What are my options when compression stockings don't help?

As you may know, leg veins contain one-way valves that allow blood to defy gravity and travel up to the heart from our lower extremities. If these valves leak or become damaged, blood can pool in the legs, which can cause veins to become enlarged or varicose. People with varicose veins often suffer from the following symptoms and seek out vein specialists near me:

• Leg pains including the feet
• Skin irritation
• Leg Swelling
• Skin Discoloration
• Inflammation

In the past, the best treatment for varicose veins involved an invasive surgical procedure called vein stripping. Fortunately, technological advancements have allowed us to replace vein stripping with minimally invasive, relatively painless procedures.

There are two primary methods for modern varicose vein treatment, both of which are outpatient procedures that do not require general anesthesia.

The first option is Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA), which uses high-frequency radio waves to heat the targeted vein. The radiofrequency energy is transmitted using a specialized catheter that’s inserted into the vein.

The second is Endovenous Laser Ablation (ELA). This approach is quite similar to RFA, but instead of using radio waves to heat varicose veins, ELA uses laser energy to initiate scarring. This is different than laser treatment for spider veins.
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While both RFA and ELA are very safe procedures, it’s always important to discuss the risks with your doctor. Here are some of the risks you should be aware of before undergoing a vein ablation procedure:

• Skin burns, though rare, are possible due to heat
• Blood clotting, though also rare, is possible
• After surgery, patients sometimes feel burning or prickling sensation from the nerve damage

​Following the ablation procedure, it’s recommended that the patient wear a gradient compression stocking to help reduce tenderness, bruising, and minimize the possibility of blood clots forming. Because the procedures are minimally invasive, the recovery period is relatively short. Still, only the best vein doctors should be considered. If you’re considering varicose vein treatment, one should consider an exhaustive research before choosing the best vein doctor near me.


Article Source:  http://sjveins.over-blog.com/2020/05/what-are-my-options-when-compression-stockings-don-t-help.html

Spider Veins vs. Varicose Veins - What's the Difference?

Varicose veins and spider veins are often confused with each other and used synonymously by many people. However, there are a lot of differences. Here we will explain those differences so you can identify what you have, and what is the best vein treatment plan.

Varicose veins are veins that are large, swollen, twisted, and are protruding from under the skin. Sometimes they are visible with the naked eye, but many times, they are not visible with simple examination.

Telangiectasia (aka Spider veins) are tiny capillaries right on the surface of the skin. These usually form tiny networks or “webs” (hence the term “spider veins”) and can be either pink/purple or red in color.

What do Varicose Veins and Spider Veins have in common?

1. They are both unsightly and are of a cosmetic concern for most patients

2. They can both cause symptoms of heaviness, aching and tiredness

3. They both are often the result of an underlying cause

4. They can both be treated with the latest technological advancements in Venous Disease

The big differences between the two is in appearance:

1. Varicose veins are large, swollen blood vessels that are twisted. They form in the legs.

2. Spider veins are smaller and have a more web-like appearance. Also, spider veins can form on the legs, chest, and even on the face.

3. Are varicose vein treatments covered by insurance? Yes, with medical necessity, varicose veins are a medical condition unlike spider veins and are covered.

Patients with varicose veins and spider veins can be treated in the same manner many times. If you think you have either of these, you should find the best vein doctor and have a thorough examination and detailed assessment. Screenings with advanced technology to diagnose vein disease such as a Duplex Ultrasound Machine can determine the extent of venous disease.

One should never assume that spider veins or varicose veins are only on the surface of the skin and not part of a larger medical issue. Spider veins and varicose veins are usually an indicator of severe underlying venous disease. It is troubling to see patient after patient receive no formal evaluation of their veins despite obvious symptoms. This is can be counter-productive and costly given how much spider vein treatment cost.

The rule should be to always have your legs properly assessed at a proper nj vein center before any vein treatment—a simple ultrasound can help you find a cure with the best treatment plan.

Living with varicose and spider veins can be unsightly, painful, and can have longterm health effects. It is important to get your vein disease assessed and diagnosed by a a vein and vascular institute that is accredited and well-regarded in the community.

Article Source: https://njveinwellness.bcz.com/2020/05/07/spider-veins-vs-varicose-veins-whats-the-difference/

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.
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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 
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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