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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

When speaking about digestive enzyme formulas, no. As active protein molecules, the enzymes do not accumulate in the body. They impart enzymatic activity that lasts anywhere from one to four hours and then they are eliminated from the body or the proteins are broken down and the amino acids are used for other purposes. As with any herbal or nutritional supplement, evaluation of amounts and over consumption should be determined on an individual basis. [back to top]

No, actually they are not. They are annoying, they itch, they eat blood like a mosquito, defecate on your scalp, and they are disgusting...but they are not harmful.

We have not tested it on animals. Head lice (for whatever reason) only live on humans. They can be carried or transmitted by animals but they cannot live on them for more than a few days. Since this is the case, we have not tried it on animals nor do we recommend it...you can try it at your own risk if you like.

Unfortunately, there is also a large amount of conjecture and opinion on the internet that has claimed that fluoride is dangerous. At therapeutic levels there has never been a published study that has been able show reliable repeatable results that demonstrate even a possibility of any harm. Many people find all of the negative opinions very confusing.

The cakes must not be birthed until ONE FULL WEEK after they appear to be completely colonized on the outside. This is not an option -- if the cakes are birthed before they have had a chance to colonize INSIDE as well as outside, the risk of contams is greatly increased. It sounds as if you may have an issue with your fruiting chamber. Dump all the perlite that is in it now. Sterilize the chamber, inside and out, by washing thoroughly with a solution of 1 part bleach to 4 parts water.

I don't know. You'll find out just how far you can go after slipping once or twice; just get back on your diet immediately.

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.

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).

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.