Varicose Vein Procedures

What are varicose veins?

The enlarged blue-purple veins that bulge out from under your skin are varicose veins. Varicose veins are common and not usually a serious health concern, but are a sign of damage to the veins.

Your veins are lined with valves that open and close as your muscles contract and relax, helping to push blood back to your heart and lungs. Damage to these valves may prevent them from completely closing, allowing the blood to move backward and pool. 

The pooling blood puts pressure on the blood vessel, stretching the walls and enlarging the vein, making it visible. You can develop varicose veins anywhere on the body, but they most often affect the legs. 

What are varicose vein procedures?

Varicose vein procedures refer to the treatments the team at Cary Cardiology, P.A., uses to get rid of these enlarged veins. Some of the varicose vein procedures include:

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is a chemical injection that irritates the inside lining of the varicose vein, causing it to collapse and disappear over time. Your body then reroutes blood through a healthier vein.

Laser treatment

For small varicose veins or spider veins, you may benefit from laser treatment. This procedure uses laser energy that targets the hemoglobin in the vein, heating and destroying the vein, which then fades over time.

Endovenous ablation

Endovenous ablation uses heat energy to destroy the varicose vein from the inside. During this procedure, your provider inserts a catheter into the enlarged vein and heats the vein using radiofrequency or laser energy. The energy then causes the vein to collapse and disappear.

Phlebectomy

A phlebectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that removes varicose veins.

Ligation and stripping

Ligation and stripping involves cutting and tying off the ends of the vein and removing (stripping) the enlarged section.

Am I a candidate for varicose vein procedures?

The Cary Cardiology, P.A., team determines if you’re a candidate for varicose vein procedures after a consultation. They may recommend lifestyle changes, such as keeping your legs elevated and wearing compression stockings, before a varicose vein procedure.

If your varicose veins cause discomfort or affect circulation, they may also recommend a procedure to treat the vein.

To schedule a diagnostic evaluation for varicose veins, call the Cary Cardiology, P.A., office nearest you or book a consultation online today.