Varicose Vein Treatment in Colorado Springs & Lone Tree

As Lone Tree’s and Colorado Springs’ leading expert in vein disease and treatment, Albert Vein Institute is dedicated to using leading-edge technologies to correct both medical and cosmetic vein issues with shorter recovery times and improved long-term results.

Colorado Springs & Lone Tree area varicose vein treatment options include:

• Compression Stockings Therapy
• Endovenous Laser Ablation
• Varithena Chemical Ablation
• Venclose Radiofrequency Ablation
• Microphlebectomy (Ambulatory Phlebectomy)
• Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy
• Foam and Liquid Sclerotherapy

Compression Stockings Therapy

Compression therapy can be an effective way to alleviate some of the symptoms of varicose veins. Gradient compression stockings provide pressure around the foot and ankle and then less pressure toward the top of the leg. This helps leg muscles move blood up the leg to the heart, and prevents superficial veins beneath the stocking from pooling with blood.

Compression stockings cannot, however, cure the underlying venous reflux condition that causes varicose veins. So while compression therapy can be used to manage symptoms, your varicose vein condition can still progress to the point that more advanced treatment is necessary.

It should also be noted that many insurance providers require compression therapy before you can become eligible for more curative treatments. Please read our blog post on compression stockings.

Endovenous Thermal Laser Ablation - (EVLA)

Endovenous laser has been proven highly effective for over a decade of use and is a simple, office-based procedure that is minimally invasive.

After using a local anesthetic, a small needle is inserted into the saphenous vein (that is no longer functioning properly) and a laser is then advanced up the leg. After the laser is confirmed to be in the correct place, it is activated, gently heating and safely closing the vein, which is eventually absorbed by the body.

Unlike vein stripping, EVLA is a minimally invasive procedure, so patients are frequently back to their everyday activities within a few days. There is no need for general anesthesia as everything is done with local anesthesia at Albert Vein Institute.

Radiofrequency Thermal Ablation - (RF)

Another technology for treating venous reflux is the Radiofrequency Thermal Ablation, which uses radiofrequency heat to close and seal the saphenous veins.

The ClosureFast treatment involves inserting a small catheter into the saphenous vein and uses radiofrequency energy to heat and seal the vein. Blood is naturally routed to other, healthy veins, and the collapsed vein in the leg is absorbed by body tissue.

The RF catheter heats a seven-centimeter vein segment (or three centimeters for shorter vein lengths) in one 20-second interval. A feedback mechanism measures the heat parameters to automatically regulate therapeutic power. The heat from the catheter collapses the vein, creating a seal and occluding the vessel.

Unlike vein stripping, RF is a minimally invasive technique, patients are frequently back to their normal activities within a few days. No general anesthesia is required for this procedure, only local anesthesia.

Microphlebectomy (Ambulatory Phlebectomy)

Microphlebectomy (also known as ambulatory phlebectomy) is a procedure for removing varicose veins that are at the surface of the skin. These twisted, bulgy veins are easily seen and are the result of faulty valves in the saphenous veins. Ambulatory phlebectomy is often used in conjunction with CoolTouch laser or radiofrequency technologies for the treatment of varicose veins. The Laser or RF will close the saphenous vein(s) that are the cause of the varicose veins, and the ambulatory phlebectomy will treat the varicose veins themselves.

Although we are actually removing a vein, microphlebectomy is still a minimally invasive procedure that requires only local anesthesia. The vein is removed through a series of very small punctures in the skin. Removing the vein in small sections minimizes the occurrence of blood clots and makes for a faster healing time. There’s no need for stitches, and there is virtually no scarring.

Ultrasound Medical Guided Sclerotherapy

Often used to treat veins that are too small or too twisted to treat with a laser, ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy uses ultrasound technology to guide injections of a solution that seal the vein at the source of the problem. This treatment is also commonly used in patients who have had surgical vein stripping and have residual pieces of leaking vein. It is a highly effective alternative when laser treatment is not appropriate.

The injection uses either a liquid or a foam solution that irritates the vein wall, causing it to close up. Blood is diverted to other veins after the problem vein is sealed. The vein that is injected with the solution is eventually absorbed into your body. [AVI only uses FDA approved pharmacological scleroscants and does not use products from compounding pharmacies for all sclerotherapy.]

What Are the Benefits of Ultrasound Medical Guided Sclerotherapy?

Relief from symptoms associated with varicose veins is quick and has few side effects. With no anesthesia needed and no downtime after your treatment, ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy is a highly effective vein disease treatment and a valuable tool in fighting vein disease. This procedure is a great aid in preventing recurrence.

Foam vs. Liquid Sclerotherapy

There are both liquid and foam agents that can be used in sclerotherapy. Liquid is the traditional agent, and foam was developed to allow doctors to treat larger varicose veins as it covers a larger surface area inside the vein. Also, rather than mixing with the blood as the liquid agent does, foam displaces blood within the vein and can produce faster, more effective results.

Duplex Ultrasound

At the Albert Vein Institute, varicose veins and other vein diseases are diagnosed by combining a physical examination with a non-invasive ultrasound test to determine the cause of your venous problems.

Our duplex ultrasound evaluates the flow of blood through your veins. A handheld instrument (transducer) is passed lightly over the skin above a vein. The transducer uses reflected sound waves to see how blood flows through a vessel. It can show blocked or reduced flow of blood and reveal blood clots in leg veins. We use this fast, efficient, and painless diagnostic tool to pinpoint abnormal valve function in your superficial veins (great and small saphenous veins).