Varicose Veins
At Capitol Vein & Laser Centers, we diagnose and treat a broad range of problems related to the venous circulation and the lymphatic system. Leg pain, leg swelling, bulging veins, spider veins and other issues, such as blood clots and skin pigmentation or ulceration, require comprehensive planning that goes beyond just recommending a procedure to you. We work with you to develop a strategy to get you healthy and feeling more confident again.
What are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are enlarged leg veins that bulge outward and often are associated with leg aching, heaviness & cramping. Varicose veins commonly worsen over time and can produce increased discomfort, leg swelling, skin changes, restless leg syndrome and risk for blood clots.
Normally veins in the leg carry blood from the lower leg to the upper leg against the steady downward force of gravity. Small, fraglie one-way valves in the veins ensure the proper direction of flow up the leg. If these tiny valves are damaged or cease to function normally, the veins lose the ability to push the blood upwards, and the pressure of gravity causes pooling of venous blood in the leg. As this pressure is transmitted from the inner leg to the outer leg, the surface veins bulge, leading to varicose veins. The normally straight veins become overloaded with blood causing the swelling and twisting that you see at the surface of the leg.
Most varicose veins cause symptoms of aching, heaviness, fatigue, itching or swelling. We find some patients who even in the absence of symptoms, have skin discoloration due to the
Patients are born with an overabundance of leg veins, and treatment of these varicose veins is extremely effective, easing the symptoms and improving the appearance greatly. You will never “run out” of leg veins, even if new veins require treatment.
What are the symptoms?
Varicose veins are caused by venous insufficiency, which prevents the proper flow of blood and allows it to pool in the leg veins. This causes the bulging and symptoms described above. The normal flow of venous blood is up the leg, against the steady force of gravity. One-way valves in the veins propel blood in the proper direction, but if the valves weaken, the direction of flow reverses. This is known as reflux. Venous reflux leads to varicose veins.
What Causes Varicose Veins?
- Aching legs, usually worse as the day progresses
- Throbbing along the enlarged veins where pressure increases
- Itching at the site of skin discoloration (dermatitis)
- Swollen legs, especially in the lower legs when blood does not exit the leg normally
- General discomfort
- Restless legs, which often respond very well to varicose vein treatments
Treatments
Venaseal™
A more recent FDA cleared treatment option, that closes the diseased vein by instilling a “glue” to seal it closed. The procedure has minimal discomfort and recovery. Medical insurance companies are expected to cover this treatment in 2018. Dr. McNeill and Dr. Rosenberg were the first physicians in Maryland & Virginia to perform this treatment.
VNUS Closure Procedure
Also known as thermal ablation, uses a tiny catheter inserted into the leaking, nonfunctioning vein. Radiofrequency energy is used in the catheter to deliver thermal energy to the vein wall, heating so that it contracts down and seals closed. Laser offers another form of thermal ablation. Dr. McNeill and Dr. Rosenberg were involved with the clinical trial studies for this treatment and have taught VNUS Closure to over 1000 physicians throughout the years.
ClariVein®
A Mechano-chemical ablation, stopping venous reflux by using liquid sclerotherapy introduced via a special vibrating catheter, to close the vein. Dr. McNeill and Dr. Rosenberg were involved with the clinical trial studies for Clarivein.
Varithena
A chemical ablation technique using a specially formulated foamed sclerotherapy agent to cause constriction and injury to the vein,. This effectively eliminating the diseased vein. Dr. McNeill and Dr. Rosenberg were involved with the clinical trial studies for Varithena.
Microphlebectomy
Used to treat unhealthy, bulging surface veins that do not regress after ablation of the main diseased vein. This is done with local anesthesia via tiny nicks in the skin. There are no stitches and no scarring. Minimal down time and beautiful outcome.
Doctors Paul McNeill and Garth Rosenberg are board certified in Vascular Surgery and have decades of experience effectively treating varicose veins with beautiful aesthetic results. Your legs will be healthier, feel better and look younger.
We offer the latest high-tech solutions that can be performed in-office under local anesthesia. Treatment requires little to no down time. The care of venous disease is typically covered by insurance plans because vein procedures are medically necessary to prevent worsening.
Each of these varicose vein procedures is available at all of our conveniently located offices. Our doctors will determine the most appropriate treatment for your condition.