Varicose Vein Treatment Has Never Been Easier

Varicose veins are enlarged, bulging veins, typically appearing in the legs, found just under the skin’s surface. If left untreated, varicose veins can progress to Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI), a condition where the veins cannot pump enough blood back to the heart.

In healthy, functioning veins, valves open and close, pumping blood back towards the heart. In weak, unhealthy veins, valves aren’t able to pump blood back to the heart. This causes blood to pool and bulge in the veins. Unsightly varicose veins appear as ropey, twisted, swollen veins just under the surface of the skin.

Varicose veins cause other symptoms such as swelling, heaviness, fatigue, restlessness, or achiness, and can lead to various vein disorders including Deep Vein Thrombosis, restless leg syndrome, and, in some cases, open wounds on the skin known as Venous Stasis Ulcers.

According to Michael Orcutt, MD, FACS, RPVI, Centers for Advanced Vein Care of Montana, varicosevein treatment has become virtually pain-free, quick and easy. Treatment often consists of both medical procedures and lifestyle changes to relieve symptoms, prevent complications, and reduce the appearance of these veins.  When treating varicose veins, Dr. Orcutt recommends several lifestyle changes that help treat the condition before and after medical procedures. For instance, Dr. Orcutt asserts that patients suffering from varicose veins should:

 -Avoid standing or sitting for long periods of time without a break, and avoid crossing your legs when sitting.

- Raise your legs above heart level, assisting the blood flow back to the heart when resting or sleeping.

- Stay physical by participating in activities that get your legs moving and those that improve circulation and   muscle tone.  This helps blood move through your veins.

- Lose weight if you are overweight.  Among other benefits to weight loss, weighing less improves blood flow and eases pressure on your veins.

- Avoid wearing tight clothes, especially those that are tight around your waist, upper thighs and legs.

- Avoid wearing high heels for long periods of time. Wearing shorter heeled shoes develops calf muscle tone.

Medical procedures have come a long way in recent years. “Nowadays, most people receiving varicose vein treatment are back to work the same afternoon and experience very few, if any, side effects. The most common side effect is slight bruising in the area,” Dr. Orcutt said.  

According to Dr. Orcutt, “Treatment should be a very simple process for the patient. At our centers we have a stepped approached to insure our patients receive the highest quality of care and compassion.” 

Dr. Orcutt’s stepped approach to treating varicose veins involves:

Step 1: Screening and Examination

We determine your treatment needs by examining the veins as the patient is standing and sitting.  A physical examination is also given to determine the patient’s general health, health history, any previous treatments, or therapies, and detail symptoms.

Step 2: Vein Mapping Ultrasound

After the initial consultation and exam, we conduct an ultrasound known as Vein Mapping to get pictures and measurements of the veins, views of venous blood flow, and note vein valves that are malfunctioning.

Step 3: Scheduling and Treatment

Treatments are non-surgical, minimally invasive, and conducted in the comfort of the doctor’s office. Almost all treatments are covered by the patient’s insurance or Medicare.

Endovenous Ablation, a common treatment, uses radio waves or lasers to heat the vein and close it off.  A tiny catheter is inserted into the affected vein through a small injection made either above or below the knee.  The catheter is heated with lasers or radio waves to close off the vein and seal it shut. The vein absorbs into the body as the body directs blood that would normally flow through the weak vein towards healthier, stronger veins.

“We use state-of-the-art treatment devices giving the patient the greatest results, minimal recovery time, with

virtually no side effects,” Dr. Orcutt said.  “Varicose vein treatment has never been easier.”