Evolution of Varicose Vein Treatments
In the last few years, technological and medical advancements have increased the treatment options for varicose veins, as well as producing less invasive therapies that also result in less pain and discomfort, as well as fewer complications. However, the study of varicose veins dated all the way back to 1550 B.C., in a time when treatment was not recommended. Mentions of varicose veins are also found in literature from ancient Greece, as well as in diagrams of varicose veins created by none other than famed artists and innovator Leonardo da Vinci. Today’s topic is the evolution of varicose vein treatments.
As far as Hippocrates, experts recognized varicose veins as a medical condition requiring treatment, as well as understanding the link between varicose veins and the skin ulcers that often form in varicose vein sufferers. In this era, the go-to treatment or varicose veins was compression, which is still a method used today to prevent varicose veins from forming. Today there are several kinds of compression stockings available, ranging from more lightweight versions to heavier stockings that are often used after vein treatments.
One of the first medical treatments also dates back to ancient Greece, when physicians treated varicose veins by irritating them with a wire. Vein stripping and surgical removal of veins are also longtime treatment methods. One of the oldest methods of varicose vein treatment is sclerotherapy, which involves injecting a solution into the vein to irritate it. This causes the vein to stick together, which forces other veins to take over. Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy originated in the 1980s and is a common treatment in Europe, Australia, and North America. This newer version allowed doctors to treat veins that weren’t visible to the naked eye but could be seen on an ultrasound machine. However, this method is notvery effective for varicose veins, because the truncal veins would reopen due to their big size. This method is not used for cosmetic purposes of spider veins and surface skin veins only, when no underlying vein disease is detected. If the truncal veins haven’t been properly treated, sclerotherapy wouldn’t be successful and the spider and varicose veins on the skin would return.
In just the last decade or so, treatment options for varicose veins have increased dramatically. Endovenous laser therapy is a method that heats the vein with a laser fiber from the inside causing it to collapse and seal. The problem with laser vein treatments is that the heat is not consistent and can cause damage to surrounding tissue and nerves.
There are not newer methods of varicose vein treatment that have fewer side effects and complications, as well as less pain and a shortened recovery time. ClariVein, which is a form of Mechanical Occlusion Chemically Assisted, or MOCA treatment, is highly effective and virtually painless. During this treatment, an ultrasound guided catheter is inserted into the diseased vein and mechanically rotated causing the vein to collapse. As the catheter is slowly removed, a solution is injected into the vein sealing it shut.
Radio Frequency Ablation is another method that uses an ultrasound guided catheter in the vein to deliver it to collapse and seal shut. After these treatments, the blood is rerouted to healthy veins and the diseased vein becomes scar tissue that is eventually reabsorbed by the surrounding tissue. Both methods have little to no down time for the patient and have very high success rates. Here at Alpha Vein Clinic, we offer ClariVein and Radio Frequency Ablation. Best of all, most insurance companies cover these medical treatments.
At Alpha Vein Clinic, we can help you determine which vein treatment is th best for you, ad create a customized treatment plan designed to address your specific needs. Book an appointment today for expert, personalized treatment from Dr. Sassan Kaveh and his experienced and knowledgeable staff.
Alpha Vein Clinic
3150 N. Tenaya Way Ste. 400
Las Vegas, NV, 89128
(702) 430 7661
Dr. Sassan Kaveh
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