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Carolina Endovascular Center | Expert Vascular Care

Treatments for Varicose Veins

Minimally invasive procedures for varicose and spider veins in Greensboro and Charlotte

Overview | Preparation Instructions

What Are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are bulging, swollen veins typically found on the legs, which can cause significant pain and discomfort. They are especially common among older women, but can happen to anyone. If you have varicose veins, it’s important to get treatment; without intervention, worsening vein function can lead to serious complications.

varicose veins treatments

Minimally Invasive Treatment Options for Varicose Veins

The experienced interventional radiologists at Carolina Endovascular are specialized in treating varicose and spider veins. They use advanced techniques and image guidance to deliver treatments right inside the affected blood vessels. For varicose vein patients, this means getting highly effective treatments with less hassle and a quick return to normal life.

Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT)

EVLT uses a small, precise laser to heat the wall of a varicose vein from the inside. The doctor starts by making a tiny incision to access the bloodstream. They use a tube called a catheter to carefully travel through the body’s blood vessels until they reach a varicose vein and turn on the laser. The heat irritates the vein, which reacts by collapsing and closing off from the rest of the circulatory system. Without the varicose vein in the way, your body can send blood flow to healthy vessels. Studies show that EVLT has a similar success rate to surgery with faster, less painful recovery.1

Varicose Vein Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is also performed by moving a catheter through the circulatory system. Once they reach a varicose vein, the doctor uses the catheter to deposit special sclerosing agents, which may be a liquid or foam. Like the heat from EVLT, these materials cause the vein to seal itself off. In addition to being an affordable alternative to varicose vein surgery, sclerotherapy is known for its short recovery time. It can also be repeated as needed for patients with chronic vascular disease.2

Benefits of Endovascular Varicose Vein Treatments

Minimally invasive procedures for varicose veins offer a safe, effective alternative to surgery, with several advantages:

  • Excellent success rate – EVLT is successful in over 90% of cases, and sclerotherapy can reduce venous reflux while aiding in ulcer healing.
  • No need to stay at the hospital – Treatments are completed at our comfortable, conveniently located outpatient center.
  • No general anesthesia risks – Procedures use local anesthesia and mild “twilight” sedation to keep patients relaxed and pain-free.
  • Few complications – No risk of nerve injury and lower morbidity and mortality rates than more invasive treatments.
  • Fast recovery – Most patients go home on the same day and return to their daily lives in under a week.
  • Affordable treatment option – Less expensive than varicose vein surgery and more accessible.

Why Choose Carolina Endovascular for Your Varicose Vein Procedure?

Interventional radiologists regularly perform endovascular procedures at hospitals and large medical centers. But going to a hospital for your varicose vein treatment also means dealing with complicated parking, long wait times, and potential exposure to contagious illnesses.

At Carolina Endovascular, we focus entirely on minimally invasive treatments, ensuring you get the highest quality of care with a level of personalized service that isn’t possible at larger institutions. The outpatient center is easy to get to and features state-of-the-art equipment, along with a talented, well-trained staff. Plus, procedures at Carolina Endovascular typically cost less than they would at a hospital.

Our fellowship-trained doctors have a wealth of experience using endovascular techniques to help patients get relief from pain and other distressing symptoms. Whether you’re struggling with varicose veins, uterine fibroids, thyroid nodules or another condition, we can help.

Preparing for Your Varicose Vein Procedure

Before your appointment at Carolina Endovascular, you’ll need to complete a few steps:

  • Make sure our team knows about any medications you are taking, including over-the-counter medications and supplements.
  • Inform us about any allergies you have, including any reactions you may have to latex, silicone, anesthesia medicine, or contrast “dye.”
  • Alert our endovascular clinic of any newly diagnosed medical conditions or recent illnesses.
  • Pause the use of blood thinners, NSAIDs like Motrin, and acetaminophen (Tylenol) if/when instructed to do so (usually the night before your procedure). You may continue to take other prescription medications unless otherwise instructed.
  • Do not eat or drink anything for several hours before your procedure. You may be asked to start “fasting” at midnight the night before your appointment.

Your procedure should take 1-2 hours. After your treatment is complete, you’ll need to remain at the clinic for another hour or two for observation.

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