How We Treat Vein Disease
Years ago, varicose veins were treated by vein stripping, which was a highly-invasive procedure. Patients were put to sleep using general anesthesia and recovery often took six months or more.
Thankfully, we’ve come a long way in treating varicose veins.
The treatments we offer at Medical Vein Clinic:
Are without surgery
Only local anesthetic applied to numb legs
Patients walk in and walk out/drive home, or go back to work
What To Expect
During a patient’s first visit, we will examine their legs to determine if they have vein or circulation problems or varicose veins. Our experienced staff uses ultrasound imaging equipment to get a picture of the veins in patients’ legs.
We Start with Conservatively Treating Patients
Conservative Treatment
If the exam confirms a patient has vein problems or varicose veins, we start with three months of conservative treatment. During this phase, patients wear compression stockings that help determine if treatments will be effective. These stockings help vein walls get closer together to pump blood back to the heart. If a patient’s symptoms are reduced or subside while wearing stockings, this confirms that their symptoms are due to faulty veins, and we schedule a vein treatment procedure. If a patient’s symptoms do not go away, this tells us that something else is causing the issues, and we refer them to an appropriate specialist for help.
Conservative Treatment Phase
For three months:
Wear gradient compression stockings to gauge if treatments will be effective
Move legs frequently during the day
Elevate legs when resting throughout the day
Take ibuprofen or other anti- inflammatory for pain/swelling as needed or tolerated
VIDEO
Say Goodbye to Leg Swelling with Compression Stockings!
In this short video, Dr. Hogg discusses the incredible benefits of compression stockings for reducing leg and ankle swelling (especially during pregnancy) Discover how these simple garments can make a huge difference in your comfort and overall vein health and how compression can prevent more serious issues like blood clots and deep vein thrombosis.
State-of-the Art Treatments That Don't Require Surgery
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
Medical Vein Clinic’s doctors typically perform one of two state-of-the-art procedures to treat varicose veins: radiofrequency ablation (RFA), Varithena, and VenaSeal.
RFA is considered the gold standard and best treatment to get rid of varicose veins. It has a success rate of more than 95% in treating bad veins. RFA is covered by insurance and has minimal recovery time.
With this procedure, we use a local numbing medication at the site of the diseased veins. Then, using ultrasound guidance, we insert a catheter in the lower leg and move it upwards to the start of the bad vein. With each patient we start by identifying and treating the bigger problem source veins---the ones leaking and blowing out the smaller veins. This way, varicose veins are less likely to reoccur.
The RFA catheter treatment uses heat---which the patient does not feel---to make the inside of the bad vein walls “sticky.” This makes the bad veins close. Closing the bad veins keeps blood from pooling in them and creating bulging varicose veins.
Then the catheter is withdrawn from the leg and we put a compression stocking on the patient’s leg. This keeps the vein walls sticking together.
With radio frequency ablation patients need to follow some procedures for three weeks to ensure their veins stay closed.
Post-treatment, patients wear compression stockings for 21 days and walk 10 to 15 minutes every hour they are awake. This prevents blood clots from forming and helps generate new, good veins. And, no running, straining, lifting anything over 25 pounds.
RFA Post-treatment Procedures
For three weeks:
Wear compression stockings
Walk 10 to 15 minutes per waking hour
No heavy lifting, straining or running
Varithena™
Varithena™ is a simple procedure utilizing an alcohol and oxygen foam that is injected directly into the problem vein with ultrasound guidance. The alcohol cauterizes the vein, closing it. Afterwards, the 3 weeks of post-procedure requirements are:
Varithena™
Wear compression stockings
Walk 10 to 15 minutes per waking hour
No heavy lifting, straining, or running
VenaSeal™
VenaSeal™ utilizes an acrylate glue (similar to SuperGlue) to seal the bad veins shut. It’s a newer procedure recently approved by the FDA and a good alternative for those unable to pull on compression stockings. Like the first treatment, a catheter is inserted into the bad vein to administer, but instead of cauterizing the veins shut, a medical- grade superglue is used. Because some people are allergic to the glue, we always screen for a possible allergic reaction ahead of time.
VenaSeal™
No need to wear compression stockings after procedure
Resume normal activities right away
Covered by Medicare, but not all insurance.
Payment plans available
Treating Spider Veins
Sclerotherapy
We treat smaller varicose and spider veins with a method called sclerotherapy. Veins are injected with a chemical solution (sclerosant). This solution essentially damages the lining of the vein, causing it to contract. The vein eventually disappears, reabsorbed in the affected leg. This procedure usually takes less than 15 minutes.
Benefits of Sclerotherapy
Short treatment
Performed in our clinic
Relieves varicose vein symptoms
Permanently closes smaller veins with venous insufficiency
TIP
Curious about what to do after your sclerotherapy treatment? We've got you covered!
After your session, we'll cheer you on to get up and move around! Taking short walks right after your procedure is the way to go. It helps boost blood flow and keeps those pesky blood clots at bay.
TIP
Elevating your legs can do wonders for your vein health!
Did you know that just like reducing leg swelling, elevating your legs allows the pooled blood to drain away? This simple practice helps lower the pressure on your veins and gives them a well-deserved break. It's an easy and effective way to support your vein health and promote better circulation, to ward off blood clots and deep vein thrombosis. Give it a try!
Varicose Veins and Pregnancy
VIDEO
Pregnancy and Compression Stockings: Managing Pregnancy Discomfort, and Leg Swelling with Compression Stockings
Leg swelling, itching, burning, cramping! oh my! Dr. Hogg breaks down the varied symptoms of vein issues—revealing how clearing out old blood can bring relief and oxygenate your legs and prevent DVT, edemas, blood clots and more.
VIDEO
Looking To Reduce Nausea During Pregnancy? Compression Stockings Might Be The Answer! A visit with Dr. Josue Medina
Calling all expecting moms: are you ready to bid farewell to leg and ankle swelling and those pesky bouts of nausea? Tune in while Dr. Josue Medina, discusses the remarkable benefits of compression stockings, your secret allies for a more comfortable pregnancy journey and a remedy for potential edemas and varicose veins caused by pregnancy.
At Medical Vein Clinic, Your Legs Are in Good Hands
Book Your Appointment Today
210-622-8000
Covered by Medical Insurance. Se Habla Español.
Covered by Medical Insurance
Se Habla Español
Our Offices
18831 Meisner Drive
San Antonio, Texas 78258
5742 W. Loop 1604 N.
San Antonio, TX 78251
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Office Hours
Monday - Thursday
8 am to 5 pm
Friday 8 am to 12 pm
Friday
8 am to 12 pm