What Is the Best Treatment for Venous Insufficiency?

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) occurs when one or more veins – usually in the legs – are not doing a complete job of pushing depleted blood back to the heart, and blood is pooling in the vein. If blood is having difficulty returning to the heart for refortification and reoxygenation, the vein can appear as a varicose vein or spider vein because it is receiving extra pressure in that spot. If the vein is further inside your body, it can create aches and pains.

Venous insufficiency can cause swelling, itching, and even the potential of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in severe cases. Without treatment, CVI can also result in skin ulcers if the vein bursts through the skin, and this can lead to a severe infection.

Treatments for Chronic Venous Insufficiency

The first methods that are often used to noninvasively treat chronic venous insufficiency include compression therapy (such as wearing compression socks) and medication to improve blood flow in the veins. If those methods are ineffective or you need a more thorough treatment, you may consider the following minimally invasive surgical procedures:

Sclerotherapy

For varicose veins that are small, sclerotherapy may work best for you. Sclerotherapy involves the doctor injecting a solution directly into the problem vein, thereby destroying the vein and eventually leading to its collapse. Soon enough, the vein will be naturally absorbed and eliminated from the body. The blood will be automatically re-routed via adjacent healthy veins.

Endovenous Ablation

For moderate to severe varicose veins, endovenous thermal ablation may be more effective. Endovenous ablation uses either laser energy or high-frequency radio waves to produce heat that is designed to destroy the problem veins.

With laser therapy, a small fiber is inserted into the vein, and then heat is introduced. With high-frequency radio waves, a tiny catheter is guided into the affected vein before introducing heat.

The heat causes the vein to close and to eventually be absorbed by the body. These procedures can help restore normal blood flow to the veins.

Microphlebectomy

For veins that are too bulgy and twisted for endovenous ablation or sclerotherapy, the vein doctor may recommend that you have a microphlebectomy. In this procedure, the doctor makes tiny incisions to remove the problematic vein.

Vein Doctor in Marshall and Liberty, MO

For the expert treatment of venous insufficiency, spider veins, and varicose veins, put your trust in the skilled hands of Dr. Scott Darling. Dr. Darling is a triple-board-certified vein doctor in Kansas City, and he will let you know what treatment options would work best in your case. He can explain the procedures in detail so you are empowered to make a decision about your healthcare.

If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Darling, contact our friendly staff today by calling us at (816) 792-3400 or by filling out our online appointment request form now. We look forward to helping you achieve smooth, clear, healthy skin, and better circulation!