Mitchell County Regional Health Center Services
Vein Disorder Treatment
Mitchell County Regional Health Center now provides complete vein disorder treatment services in Mitchell County!
Vein Disorders
In the United States, more than 50% of the adult populations suffers from a type of vein disorder. The most common types are varicose and spider veins, which are superficial and vary in color and appearance. Varicose veins are often enlarged and, over time, appear ropy under the skin. This enlargement is caused by incompetent or leaking valves known as venous reflux disease, which can also lead to symptoms including pain, swelling, aching in the legs, and skin disorders.
Spider Veins are small blue or red vessels that appear near the surface of the skin. These vessels mainly appear on the legs and face.
Treatment methods vary based on the type of vein and the presence of venous reflux disease. Diagnosis is based upon an ultrasound scan and visual inspection. Your physician will determine if you are a candidate for treatment with the laser, based upon the severity of the symptoms and the diagnosis.
Varicose Vein Treatment
The endovenous laser treatment with a laser is used to correct venous reflux. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and often within the comfort of the physician’s office. Using ultrasound guidance, a catheter is inserted through a small incision into the saphenous vein. A laser fiber is then inserted into the catheter and used to deliver energy, while the fiber is being withdrawn from the leg, to close the diseased vein.
Once the procedure is complete, the blood is re-routed to healthy veins. A small bandage is placed over the insertion site and a compression dressing is placed over the area treated. Walking is encouraged immediately following the procedure and patients can return to work the next day.
The endovenous laser procedure has proven to be highly effective for the treatment of venous reflux disease with a reported 95-97% success rate at a 12-month follow-up.
Spider Vein Treatment Options
There are a number of different methods used to treat spider veins. One method utilizes a laser that applies energy to the surface of the skin using a special hand piece. The laser energy is absorbed into the vessel through the skin, eliminating blood flow through the vein. Immediately following treatment, veins will be similar in appearance to a scratch. The length and number of treatments varies based on your condition; however, most sessions last between 15 and 30 minutes each.
Other treatments include sclerotherapy, which involves injecting a solution into the vein or a combined laser and sclerotherapy treatment. Talk to your doctor about the method that is right for you.
Spider veins are not a definitive indicator of venous reflux disease and may appear on a patient with healthy vein valves. Only an ultrasound diagnosis can determine the presence of venous reflux disease. If venous reflux disease exists, your physician may choose to treat this condition prior to the treatment of spider veins.
Contact your physician for a referral, or call the Specialty Clinic directly at 641.732.6090.