Venous Disease

Westlake Hospital offers a variety of procedures to assist those with painful, unsightly Varicose Veins. Not only do varicose veins look bad, but they can lead to serious complications like ulcers and wounds. Varicosities are a result of improper circulation of blood from the legs back to the heart. Common symptoms are cramping and heavy legs after standing for periods of time. We utilize several therapies including Laser and Radio Frequency energy to reduce or close the effected veins. Our doctors can also treat spider veins or other veins on the surface of the skin that patients may be unhappy with.

Treatment Options

Treatment for varicose veins involves diverting the blood out and away from the damaged vein and allowing the body to divert the blood to another of the many veins in the leg. We offer the most advanced treatment options for varicose veins, including Endovenous Laser Treatment, Radio Frequency Ablation, Sclerotherapy, and Phlebectomy.

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Endovenous Laser Treatment

Endovenous Laser Treatment is a procedure that is performed to treat venous insufficiency. A small tube is inserted into the affected vein using ultrasound guidance. Once the tube is in, a special catheter is introduced up the vein to the area that needs to be closed down. Utilizing laser energy, the vein wall collapses on itself and closes. After the procedure, you may begin walking immediately — activity is encouraged as tolerated.

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Radio Frequency Ablation

Radio Frequency Ablation is similar to Endovenous Laser Treatment. The only difference is the type of energy that is applied to the vein wall. In Radio Frequency Ablation, radio frequency waves are delivered into the vein wall, causing it to shrink and close. The recovery time is the same as with Endovenous Laser Treatment.

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Sclerotherapy

To perform Sclerotherapy, the physician will numb the skin and use ultrasound guidance to locate the vein to be eliminated. Next a special agent is delivered via a small needle into the spider veins which causes them to shrink down and collapse. Over time they will disappear.