| North Ohio Vascular Surgery Associates, LLC 703 Tyler Street, Suite 351 - Sandusky, Ohio 44870 Toll Free: 1-888-231-7620 Phone: 1-419-621-7620 Fax: 1-419-621-7623 |
| Vein Guide |
| What are varicose veins? |
Varicose veins are veins that have damaged valves that allow blood to
accumulate; engorging and distorting the veins in your leg. They may
appear as either bulging and rope-like, or small and thread-like. These veins
result in aching, tired and swollen legs; create a burning, throbbing, or
itching sensation; and cause muscle cramps and a general restlessness in
your legs. Most patients who suffer from this illness have a family history of
varicose veins, but in women, pregnancy or birth control pills may worsen
your chances of having varicose veins.
accumulate; engorging and distorting the veins in your leg. They may
appear as either bulging and rope-like, or small and thread-like. These veins
result in aching, tired and swollen legs; create a burning, throbbing, or
itching sensation; and cause muscle cramps and a general restlessness in
your legs. Most patients who suffer from this illness have a family history of
varicose veins, but in women, pregnancy or birth control pills may worsen
your chances of having varicose veins.
| What are spider veins? |
Spider veins are usually seen as small red, blue or purple veins on the
surface of the thighs, calves and ankles. In women, they appear to be
hormonally induced and are also commonly associated with pregnancy and
menstruation. Although in most cases they are not painful, the veins often
cause discomfort.
surface of the thighs, calves and ankles. In women, they appear to be
hormonally induced and are also commonly associated with pregnancy and
menstruation. Although in most cases they are not painful, the veins often
cause discomfort.
| What happens during an initial consultation? |
When you come to us, you will complete a patient medical history form. Our
specialists will examine you and answer your questions. An individualized
treatment plan will be developed for you. You will most likely be scheduled
to undergo an ultrasound test of your circulation.
specialists will examine you and answer your questions. An individualized
treatment plan will be developed for you. You will most likely be scheduled
to undergo an ultrasound test of your circulation.
| How can spider veins be treated? |
A common form of treatment for spider veins is sclerotherapy. This is an
in-office procedure where veins are injected with a medicated solution,
using fine needles, which causes the vein to collapse and fade from view.
in-office procedure where veins are injected with a medicated solution,
using fine needles, which causes the vein to collapse and fade from view.
| How can varicose veins be treated? |
Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT) was FDA-approved in 2002, and is a
quick, minimally invasive laser treatment performed in our office. The entire
procedure takes about an hour and causes little or no pain. EVLT uses
laser energy to treat the underlying cause of varicose veins by closing off
the vein. To ensure the vein is closed completely, you will be required to
wear compression stockings.
quick, minimally invasive laser treatment performed in our office. The entire
procedure takes about an hour and causes little or no pain. EVLT uses
laser energy to treat the underlying cause of varicose veins by closing off
the vein. To ensure the vein is closed completely, you will be required to
wear compression stockings.
| How will my blood circulate if I eliminate my varicose veins? |
Your body will use other healthy veins to return blood to the heart. Varicose
veins are a burden on your circulation and correcting the flow can only
improve your circulation. In treating varicose veins, we eliminate only the
bad veins and safeguard the healthy veins for normal circulation.
veins are a burden on your circulation and correcting the flow can only
improve your circulation. In treating varicose veins, we eliminate only the
bad veins and safeguard the healthy veins for normal circulation.
| Does Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT) cause any side effects? |
Complications resulting from EVLT are very rare. Mild discomfort can occur
as well as some bruising.
as well as some bruising.
| How many spider vein treatments are necessary to remove such veins? |
Treatment depends on the type of veins you have, but generally a few
sessions are required to obtain maximum benefit. Our specialists will tailor
the treatment to your specific needs. Following sclerotherapy, support
stockings should be worn on treated legs.
sessions are required to obtain maximum benefit. Our specialists will tailor
the treatment to your specific needs. Following sclerotherapy, support
stockings should be worn on treated legs.
| Does sclerotherapy cause any side effects? |
As with all medical procedures, side effects and complications are possible.
However, allergic reactions are extremely rare and are usually mild when
they do occur. You may develop itching, dermatitis and a mild, temporary
increase in pigmentation if you have any of the following: darker skin,
overly sensitive skin, very dense spider veins, or if your skin is already
damaged because your veins have deteriorated too much.
However, allergic reactions are extremely rare and are usually mild when
they do occur. You may develop itching, dermatitis and a mild, temporary
increase in pigmentation if you have any of the following: darker skin,
overly sensitive skin, very dense spider veins, or if your skin is already
damaged because your veins have deteriorated too much.
| Can varicose veins recur? |
If you have a chronic vein problem, your chances of recurrence are affected
by several factors, the two most important of which are: your compliance
with your treatment plan and the thoroughness of your treatment.
Unfortunately, many patients quit treatment too early and the remaining
untreated veins left in the leg can cause later problems.
by several factors, the two most important of which are: your compliance
with your treatment plan and the thoroughness of your treatment.
Unfortunately, many patients quit treatment too early and the remaining
untreated veins left in the leg can cause later problems.
| Does insurance pay for the vein treatments? |
Many insurance plans cover medically necessary varicose vein treatment,
however, spider vein treatments are usually considered cosmetic. Once
Dr. Buehrer or Dr. Kim has determined your best course of treatment, and
before we begin your procedure(s), our office staff can contact your
insurance carrier to verify your coverage and your financial responsibility.
however, spider vein treatments are usually considered cosmetic. Once
Dr. Buehrer or Dr. Kim has determined your best course of treatment, and
before we begin your procedure(s), our office staff can contact your
insurance carrier to verify your coverage and your financial responsibility.
| I have more questions, who can I call? |
Feel free to call our office any time at 419-621-7620 or toll free at
888-231-7620. If you prefer, please send an email to
info@northohiovascular.com.
We are happy to answer any questions you have.
888-231-7620. If you prefer, please send an email to
info@northohiovascular.com.
We are happy to answer any questions you have.
Patient
Testimonials
"I loved my EVLT!
The procedure
was very smooth
and I had total
confidence in Dr.
Buehrer and Dr.
Kim! I felt that the
recovery time was
amazingly fast. I
could have gone
back to work the
same day."
Cathy - Sandusky
"I am very
pleased! I have
no problems with
my leg any more.
I'm amazed at
how easy it went.
Best I've felt in
years!"
Chuck - Attica
Testimonials
"I loved my EVLT!
The procedure
was very smooth
and I had total
confidence in Dr.
Buehrer and Dr.
Kim! I felt that the
recovery time was
amazingly fast. I
could have gone
back to work the
same day."
Cathy - Sandusky
"I am very
pleased! I have
no problems with
my leg any more.
I'm amazed at
how easy it went.
Best I've felt in
years!"
Chuck - Attica
| Before Treatment |
| After Treatment |