Top 5 New Vein Treatments

Varicose veins are unsightly blue veins that often develop due to underlying venous insufficiency. The veins appear twisted and bulge from the skin resulting dysfunction of venous valves. Symptomatic varicose veins are more common in individuals who have a family history of varicose veins, work or sit for prolonged periods of time, and with age. Board-certified Vein doctors are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of all presentations of vein disease. 

Here are some expert tips:

Symptoms of Varicose Veins
The symptoms of varicose veins can sometimes be overlooked, however early diagnosis and treatment can help avoid progression:

• Leg pain or heaviness
• Leg swelling that is worse towards the end of the day
• A throbbing or burning sensation in your legs (Charlie horses)
• Skin discoloration particular over the ankles or shins
• Blood clots
• skin ulcerations
• Bleeding

Treatment at early stages with simple at home measures can have a meaningful impact on vein symptoms. The recommended actions are taking regular walks or running to promote healthy circulation, elevate your legs periodically, and wearing compression stockings. Talk to your vein doctor about what lifestyle changes you can make early on to prevent worsening varicose vein symptoms.

If these measures do not control your symptoms, then it’s time to consider the next steps in treatment.


Minimally Invasive Options to Treat Varicose Veins
Surgery is no longer recommended for the treatment of varicose veins. The top 5 recommended varicose vein treatments for definitive management are minimally-invasive, office based procedures.


Varithena – A patented vein medication for the treatment of both upper and lower leg varicose veins. This procedure is the least invasive technique and is injected into the target veins for chemical closure.


Endovenous RF ablation–Performed under ultrasound-guidance, an ablation catheter is advanced into the diseased vein and treated with thermal ablation. The treated vein is collapsed and blood is redirected to healthier veins.


Endovenous Laser ablation – Similar to RF ablation, however utilizes a different energy source
Venaseal– A novel procedure that was recently approved by the FDA to treat underlying venous insufficiency using a medical adhesive. Unlike RF ablation or laser ablation, the technique requires minimal anesthetic and seals the problematic vein with a vein glue.


Ambulatory phlebectomy – Also known as microphlebectomy, this treatment is minimally invasive and is the most efficient way to remove unsightly, large protuberant varicose veins.


Minimally invasive varicose vein treatments are ideally suited for all patients with symptomatic vein disease. Your NJ vein specialist  should be comfortable with all the latest technologies in venous medicine to deliver great results in the least invasive way.


Article Source: https://mtlaurelveincenter.weebly.com/blog/top-5-new-vein-treatments

What Effect Does Exercise Have on Varicose Veins?

Many people are aware that varicose veins in the legs are associated with labor-intensive jobs that involve standing all day, or that they tend to affect people who have a family history with the condition. But those aren’t the only ways varicose veins become uncomfortable and aggravated — in fact, the way you work out could be putting you at risk.


Though varicose veins shouldn’t stop you from exercising, it’s important to know what you should make a habit of and what you should avoid.  Vein specialists in Princeton NJ and the surrounding areas are often avid runners and can provide the best tips on how to get rid of spider veins and varicose veins.


Take It Easy and Avoid Impact:Similar to how excessive standing can be problematic for the health of your veins, high-impact exercises can aggravate and worsen the condition for those predisposed to it. This includes activities like running, particularly on hard surfaces like concrete. It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes, wear compression stockings and sticking to softer surfaces like grass to help improve blood flow from the legs and decrease aches and pains.


But if your body simply can’t handle the strain of running and other high-intensity activities, walking is a far safer alternative. It’s not too strenuous, and it might actually be the most beneficial physical activity for your circulation. If you’re at a job that involves extended periods of sitting, taking short breaks to walk around or climb stairs has proven extremely helpful. That being said, even walking can be a difficult task for those already suffering from varicose vein pain. A good method to increase blood flow without straining yourself physically is to rotate your ankles and rock your legs back and forth.


The Gym – What to Do and What to Avoid:For starters, the elliptical and the stationary bike are great, low-impact exercise implements that help you burn calories and increase blood flow without putting too much strain on your body.


If exercise machines aren’t your style, swimming is another excellent choice to log some physical activity that won’t have your veins regretting it afterward. That’s because swimming places the legs in a horizontal position, rather than straining them through interaction with a tough surface.


On the flip side, it may be wise to stay away from heavy lifting. Weight-lifting has a similar effect on the body to running in that it can interfere with or restrict blood flow from the legs to the heart, causing blood to pool in the veins and enlarge them. This is a result of the straining and increased abdominal pressure that the exertion involved in lifting heavy objects requires. Sit-ups, lunges, squats, and even yoga can have a similarly strenuous effect on varicose veins.
​

For greater discussion on the effects of exercise on veins, consider visiting a vein doctor.

Article Source: https://mtlaurelveincenter.weebly.com/blog/what-effect-does-exercising-have-on-varicose-veins

Laser Ablation for Vein Disease

In clinical trials, endovenous laser ablation for vein disease has proven to be safe and effective for truncal veins. More importantly, they have proven to be associated with better long term results, faster recovery and improved quality of life in comparison to older, outdated methods like surgical stripping. The modern day minimally invasive techniques for vein treatment have been revolutionary.

Equipment
The mostly commonly used device used by the vein specialists NJ is VenaCure EVLT by Angiodynamics. This EVLT system is based on delivery of infrared lasers that target hemoglobin

Procedure
Laser ablation is minimally-invasive and can be performed directly in the office. Most vein clinic near me perform the procedure in a dedicated room that provides a sterile environment and houses the necessary equipment. In general, thermal ablation is utilized for truncal veins like the GSV and SSV or some of the tributaries.
Access for the ablation catheter is obtained by venupuncture under ultrasound guidance. Prior to access, the area of treatment should be sterilely prepped and draped per usual protocols. Lidocaine or similar local anesthetic is used to numb the region of interest. Using the modified Seldinger technique, the vein is prepared for treatment with exchange of wires for a percutaneous sheath. In the case of the GSV access can be obtained anywhere distal to the SFJ (or in the case of the SSV, distal to the SPJ) that provides adequate treatment of the culprit vein. The ablation catheter is then advanced into its target position under careful ultrasound guidance making sure that any positioning into deep venous structures is avoided. Before the heat sources is turned ON, the saphenous sheath in the region of interest is infused with diluted tumescence anesthetic (combinations of lidocaine, saline, bicarbonate, and epinephrine). Epinephrine is used sometimes opted for by the vein specialist in the solution to minimize the vein size when treatment is performed. Tumescence has three purposes: 1) anesthetic 2) collapse the targeted vein to the size of the catheter where treatment can be more effective against the venous walls, and 3) direct collateral tissue and nerves away from the targeted region to reduce risks of injury.
Once adequately anesthetized, the vein doctor will activate the generator to initiate thermal injury. The catheter will then be withdrawn 1cm/s until the catheter has fully treated the targeted segment and can be withdrawn in entirety from its insertion site. The sheath is also withdrawn and hemostasis at the access site is achieved by manual pressure. Post procedure after care instructions are then provided to the patient by the vein treatment clinic per usual protocol.

At minimum, the patient will return to his vein specialist with in 1 week to rule out any unintended complications, like DVT. Thereafter, each vein clinic follow their own protocol to assess the need for additional treatments based on any continued symptoms.

Overall success rates for laser treatment for varicose veins is >90% in long term follow-up with fearsome complications like DVT or allergic reactions in proper vein specialists NJ hands less than 1%.

Article Source: https://njvaricoseveins.kinja.com/laser-ablation-for-vein-disease-1840906872

5 Qualities of the Best Vein Clinic

Are you looking for a vein clinic near me? 

Trying to decide which vein center has the best reputation can seem like a daunting task. A simple google search for “best vein clinic near me” will populate at least 12 different clinics all offering very similar vein treatments. Fortunately, there are some qualities that are invariable among the best vein treatment centers. We are here to help you start that process!

5 Qualities of the Best Vein Clinic Highly-Qualified Vein Doctors

The quality of vein doctors is understandably the most important consideration when looking for the best vein clinic. The vein clinic should have physicians with a strong pedigree and vascular-specific board-certification. Patients should be aware that the term "board certification" alone is not enough. Instead, an educated patient will seek out vein specialists that have board certifications that explicitly state vascular training---this ensures those physicians have received formal residency training to practice interventional procedures and venous medicine. The only specialties that offer formal procedural training during residency for venous medicine are surgery (vascular, general or cardiothoracic) and interventional fellowships (radiology and cardiology). So, be specific to ask what board-certification was achieved!

Minimally Invasive Vein Treatment Procedures

Did you know that vascular surgery is no longer necessary in the treatment for varicose veins. However, that does not mean that a vascular surgeon or cardiovascular specialist shouldn’t be the one treating you. The treatment of vein disease remains specialized and deciding who and what treatment is best for you still requires a vascular expert. Nonetheless, today’s best vein clinics do manage most vein disease with minimally invasive non-surgical techniques. That means a scalpel should not be the primary tool for vein treatment.

If you’re suffering from venous insufficiency, the vein clinic should offer treatments like radiofrequency ablation, endovenous laser ablation, venaseal, and varithena. During these procedures, the vein doctor uses no more than a tiny needle or IV line to treat the vein completely. Once the unhealthy veins are treated and closed, the circulation is immediately improved and blood reroutes to healthier veins to relieve symptoms of congested blood flow.

In addition to venous insufficiency treatments, the vein clinic should also feel comfortable with cosmetic treatments for spider and varicose veins. All too often, patients seeking cosmetic treatments are guided to higher end treatments like ablation without offering solutions for visible spider veins. Instead, patients may be directed to medical spas or dermatologists to complete treatments at an additional cost. Sclerotherapy and ambulatory phlebectomy are the preferred treatments for surface veins and should be discussed as part of a complete management strategy.

The Staff

It is not enough for a vein clinic to just have the best doctors and latest technologies. Pay attention to the individuals assisting your vein doctor and completing your vein evaluation. Vein clinics run as a team, and one of the most overlooked members is the ultrasonographer. These individuals have completed formal training in the diagnosis and treatment of vein disease using ultrasound technique. They are the backbone of a good clinic and will help provide the necessary information to your vein doctor to make treatment plans. If the data provided to your doctor is not coming from a reliable source, then you should consider an alternative clinic. Vein clinics that prioritize the hiring of certified and experienced sonographers have made a commitment to safety and the quality of their clinic. At the best Mt Laurel Vein centers, the team of ultrasound technicians and physicians are all certified by ARDMS.

Strong Online Presence and Track Record

Finally, the vein clinic’s online presence can tell you a lot about their quality of care. In the modern age, it’s absolute for vein clinics to maintain an educational website and have a strong online presence. If the vein clinic’s website looks dated, it’s likely that their investment into the rest of their practice is also questionable.

Personalized Approach

Finally, it’s also important that the vein treatment center takes a personalized approach to treatment. Vein treatment is elective and should always feel that way. The purpose of your vein consultation should be to present your concerns and goals for treatment. Beyond being friendly, the vein specialist should provide a comprehensive evaluation that takes into full account your medical and family history, along with your symptoms. This will allow your vein doctor to make appropriate recommendations and what results can be expected. We will say it again--vein treatment is not a one size fits all approach. Finally, there should always be enough time for questions and answers with the vein doctor without feeling rushed to make treatment decisions.

Schedule a Consultation with the Best Clinic for Vein Treatment

Based on all the above-mentioned factors, you should be able to locate “the best vein clinic near me”. If you suspect you suffer from vein disease, you should make certain you consult with a reputable vein treatment center. Vein disease is a medical condition and if untreated can lead to the formation of varicose veins, bleeding, skin changes, leg ulcers, and even deep vein thrombosis. The best vein clinics will carefully examine all of your symptoms in order to individualize a treatment plan just for you.

We hope this brief summary provides you information to find the best vein clinic near your location!

Article Source: http://njveinclinic.mystrikingly.com/blog/5-qualities-of-the-best-vein-clinic

Virtual Vein Doctor

What is a Virtual Doctor Visit?

A virtual doctor visit has become part of the norm with the recent outbreak of COVID-19.  Due to the interests of public health and safety, in person evaluations are reserved for the evaluation and treatment of emergent conditions including COVID-19.   

With most of us spending our time at home away from work and school, individuals are eager to take advantage of some of the extra time and schedule non-urgent visits with their doctors.  Virtual consultations provide that avenue and allow for full interaction with your doctor from the comfort of your home. The consultations can be performed with any desktop computer, laptop or smartphone with capability for audio/visual communication.  Today, we are seeing that the vein doctor near me has embraced this new technology and we are hopeful that some of this change is here to stay for good.  Virtual consults allow anyone to vet the doctor of their choice before making an in-person visit. You can be as picky as you want before settling on the best vein doctor for you.

Benefits of a Virtual Doctor Visit

• Currently due to the COVID-19 outbreak in the United States that has severely affected both NJ and NY, virtual consults eliminate the need for leaving your home
• Full and thorough evaluations at your convenience with the doctor of your choosing
• Take advantage of free time to settle the concerns you had about your vein disease, including varicose and spider veins
• No wait times!  Your scheduled appointment is made in advance and dedicated to your schedule
• Video communication allows the vein specialist to get a complete appreciation of your varicose and spider veins
• If your vein disease is considered significant and needs further evaluation, additional tests can be scheduled without making unnecessary trips
• Covered by medical insurances 
• 
  

Frequently Asked Questions
Does the evaluation have to be using tele-medicine?
Some Vein centers have take additional steps to accommodate patients without tele-medicine access to still interact with the doctor using web-based forms.  Although it does not allow real-time interaction, interested individuals can submit their concerns and questions to the vein doctor. These questions are answered promptly and allow for patients to schedule an in-person or tele consultation at their convenience.

Are Virtual Consults covered by Insurance?
Online consultations are treated in the same was as in-person evaluations. The coverage is equivalent and in some cases, cost sharing can be waived (depending on your plan).  

How are Virtual Consults Performed?
The virtual consultation will feel similar to any other visit.  You will be called by the front desk before your scheduled time to verify demographics and provide any assistance you may require to log-in.  In the exam room portal, you will meet with the vein doctor to discuss your symptoms, medical history , and other important details relevant to your care.  Next, a physical examination will focus on visual identification of any spider veins, varicose veins, ulcerations, swelling, skin discoloration, phlebitis, and corona phlebatica. Your vein doctor may also ask you to perform some self-maneuvers to assist with the evaluation.  Based on this information, the vein doctor will determine the need for any additional testing or treatment recommendations. These will be scheduled once again with the office staff and will be an in-person evaluation. At that time, you will again have an opportunity to meet the doctor.

Article source: https://centralnjveinclinic.weebly.com/blog/virtual-vein-doctor

Pathophysiology of Vein Disease

Vein Disease characterization has been advanced by modern ultrasound techniques, including doppler and color flow. A proper vein specialists in NJ must be knowledgeable in both the performance and reading of venous ultrasound.

The venous system is a holding tank for circulating blood, generally holding up to 70% of the volume at any given time. The circulating blood within veins is transported back to the heart to start a new cycle of oxygenation and recirculation to body tissue and organs.

A dysfunctional venous system is the result of damage to vein walls and valves that result in varicose vein problems. This has been demonstrated under microscopic slide examination.

With vein injury, the size of the veins will increase and lead to valve dysfunction and venous reflux. The effect of this long term is an increase in venous pressure and venous hypertension which is more commonly seen in superficial veins that don’t have the same support as deep veins. The clinical manifestations of venous hypertension include leg cramps, leg swelling, ulceration, and skin discoloration. It's also a common reason why varicose veins itch.

The cosmetic result of venous hypertension is spider and varicose veins, whereas venous insufficiency is more serious and can cause leg swelling and leg ulcerations. Clinical ultrasound has served to facilitate mapping of the underlying venous disorders to guide therapies including endovenous ablation, sclerotherapy and most recently VenaSeal. See before and after pictures of spider veins with treatment.

Article Source:

http://njveinclinic.mystrikingly.com/blog/pathophysiology-of-vein-disease

Six Stages of Varicose Vein Disease

Vein disease is quite prevalent in the US with nearly 1 out of every 4 Americans affected. The disease is more common in females and is most often seen with an inheritance pattern. The most visible symptoms of vein disease are spider and varicose veins, however most suffering from vein disease are unaware of the other potential symptoms and signs related to venous insufficiency. Having awareness of typical signs and symptoms of vein disease is important to avoid progression of vein disease and seeking early diagnosis at a reputable vein clinic.

What Should Tip You Off to Vein Disease?

If you have vein disease it is common to experience some of these symptoms

• Leg pain
• Leg heaviness
• Leg cramps
• Spider veins
• Varicose veins
• Skin discoloration
• Restless leg syndrome
• Leg Ulcers

Vein disease is characterized by stages known as the Clinical-Etiology-Anatomy-Pathophysiology (CEAP) with the greatest attention given to the clinical manifestations. This article will help educate the reader on the different stages of vein disease and proper identification to avoid later complications.

CEAP Class 1:

Spider VeinsThe presence of Spider or Reticular veins are typically the first signs of venous disease.

What Do Spider Veins Look Like?

Telangectasias (or spider veins) are tiny capillaries right on the surface of the skin. They usually form distinct networks or “webs” and can be either bluish/purple or red in color.

What Do Reticular Veins Look Like?

Reticular veins appear as green or blue linear veins on the surface of the skin. They are smaller than varicose veins and do not bulge from the skin. Many times, reticular veins will be noted to underlie a bed of spider veins and as such are referred to as feeder veins. Getting rid of such spider veins will also depend on treating these feeder (or reticular veins).

What Causes Spider and Reticular Veins?

Venous insufficiency and genetics are the most common culprits. Venous insufficiency refers to dilated and incompetent veins underneath the surface of the skin related to either truncal veins or perforator veins. Venous insufficiency is what is responsible for the symptoms of vein disease. The most common reasons for venous insufficiency are:

• Family history
• Prolonged standing or sitting at work or home
• Pregnancy (multiple increases risks)
• Hormone changes or imbalances
• Obesity
• Smoking

Stage 1 disease is often cosmetic in nature and treated with sclerotherapy or vein removal near me. However, a thorough examination by a qualified vein doctor will consider additional symptoms to explore venous insufficiency before cosmetic treatments.

CEAP Class 2:

Varicose VeinsVaricose veins are larger and more dilated veins that appear underneath the surface of the skin as twisted, enlarged veins. It is during Stage Two when individuals become bothered by the appearance and symptoms of vein disease.

• Family history
• Prolonged standing or sitting
• Pregnancy or menopause
• Hormone changes or imbalances
• Obesity

More often than not, spider and reticular veins are treated as a cosmetic issue

Stage Two: Varicose VeinsVaricose veins are larger and more dilated veins (> 3mm) that appear on and above the surface of the skin as twisted, dilated veins. This tends to be the most bothersome sign of vein disease because of the disturbing appearance.

Varicose veins don’t always cause pain or obvious symptoms, but educated patients will realize some of the symptoms may have been considered something else. Proper attention requires a level of understanding that leads to early diagnosis and treatment of venous insufficiency.

Symptoms of Varicose Veins

• Bulging, dark purple or blue veins
• Burning or itchy legs
• Pain and heaviness in the legs
• Restless legs at night
• Charlie horses
• Pain after prolonged periods of standing
• Skin discoloration on legs near the varicose vein
• Superficial phlebitis (inflammation of the vein causing pain)
• Varicose vein bleeding

Causes of Varicose Veins

The problem involves veins in the lower extremities that suffer from high pressure from within. Naturally, blood pools in these veins due to gravity, resulting in high pressure within the veins. Over time, these vein walls can become damaged from the constant pressure and suffer from venous insufficiency. This is when symptoms such as leg cramps, heaviness, and swelling should no longer be ignored.

Risk FactorsThe risk factors for spider veins and varicose veins are the same. Again, the most important determinant is likely to be a family history of vein disease.

CEAP Class 3:

SwellingStage three marks more advanced vein disease and is a strong reason to seek an evaluation. Leg Swelling may be present without obvious signs of spider or varicose veins. The cause of swelling is due to venous insufficiency and indicates increased venous pressures. However, swelling is also a sign of other serious conditions such as hypertension, heart failure, renal or liver disease, malnutrition, lymphatic disease and blood clots. These conditions should be properly considered along with venous insufficiency.
Symptoms Accompanying Leg Swelling/Inflammation:

• Leg heaviness
• Skin indented from external pressure (socks, fingertips, etc.)
• Itchy, dry skin
• Muscle spasms
• Leg ulcers due to significant leg swelling

These symptoms should prompt immediate attention from a health professional or your vein doctor.

CEAP Class 4:

Skin Discoloration/PigmentationAt this stage of vein disease, the appearance of your skin as skin becomes thinner and even some discoloration becomes visible. This is due to the chronic venous hypertension and pooling of blood in the lower extremities that leads to inflammatory changes on the skin.
Symptoms of Skin Discoloration

• Brown or purplish discoloration of the skin (concentrated around the shins and ankles)
• Skin thickening and/or hardening around varicose veins
• Corona Phlebatica
• Leg ulcers

For advanced stages of vein disease (CEAP class 4-6), it’s very important to receive attention from a qualified vein specialist and sometimes even a wound clinic to help manage the disease. Treatment for venous insufficiency becomes paramount if detected by ultrasound.

CEAP Class 5 and 6: Healed and Active UlcersLeg ulcerations result from the chronic, untreated inflammatory condition that results from advanced venous insufficiency. This stage requires coordinated care from a vein specialist and wound clinic, especially with active ulcerations. Most recently, a randomized study reported in the NEJM demonstrated the superiority of early endovenous ablation treatment for the healing of active ulcers in comparison to conservative treatment. This has encouraged the early identification of superficial venous reflux disease in the treatment of leg ulcers.

Putting It All Together:

Spider veins and Varicose Veins represent a continuum of vein disease that culminates in more serious medical concerns with advanced, untreated venous insufficiency.

Awareness of all types of symptoms related to vein disease, especially in the presence of spider or varicose veins should prompt early attention by a vein specialist

The importance of identifying vein disease was strongly supported by recent randomized data demonstrating more rapid healing of leg ulcers with modern vein treatments in comparison to compression stockings and delayed ablation.

Modern vein treatments seek to cure underlying venous reflux using catheter based techniques that are minimally-invasive and improved efficacy. Early treatment for symptomatic vein disease at CEAP class 2 or greater is appropriate when conservative therapies have not alleviated symptoms.

Article Source: 

http://www.beanyblogger.com/aestheticwellness/2020/02/24/stages-of-varicose-vein-disease/