United Medical Instruments - Diagnostic Ultrasound Blog!

Part III

Welcome to our final blog in our 3-part series on treatment for varicose veins. Finally, we will look at the type of equipment used when performing the more invasive procedures and some of the new trends that are being discussed in this field of treatment.

Part II

Last week we reviewed varicose veins – what they are, how people get them and conservative treatments to try. This week, we'll look at the various options available to patients. At United Medical Instruments, Inc. we are fortunate to have a phlebology expert, Jeanette Ashby, on staff who goes on-site to provide customers with training after purchasing ultrasound equipment to use in conjunction with vein treatments such as Endovenous Laser Therapy (Ablation), Radiofrequency Occlusion, or Endovenous Chemical Ablation. Jeanette describes these procedures as follows:

Endovenous Radiofrequency Ablation is a treatment alternative to surgical stripping of the greater saphenous vein. A small catheter is inserted, usually through a needle stick in the skin, into the damaged vein and guided under ultrasound to the treatment site. The catheter delivers radio frequency energy to the vein wall, causing it to heat. As the vein warms, it collapses and seals shut. The procedure is generally done in an outpatient or in-office setting. It may be done under local anesthesia. Following the procedure, the catheter is removed and a bandage or compression stocking is placed on the treated leg.   Endovenous Radiofrequency Ablation is FDA approved for the treatment of the greater saphenous vein.  To watch a video on the the VNUS Closure Procedure Using ClosureFAST Catheter, click here.

Endovenous Laser Treatment is a treatment alternative to surgical stripping of the greater saphenous vein. A small laser fiber is inserted, usually through a needle stick in the skin, into the damaged vein and guided to the treatment location under ultrasound. Pulses of laser light are delivered inside the vein, which causes the vein to collapse and seal shut. Following the procedure a bandage or compression hose is placed on the treated leg and the patient is encouraged to walk as well as to return to normal activities. Endovenous Laser Treatment is FDA-approved for the treatment of the greater saphenous vein.

 Endovenous Chemical Ablation is a common treatment method used to treat both varicose veins as well as abnormal veins well beneath the skin surface. Under ultrasound guidance a small gauge needle is inserted into the vein where a small amount of sclerosant is injected. The solution causes the treated vein to close. The vein is typically reabsorbed by the body in time.

To learn more about implementing one of these ultrasound-guided vein procedures in your office, contact us.

Part I

Men have them, women have them, in fact, one in three adults over the age of 50 suffers from varicose vein issues. Over the next two weeks we will look at the types of treatments available, equipment needed and recent studies comparing the procedures.

In a discussion with Registered Phlebology Sonographer, Jeanette Ashby, she explains varicose veins like this "Varicose veins are large, misshapen veins, primarily found in the ankles, legs and thighs. They occur most frequently in women, but they do affect men as well. When a vein is functioning normally the valve pumps blood towards the heart. Varicose veins form when the vein becomes damaged, usually when the vein wall weakens and/or the valves in the vein become faulty. When the valve becomes damaged it is no longer able to pump all of the blood towards the heart and blood "pools" in the vein. As a varicose vein enlarges it will contain larger volumes of blood, thus putting even greater pressure on the one way valve below."

To treat varicose veins there are conservative or active procedures to implement, depending on the patient and training/background of the physician. The conservative approach includes:

• Compression Stockings – This treatment is effective in reducing the swelling and pain associated with varicose veins by reducing the venous volume and shifting the flow to other parts of the body, compression stockings combined with exercise of the calves can alleviate minor issues, but studies have found there is poor compliance.

• Leg Elevation – Keeping the legs above the heart may also relieve some of the symptoms

• Medications - Ibuprofen or aspirin can also be prescribed in some cases to relieve occasional swelling

Next week we will dive further into the various invasive procedures involved. For a sneak peak of what's ahead, listen and watch Dr. Chuback explain Endovenous Laser Treatment. To see which portable ultrasound systems can meet the needs of your venous procedures, click here.