By Dr. John Hogg, Founder & CEO, Medical Vein Clinic
Not long ago, treating varicose veins often meant undergoing highly invasive vein stripping surgery. Patients faced hours under general anesthesia and many months of recovery. Fortunately, treatments have greatly progressed. At Medical Vein Clinic, we provide our patients with minimally invasive, highly effective treatments that allow them to walk in and walk out the same day.
A Process, Not a Quick Fix
Vein care is not a one-time fix. It’s a process built on careful evaluation and personalized treatment planning. Insurance companies rightly require a conservative trial period of three months before we can conduct procedures, and in many cases, this conservative approach can provide significant symptom relief without the need for intervention.
The Conservative Treatment Phase
During your first visit, we perform a detailed medical history, physical examination, and visual leg assessment to identify potential vein disease. A second visit includes a comprehensive ultrasound exam to evaluate which veins are functioning properly and which are not.
If venous insufficiency is confirmed, we initiate a conservative treatment plan, which includes four key steps:
- Compression Therapy: Patients wear medical-grade compression stockings daily (except when sleeping). Compression helps close weakened vein valves and encourages healthy blood flow upward toward the heart. How you respond to this step is often the best predictor of long-term treatment success.
- Exercise & Movement: Your calf muscles act as a pump to propel blood upward. Regular leg movement throughout the day supports healthy circulation.
- Elevation: Raising your legs above heart level allows gravity to help drain stagnant blood and refresh the veins with oxygenated blood.
- Pain Management: When needed, over-the-counter analgesics can help manage inflammation and discomfort during this period.
Minimally Invasive Treatment Options
If conservative treatment does not fully resolve your symptoms, we offer several state-of-the-art procedures tailored to each patient’s unique vein structure and health needs:
1. Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): The Gold Standard
RFA remains the most widely recommended treatment for varicose veins. Using local anesthesia, a thin catheter is inserted into the diseased vein using ultrasound guidance. Radiofrequency energy gently heats and seals the vein shut. Once closed, blood reroutes through healthy veins, restoring normal circulation. The entire procedure is virtually painless, takes about 15 minutes, and is covered by most insurance plans.
Post-RFA Instructions:
- Wear compression stockings for 21 days.
- Walk 10-15 minutes every hour while awake.
- Avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, or high-impact activities for three weeks.
2. Venaseal: The No-Stocking Option
For patients unable to tolerate compression stockings, Venaseal offers an excellent alternative. Instead of using heat, we inject a medical adhesive (“superglue”) to close the damaged vein. Since some patients may have sensitivities to adhesives, we perform careful screening before treatment.
Venaseal allows patients to resume normal activity immediately, without the need for compression stockings. It is covered by Medicare and select insurance plans; for others, we offer flexible payment plans.
Taking the First Step
If you’re living with leg pain, swelling, or bulging veins, don’t wait. Early evaluation can prevent complications and restore your mobility, health and confidence. At Medical Vein Clinic, we are committed to delivering expert, compassionate care with the most advanced techniques available.
Healthy legs take you further.™
Call today to schedule your screening: 210-622-8000.