the Big Country Vein Relief Center.

What are the long term results?

The short and long term outcomes are far better than with any 
treatment in the past. Leg pain is relieved almost immediately, 
leg swelling usually resolves within a couple of months, and the 
unsightly veins are no longer present. Vein hypertension cannot 
possibly return ever again. A few smaller veins may appear in the 
future, and these can be easily cleared with office sclerotherapy 
treatments. Even the most severe cases of leg ulcers will result in 
dramatic improvements, with ulcers healing over the course of a 
few months and never again returning.

Insurance coverage?

Virtually all major insurance companies and Medicare now cover 
the diagnosis and treatment of vein abnormalities. This includes 
the modern endovenous ablation procedures, micro-phlebectomy, 
and sclerotherapy of large veins.