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Varicose Vein Injection Clinic
Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are dilated veins that no longer circulate blood effectively. There can even be a backwards flow of blood.
These veins belong to the superficial system of veins. This system normally circulates about 10 % of blood flow from the legs.
Spider veins are very small dilated vessels that look red, blue or purple. They are very common and are often present without larger varicose veins.
The primary cause of varicose veins is heredity. Aggravating factors include pregnancy, heat, long periods of standing and obesity. Healthy veins can also become varicose due to injury or inflammation.
Varicose veins, a progressive condition, can be controlled by a well planned treatment program.
Treatment Choices
Sclerotherapy:
Medication is injected into the varicose vein. This irritates the lining of the vein causing its walls to thicken and stick together. This is called sclerosis. A fibrous tissue cord is formed which can be tender to touch for a while. It is gradually reabsorbed and the tenderness goes away.
Circulation is improved as blood no longer stagnates in varicose veins, but flows through healthy veins.
Sclerotherapy can be used to treat all sizes of veins.
Surgery
Surgery is still indicated in the treatment of some veins; especially the long and short saphenous veins. Sclerotherapy can then be used to treat many veins which were removed by surgery in the past. Smaller veins and spider veins, which cannot be treated by surgery, are effectively treated by sclerotherapy.
Sclerotherapy Treatment
Sclerotherapy is done in a step-wise approach. Larger veins are treated before smaller ones. Veins are treated from the top of the legs downward.
Treatments are given in Ambulatory Care and patients can resume their usual activities after.
Some discomfort in the legs may occur, particularly after the first few visits. Treatment in the knee, ankle and foot areas may cause some swelling. These effects are temporary and alleviated by walking and elevation.
All medical treatments have side effects and complications. With sclerotherapy, side effects are generally well tolerated and the complications are rare.
Side Effects:
- Bruises are very common and no cause for concern. They resolve in a few weeks.
- Red spots can occur after injection of spider veins and also resolve in a few weeks.
- Staining may appear as more darkly pigmented areas of skin. This gradually fades back to normal. Infrequently, it can be permanent.
- Blushes, clusters of small spider veins, can develop in some cases, mainly after the treatment of larger veins or in sensitive individuals. These can usually be treated.
- Tender red areas are sites of inflammation which sometimes occur. These are treated by compresses, walking and sometimes anti-inflammatory medication.
Complications:
Allergic reaction to injected medication can occur. Medications to which a patient knows they are allergic are never used. Reactions can occur to previously unused medications or develop to previously used ones. A reaction can range from mild, with generalized itching, rash, tingling or hives, to severe, with wheezing, drop in blood pressure and collapse. This is an extremely rare occurrence. Should any of these symptoms appear, contact a physician immediately.
Rare cases of deep vein thrombosis leading to pulmonary embolus have been reported in the past.
Should a sclerosing medication enter a small artery or tissue outside the vein, an ulcer can develop which, on healing, would leave a scar. This is very uncommon.
While under treatment
In the 24 hours prior to each treatment do not remove hair or apply oil or cream to your legs.
Continue with your usual activities, especially exercise.
By coming for your regular check-ups after your treatments, your condition can be monitored.
General Recommendations
Be active. Physical exercise is vital to overall well being, muscle tone and venous blood flow. If you are standing or sedentary for a time, move your feet and legs intermittently. Do not wear high heels or restrictive clothing.
Avoid excess sun and heat. Heat (hot baths, whirlpools, sauna, sun) dilates the veins. Avoid sunburn, especially for a few months after treatment, as this damages your skin. Use a sunblock.
Watch your weight.
Support hose can be beneficial. When indicated, they should be put on either before getting out of bed, or after elevating your legs for 5 to 10 minutes. They are not usually worn in hot weather.
Regular check-ups to detect new varicose veins are recommended. This will help to keep your condition under long term control.
Location of Clinic:
The Brantford General Hospital, Ambulatory Care, Westview 4
Before your injection
- Do not shave your legs before coming to the hospital.
- Do not apply cream or moisturizers to your legs.
- Wear pants or bring shorts for maximum comfort.
Following your injections:
- Minor discomfort is relieved by walking. It is very important to walk 2-3 km. each day. Persistent discomfort can be relieved by Tylenol.
- You should not get the treated leg wet during the first week.
- On the day of your checkup - one week after your leg was injected - you can soak the dressings off your leg in the bathtub. You should reapply the stockings and come in for your appointment.
- A bill will be given to you to cover the cost of the drugs.