How is it diagnosed?
The gold standard for diagnosing varicose veins is a duplex ultrasound of the lower extremity vessels. This examination provides clear images of the vein walls, their structure, size changes, and valve function, including any valvular insufficiency. It can also reveal the presence of a thrombus, allowing for an assessment of the thrombus tip and the risk of it breaking off, as well as an estimation of when the thrombus formed. This information is crucial for determining the appropriate treatment strategy and planning any necessary surgery.
At the PulseMed Medical Center, a detailed map is created during the duplex examination, highlighting both healthy and diseased veins. This map serves as a valuable guide for the surgeon during the operation, ensuring that only the affected veins are removed while preserving the healthy ones. The duplex examination at PulseMed is conducted by vascular surgeon Ani Abovyan, who has trained in duplex ultrasound and laser varicose vein surgery with leading specialists in Europe and Russia.
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All the Latest Methods for Capillary and Couperose Removal at PulseMed
Contents:
- Sclerotherapy
- Sclerotherapy with Ultrasound Guidance
- Laser Coagulation of Telangiectasias
- The Newest CLACS Method
Chronic venous insufficiency is a common condition worldwide, affecting about 70% of adults. It not only poses significant health risks but also creates aesthetic concerns that can negatively impact a patient’s quality of life.
Sclerotherapy: Key Features
Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure involving injections that cause only slight discomfort. Using a fine needle, a small amount of a harmless adhesive solution is injected into the dilated vessel, causing the vessel walls to stick together. This closes off the vessel, which is gradually absorbed by the body and permanently disappears.
After the 20-30 minute procedure, it is necessary to walk for 40 minutes and wear compression stockings for 5-15 days, depending on the size of the treated vessels.
Sclerotherapy can be performed using either liquid or foam, depending on the type of vessel. A duplex ultrasound examination is required before the procedure to confirm the diagnosis. Afterward, some swelling and bruising may occur, but these typically subside within two weeks.
Advantages of this method include:
- High therapeutic and aesthetic effectiveness
- Minimal discomfort during the procedure
- Short procedure time
- No rehabilitation period required
Sclerotherapy with Ultrasound Guidance
This method involves foam sclerotherapy guided by ultrasound, which is particularly effective for deeper or larger vessels. The procedure still takes only 20-30 minutes, followed by a mandatory 40-minute walk and wearing compression stockings for two weeks.
Laser Coagulation of Telangiectasias
Telangiectasias, small purple spider veins, are treated using a specialized vascular laser. The laser penetrates 1-2 mm into the skin, causing a stable spasm of the vessel without damaging the skin. The treated vessels are absorbed by the body within 2-4 weeks. In some cases, compression stockings may not even be necessary.
The Newest CLACS Method
CLACS, or CryoLaser CryoSclerotherapy, is the latest and most effective method that combines laser treatment with injections for faster and more efficient results. This technique is performed for the first time in Armenia, exclusively at the PulseMed clinic. After the procedure, compression stockings are not required, but special creams should be applied to the skin.
Title:
Varicose Vein Laser Surgery According to Modern European Guidelines
What is Varicose Disease?
What is the best treatment method for varicose veins?
Varicose veins develop due to the weakening of the vessel walls, which can be caused by several factors:
- Hereditary predisposition
- Physical exertion
- Pregnancy
- Hormonal imbalances
- Occupations requiring prolonged standing (e.g., hairdressers, cooks, salespeople, waiters)
- Sitting for extended periods (e.g., office workers, tailors, programmers), especially in improper positions such as sitting with crossed legs
- Wearing high heels frequently
- Obesity
- A sedentary lifestyle
All of these factors contribute to increased pressure in the blood vessels, disrupting the normal flow of blood through the veins in the legs. As a result, the veins become overfilled with blood, causing them to expand and leading to blood stagnation in the lower legs.
As a consequence, many symptoms and skin changes can appear, including:
- Leg heaviness and fatigue at the end of the day
- Swelling in the lower legs
- Nighttime muscle cramps
- Pain and burning sensations
- The appearance of varicose veins and spider veins
- Skin hardening, redness, pain, and even the development of trophic ulcers
If left untreated, varicose veins can lead to a serious complication: thrombosis. In thrombosis, a blood clot forms within the affected vein, causing localized redness, sharp pain, and difficulty placing weight on the affected leg.
Thrombosis, in turn, can result in a potentially life-threatening complication: pulmonary embolism. In this condition, a part of the blood clot breaks off, travels through the bloodstream to the heart, and blocks a branch of the pulmonary artery, which may lead to sudden death.
Signs of pulmonary embolism include acute chest pain, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing. If these symptoms occur, immediate medical attention is necessary.
What is the Best Treatment for Varicose Veins?
Thanks to advancements in modern medicine, varicose veins can now be treated quickly and effectively. Laser surgery for varicose veins allows even the most complicated cases to be addressed in about an hour, without the need for incisions, stitches, or general or epidural anesthesia—only local tumescent anesthesia is used. In fact, some patients don’t need to miss any work at all, as they can return home 40 minutes after the procedure and go back to work the following day.
How is Laser Surgery for Varicose Veins Performed?
Using duplex ultrasound, the surgeon identifies the puncture site of the affected vein. A needle is then used to access the vein, through which a guidewire and dilator are inserted. The laser fiber is passed along the guidewire to the start of the diseased vein. While monitoring the procedure on a screen, the surgeon administers tumescent anesthesia along the length of the vein. Then, the laser is activated to close the vein, slowly withdrawing the fiber to ensure complete closure. Over time, the closed vein is absorbed and disappears.
The procedure is entirely safe and painless, with the patient only experiencing minor discomfort during the tumescent anesthesia injections.
Immediately after surgery, the patient is fitted with compression stockings, stands up, walks for 40 minutes, and can then return home.
How to Prevent Varicose Veins
- Avoid prolonged standing or sitting
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Engage in regular physical activity
- Wear compression stockings
