Varicose veins affect millions of Americans, producing problems ranging from cosmetic to debilitating. Many patients think the most logical person to see about treating varicose veins is their cardiologist or a vascular surgeon. But, did you know that Interventional Radiologists are highly trained and should be considered first for varicose vein treatment?
The reason is simple: our Interventional Radiologists specialize in non-surgical methods to treat varicose veins that work with your body, not against it, as open surgery can. You should be aware that our board certified interventionalists will evaluate each patient individually to determine if treatment is absolutely necessary. It is important to understand that most varicose veins can be treated with conservative management rather than a procedure. The doctors of CVH utilize Duplex Ultrasound, a painless, radiation-free, contrast-free imaging technology, to assess the affected vein so the right treatment can be determined for optimal results. In cases where a procedure is necessary, an Interventional Radiologist should be consulted first.
Nearly all cases of varicose veins can be treated with Endovenous Laser Ablation (ELA), an image-guided procedure using laser-generated heat to close off and shrink a varicosed vein. ELA has proven to be so safe and effective, it has become the treatment of choice for nearly all cases. Healing is quick and downtime minimal, and no general anesthetic is required. “In the rare case that a patient’s affected vein can’t be treated with ELA, we also offer phlebectomy, a minimally-invasive procedure using local anesthesia,” says Dr. Raymond Sutkowski. “Phlebectomy requires only a small incision through which the varicose vein is collapsed and removed. In just 30-60 minutes, the procedure is complete and most people can return to normal activities the following day. It is safer and less painful than traditional varicose vein surgery, with minimal scarring and a quick recovery.”
If you suffer from varicose veins, don’t let them impact the way your legs look and feel another day. Call RAO’s Center for Vascular Health (CVH) at 352-671-4252 to make an appointment – no doctor referral needed. Some varicose vein cases may be covered by Medicare. A life without varicose veins awaits!
