Venous Insufficiency & Varicose Veins

Causes of Varicose Veins

  • Genetics

    • 70% of Patients with Varicose Veins have Parents with Varicose Veins
  • Pregnancy
    • 80% of Women Develop Varicose Veins in the 1st Trimester (Progesterone Related)
  • Obesity
    • Causes Strain on the Vein Valves
  • Ambulatory Occupations

Prevalence of Venous Insufficiency & Varicose Veins

  • 40 million in U.S. have varicose veins
  • Four times more prevalent than arterial disease
  • Varicose veins affect 25% of women and 15% of men
  • Over 1 million people in U.S. seek treatment yearly
  • Over 150,000 surgical vein strippings yearly

Treatment of Venous Insufficiency & Varicose Veins

  • Surgical stripping used to be the primary and only treatment, but it was an unfavored choice due to risk of significant postoperative pain and morbidity. Using modern laser technology, a new treatment has been developed called Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT). EVLT produces significantly lower morbidity and less postoperative discomfort while achieving the same level or even improved clinical efficacy. Other complementary treatments include ambulatory phlebectomy, and compression stockings.

Improvements Over Vein Stripping

  • One hour treatment time
  • Immediate ambulation
  • Performed in physician's office
  • Much less expensive
  • Clinical results are established
  • Two and three year follow up at 97% - 98%
  • Complications are mild and infrequent