Which treatment is best for you is determined by you and your doctor after review of your history, physical exam, and ultrasound study. At the Locastro Vein Center we offer the latest state of the art technologies for a wide array of venous issues.
Laser Ablation: This treatment replaces the formal “vein stripping” that was done years ago. The cause of most varicose veins is a weakening of the valves in the Long Saphenous Vein (it runs down the inside of your leg), or one of the other main superficial veins. In Laser ablation , also called Endovenous Laser Treatment or EVLT, a tiny laser fiber is inserted into the abnormal vein, and when fired, it “welds” the vein shut, preventing the blood from backing up into it. The procedure is done under local anesthesia. The patient is placed in compression stockings and can resume normal activities soon afterwards.
Radio Frequency or RF: This procedure, also called the CLOSURE procedure, is very similar to laser ablation, but instead of a laser fiber being used a tiny coated wire is used to transmit the energy to close off the vein.
VenaSeal: This is the latest technique in venous care. With this procedure the abnormal trunks are closed with a GLUE. The advantage is that essentially no anesthetic is required, there is virtually no pain afterwards, and many centers don’t even apply compression stockings after. Many insurance companies are starting to cover the procedure.
Ambulatory Phlebectomy: This procedure involves making a series of tiny punctures over a dilated vein and removing it with a tiny “crotchet hook”. The procedure is done under local anesthetic, in the office, and often at the same time as EVLT or RF. No sutures are required, there is minimal post op discomfort, and patients can resume normal activities soon afterwards.
Sclerotherapy: This procedure can be used for spider or varicose veins
For spider veins a tiny needle is placed in the visible surface veins and a small amount of liquid or foam is injected into the vein to scar it down. There is no downtime. Norman activities can be resumed immediately afterwards. The needle is very small and usually very well tolerated. Stockings are warn afterwards for a few days. For spider veins several treatments are usually required to get the desired result.
Sclerotherapy can also be used for larger veins. In this technique a needle is placed in the vein with the help of ultrasound and a FOAM is then injected into the vein. This causes the abnormal vein to scar down. This procedure is called Ultrasound Guided Foam Sclerotherapy, and it has greatly enhanced our ability to treat varicose vein patients, venous ulcer patients, and especially those who have gotten a recurrence after other failed procedures.
Varithena®: Varithena is a new treatment procedure that improves symptoms related to or caused by varicose veins and the appearance of varicose veins. Dr. Locastro is the only area doctor performing this procedure.
- Procedures in < 1 hour
- Only 1-2 needle sticks per treatment
- Painless
- Return to work in 1 day
- Covered by most Medicare & Insurance plans