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).

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.

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.

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.

Most insurance companies will not cover the cost of sclerotherapy. Sclerotherapy is not billed to insurance by Sage Vein Care Center.

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.

In theory, blood flow can resume. However, the probability of the saphenous vein reopening appears to be no more than 10% out to 2 years. One published report found that at 2 years 90% of Closure treated veins were invisible to ultrasound, suggesting permanent obliteration.

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 to the great saphenous vein in the thigh. Then laser or radiofrequency energy is applied to the inside vein. This heats the vein and seals the vein closed.

The treatment takes less then an hour and provides immediate relief of symptoms. You can return to normal activity immediately with little or no pain. There may be minor soreness or bruising, which can be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers. There is no scar, because the procedure does not require a surgical incision, just a nick in the skin, about the size of a pencil tip.

The two-year data show 93 to 95 percent success rate. This is a much higher efficacy rate than surgical ligation or stripping.

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).

During your consultation with Dr. Shah, your veins will be identified and a treatment plan will be determined. Patients with small, superficial red veins can often be treated with Laser Vein Therapy in a series of 3-4 treatments at 4-6 week intervals. Many factors contribute to these unsightly veins, these include: weight gain, hormonal shifts, pregnancy, and heredity. Due to these contributing factors, occasional touch ups may be required to keep the new and emerging spider veins at bay.

A No, Medicare will not pay for travel oxygen needs. Insurance varies by company but based on our past experiences, insurance typically will not pay for travel oxygen needs.

Sclerotherapy can be used to treat both varicose and spider veins. A tiny needle is used to inject the veins with a medication that irritates the lining of the vein. In response, the veins collapse and are reabsorbed. The surface veins are no longer visible. Sclerotherapy relieves symptoms due to varicose and spider veins in most patients. With this procedure, veins can be dealt with at an early stage, helping to prevent further complications.

Elective Prenatal 3D/4D Ultrasound is a limited medical scan now being provided all across the United States by studios just like Baby's Debut. The ability to choose to have a non-diagnostic ultrasound has been created largely in response to the technological advancements in ultrasound and a mother's desire to share this bonding process with her family and friends in calm and relaxing atmosphere.