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Vein Therapy
What is the Vein Therapy Center of Fairfield County? The Vein Therapy Center of Fairfield County is located at Norwalk Radiology and Mammography Center and offers advanced treatments for patients with varicose and spider veins. Using minimally invasive procedures, varicose veins can be treated on an outpatient basis without the discomfort and recuperation often associated with traditional surgical techniques. Patients walk in for their procedures, walk out after their procedures, and resume normal activities. State-of-the-art Endovenous Laser Therapy and Ambulatory Phlebectomy are the procedures used by the center in the treatment of varicose veins. Spider veins are treated with sclerotherapy.
What causes varicose veins and spider veins? One factor is heredity, so you have a higher chance of developing varicose veins if there is a history with your parents and grandparents. Women are more often affected by varicose and spider veins than men, due to pregnancy and possibly normal hormonal changes that weaken the vein walls. Prolonged standing and being overweight can intensify the conditions. What are the symptoms of varicose veins? Varicose veins can cause a feeling of heaviness, cramps, throbbing, swelling, fatigue and pain. These symptoms can impact significantly on lifestyle. Often, elevating the legs can alleviate some of these symptoms. In addition, varicose veins can blemish the legs and impact on self-confidence and lifestyle. What are the treatments for Varicose Veins? The Vein Therapy Center offers the most advanced outpatient treatments for varicose veins that are quick, leave virtually no scars, and use local anesthesia. It is no longer necessary to undergo the discomfort, recuperation, and scarring often associated with the traditional “stripping” surgery. Endovenous Laser Therapy and Ambulatory Phlebectomy are performed in the Vein Center and patients walk out being able to resume normal activity. What is Endovenous Laser Therapy or EVLT? Endovenous Laser Therapy or EVLT, is performed on an outpatient basis using a laser light which is inserted into the vein through a very small needle puncture in the leg. The malfunctioning vein valves are “sealed off”. Local anesthesia is used and patients walk out of the office resuming normal activity. A compression stocking is worn for a limited time after the procedure to promote the healing and new blood flow. What is Ambulatory Phlebectomy? Ambulatory Phlebectomy is an outpatient procedure where micro–incisions are made in the skin of the leg and small segments of the undesired vein are gently removed. The entire varicosity should shrink significantly or disappear. The incisions are so small that stitches are generally not necessary and there is virtually no scarring. Local anesthesia is used and patients are able to resume normal activity after the procedure. A compression stocking is worn for a limited time after the procedure to promote the healing and new blood flow. Where does the blood go after the sealing or removal of the diseased vein? There are many other veins in the leg that are healthy and the blood is re-routed to them. The veins in the surface of the skin that have a spider web-like appearance are know by various names including spider veins, venous stars or reticular networks. Spider veins are very small and superficial veins that appear as a red, purple, or blue network or web on the leg. Often, there are several sites of spider veins on a leg. What is the treatment for Spider Veins? Injection therapy, or Sclerotherapy, particularly for smaller veins, has been the mainstay of treatment for many years. How will I know which procedure is right for my situation? You will be scheduled for an initial consultation and the Vein Therapy Center physician will make a preliminary recommendation for your course of treatment. An ultrasound of your legs will then be performed to determine the specific vein malfunction in your leg or legs. If you have varicose and spider veins, the varicose are treated first as they contribute to varicosities in smaller veins. When successful treatment of larger veins is achieved, smaller veins can then be treated. Who performs the treatment procedures for varicose and spider veins? The Vein Therapy Center is staffed by Board Certified Radiologists with specialized Vascular and Interventional Fellowship training. Where is the Vein Therapy Center located? The Vein Therapy Center is located at Norwalk Radiology and Mammography Center, 148 East Avenue in Norwalk. Patients are seen and treated in a comfortable and private setting. How can I contact the Vein Therapy Center? 203-855-0167 or Does Insurance Cover Endovenous Laser Therapy and Ambulatory Phlebectomy? Insurance coverage varies, and as these procedures are new, our insurance representative will work closely with you to determine any coverage that you may have with your individual insurance. Does Insurance Cover Sclerotherapy? Sclerotherapy is generally considered "cosmetic" and is, therefore, not covered by insurance. |
Varicose veins are common. Approximately 25% of all women and 15% of all men suffer from varicose veins. Your veins carry blood from the capillaries to the heart. In your leg, this means the blood has to flow upward, against gravity. Over time vein valves can fail allowing blood to pool, and causing the bulging and twisting characteristic of varicose veins. These veins can appear as bumps or lumpy protrusions underneath the skin and can cause symptoms of fatigue, aching pain, and heaviness of your leg. Often symptoms are relieved by leg elevation.
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148 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06851 • Phone: (203) 838-4886