LEG VEIN PROBLEMS

INITIAL CONSULTATION

At your first visit with Dr. Messerly we will assess your symptoms, look at your legs, take pictures and measurements of your legs, fit you for compression stockings, and set you up for a test called a VICI study( if your primary care doctor has not already ordered it).

This test (the VICI) assesses your legs to make sure that you do not have blood clots or any abnormalities in the deep venous system of your legs.  It also checks for reflux of the superficial venous system anywhere in your legs.  It will pinpoint where you may be having problems with your legs.  It will also help
Dr. Messerly  develop a treatment plan for your legs.

You will then be seen back in the clinic to make a plan of treatment for your legs. 
 

RFA-(RADIO FREQUENCY ABLATION)using the VNUS closure method

WHAT IS THE IT?
The VNUS  CLOSURE FAST System is a RADIO FREQUENCY ABLATION method that is a  minimally invasive treatment alternative for patients with symptomatic superficial venous reflux and varicose veins.
Using a catheter approach the Closure device delivers energy to the vein wall causing the following effects
-the tissue heats
-vein wall collagen contracts
-the vessel closes
This procedure replaces leg vein stripping which is more uncomfortable and typically has a longer recovery time.

WHO SHOULD HAVE THIS PROCEDURE PERFORMED?
80 million Americans have venous insufficiency and are symptomatic
25-50 million Americans with varicose veins
Only 1.2 million patients with symptomatic greater saphenous vein reflux disease are seeking treatment.
Anyone who has symptomatic superficial vein reflux and varicose veins would benefit from this procedure.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED TO HAVE THIS DONE?
If you have any or all of the following symptoms you can ask your doctor to order a test to check your leg veins for superficial vein reflux disease:
-leg swelling
-leg pain
-leg cramps
-leg aches
-restless legs
-non healing or poorly healing leg ulcers
-Discoloration of your legs
-visible varicose veins and or spider veins

WHAT DOES THIS PROCEDURE INVOLVE?
You do not have to go to surgery and be put to sleep.
The procedure is done in our office while you are awake. You will be able to talk with your doctor during the entire procedure.
Discomfort during the procedure is controlled with local anesthetic.
Usually you can return to work within a day or two after your procedure as long as you can wear support stockings.
You may see some bruising but you will have little or no swelling.
Usually no pain medication is required after the treatment except for over the counter pain relief such as Tylenol or Ibuprofin.
 

MICRO PHLEBECTOMY FOR VARICOSE VEINS

After you have had your legs evaluated, and any reflux issues have been treated you may need to have what is called microphlebectomy.

With this procedure local anesthetic is used at the site and very small incisions are made. A special hook is then use to remove a section of the enlarged vein through these small openings in the skin. 

Multiple veins may be removed during one session.

This procedure can usually be performed in the office while the patient is awake and the patient will be able to talk with the doctor throughout the procedure. 

The leg will be wrapped in bandages and with compression stockings after the procedure and you will be able to go home within an hour after the procedure.

You will probably experience some bruising at the sites of the phlebectomies.

You can expect to go back to work within a day or two.

LASER TREATMENT OF LEGS

After you have had your initial consultation visit with Dr. Messerly (regarding your leg symptoms), and you have been treated using the radio frequency ablation if it was needed, you will be seen back and set up for a laser treatment schedule for the smaller vessels of your legs which are causing problems.

Generally you may be required to wait several months after your radio frequency ablation procedure before you may begin treatment using laser.  This is because it takes several months for your body to adjust to the loss of the incompetent veins and often the smaller problem vessels will disappear on their own once the source of the problem has been taken care of.

Once Dr. Messerly has determined that you do need laser treatment, you will be set up on a schedule for this.

THE LASER TREATMENT ITSELF
The 1064nmND:YAG Laser is for deep penetration which optimizes treatment for leg veins.

The object of laser treatment is to destroy the desired target using the appropriate wavelengths, time and energy.

When light energy is absorbed it immediately turns into heat which in turns destroys target tissue. 

The target tissue in the case of varicose and spider veins is the actual vessel itself. 

The laser treatment for smaller varicose veins and spider veins is done in the office.