In theory, blood flow can resume. However, the probability of the saphenous vein reopening is less than 10% at 3 years. One published report found that at 2 years 90% of Closure treated veins were invisible to ultrasound, suggesting permanent obliteration. See similar questions...

VNUS closure got to market about two years before the first vein laser. Some insurance companies approve both technologies, some only VNUS (as of now). The VNUS device is more complicated and considerably more expensive to use. Both technologies are FDA approved. I have found that the laser is almost 100% successful in closing average-sized saphenous veins, and it is definitely more effective than the VNUS device for closing large saphenous veins. See similar questions...

When the abnormal vein is eliminated, the high pressure which has caused the visible varicose veins is eliminated. Venous drainage is then routed through more efficient, normal channels. See similar questions...

No. Generally the saphenous vein is only destroyed when it is thick and thrombosed. The vein in this state is almost useless and non- functioning and there is no harm in removing it. However, a normally functioning saphenous vein with no leaky valves should not be treated. A normal saphenous vein should always be preserved because it may be required in the future for open heart surgery. See similar questions...

High ligation is another surgical procedure done in the operation room under local or general anesthesia. It involves a groin incision (possibly on both sides). The tissue is dissected by the surgeon down to the greater saphenous vein (GSV)/femoral vein junction. The greater saphenous vein is then clamped and tied off. The idea is to sever the connection between the superficial system (the GSV) and the deep system (the femoral vein). See similar questions...

It is true that many times the greater saphenous vein is used in cardiac surgery; however, if the vein is diseased, as is the case with varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency, it is typically unusable for heart surgery. In addition, there are other possible sources of veins or arteries in the body to use for that purpose. See similar questions...

A few. We request that patients limit activities that require contraction of the abdominal muscles because that causes an increase in venous pressure in the legs for 7-10 days. Such activities include jogging, heavy lifting, sit-ups, crunches and excessive stair climbing. Since we want the treated vein to close, we want to subject it to as little pressure as possible till it has a chance to heal. Walking is encouraged. You'll be back to your more strenuous activities in ten days to two weeks. See similar questions...

In most cases, yes. Also, remember, there are no separate hospital or anesthesiologist charges to pay because these procedures are done in our office. One of our services is to obtain pre-certification from your insurance company. Usually no, because they consider sclerotherapy to be a cosmetic procedure (ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy can often be an exception to this rule). See similar questions...

Patients who have multiple risk factors for heart disease (such as male gender, smoking, high blood lipids, hypertension, a sedentary lifestyle or a strong family history of the disease) may need to preserve one of the saphenous veins, assuming that it is not already too abnormal. By combining ligation (tying the vein at the source of abnormal flow) and sclerotherapy, varicose veins can be removed while the saphenous vein is preserved. See similar questions...

Just about anyone. Heredity plays the biggest role. 10% of men and 50% of women totaling over 80 million Americans are affected. As might be expected, any condition that puts strain on flow of blood from the legs toward the heart can aggravate the condition. This includes, but is not limited to pregnancy, standing for long periods, obesity, and extended sitting. For each individual, it is important to accurately identify the cause of their particular situation. See similar questions...

Because there are many veins in the leg, the blood that would have flowed through the closed vein simply flows through other healthy veins after the procedure. The loss of the diseased vein is not a problem for the circulatory system. See similar questions...

Sometimes it's easy to determine what causes the veins to develop. The known factors include heredity, pregnancy, female hormones (especially progesterone), obesity, and standing all day at work (hairdresser, sales, etc.) Often we don't have a clue. Varicose veins develop more frequently on the left for reasons unknown. See similar questions...

Theoretically anyone can get a DVT after any surgical procedure. However, the risk of DVT after EVLT is very low (less than 1 in 400). See similar questions...

If the source of the reverse blood flow is due to damaged valves in the saphenous vein, the vein may be removed by a surgical procedure known as vein stripping. Under general anesthesia, all or part of the vein is tied off and pulled out. The legs are bandaged after the surgery but swelling and bruising may last for weeks. See similar questions...

After the procedure, a compression stocking should be applied that cannot be removed except on your follow-up visits. Cast protectors can be purchased to cover the stocking and allow you to shower. No limitations are placed on normal activities with your stocking in place. On occasion, temporary skin pigmentation changes may occur following sclerotherapy. Limited sun exposure or use of 30 SPF sunscreen is advised until this staining resolves. See similar questions...

Elite Vein Specialists is a full service diagnostic and treatment medical facility specializing in the evaluation and management of all types of vein disease. We treat large varicose veins, leg spider veins and hand veins. See similar questions...

This minimally invasive treatment is an outpatient procedure performed using imaging guidance. After applying local anesthetic to the vein, the interventional radiologist inserts a thin catheter, about the size of a strand of spaghetti, into the vein and guides it up the great saphenous vein in the thigh. Then laser or radiofrequency energy is applied to the inside of the vein. This heats the vein and seals the vein closed. See similar questions...

The two-year data show a 93-95% success rate. This is a much higher efficacy rate than surgical ligation or stripping. More information about varicose veins can be found at the web site for the Society of Interventional Radiology. See similar questions...

Laser vein removal is not painful. It has been described as "a gentle burning sensation along the vein followed by a sharp pinch at the end" as the vein is sealed. See similar questions...