Norman Regional Health System

Venous disease is common and a significant amount of venous disease is due to genetics. Twenty five million people suffer from some form of venous disease and more than 80 percent of people greater than 70 years old are affected by venous disease.

Norman Regional’s Vein Clinic offers comprehensive vein treatment for individuals suffering from venous disease or painful vein problems and treatment for unsightly veins on the legs. Venous disease or insufficiency can be a life altering medical condition and should be evaluated by a specialist. Venous insufficiency occurs when the blood pools in your legs, which makes it difficult for the blood to return to your heart.

Self-assessment

Risk factors of venous disease include:

  • Heredity
  • Advanced age
  • Female
  • Overweight
  • Previous deep vein clot
  • Multiple pregnancies
  • Inactivity
  • Prolonged sitting or prolonged standing
  • Heavy lifting
  • Hormonal changes
  • Diabetes
  • Hypertension

Healthy veins have one-way valves that open and close to direct the flow of blood from the extremities to the heart. Venous reflux occurs when these valves become damaged and do not close completely, allowing the blood to flow with gravity back into the lower leg.

Veins react to the increased pressure downward by dilating. The dilated veins are called varicose veins. Abnormalities in these vessels can cause pain, swelling and discoloration in the legs. Severe venous disease can lead to ulcerations.

There is no need to continue to suffer with venous disease with the current medical advancements and various treatment options.

Symptoms of venous disease include:

  • Varicose veins or veins greater than 3 millimeters in diameter, generally dilated and tortuous
  • Leg or ankle swelling that is worse by the end of the day
  • Spider veins (Telangiectasia) 0.2 to 1 millimeter, generally fine and bluish
  • Reticular 1-3 millimeters in size, generally bluish black
  • Leg fatigue, heaviness or aching
  • Burning or itching skin
  • Discoloration of the skin below the knee which is often ruddy or brownish
  • Leg cramps or restless legs, especially at night

Treatment options

Radiofrequency Ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that treats venous disease by introducing a tiny ultrasound guided catheter through the opening in the skin and into the vein. Local anesthetic provides comfort with little to no pain and allows for you to have the procedure done as an outpatient. The catheter emits a small amount of heated radiofrequency energy into the vessel causing the vein to collapse. Once the diseased vessel is no longer open, blood will find an alternate pathway to healthy veins.

This technique has many advantages, including:

  • It can be performed in a doctor’s office
  • It has up to a 98 percent success rate
  • It often takes less than an hour to complete
  • It often provides relief of symptoms
  • You can return to regular activities almost immediately
  • There are no scars

Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy is the treatment of small varicose veins by injecting a chemical agent into the vein that causes the vein to deconstruct and collapse. This procedure can be performed in a doctor’s office with little to no down-time and only minimal discomfort and bruising.

Non-Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy is treatment of superficial spider and reticular veins by injecting a chemical agent into the vein that causes the vein to deconstruct and collapse. This procedure can be performed in a doctor’s office with little to no down-time and only minimal discomfort and bruising. Non-ultrasound guided Sclerotherapy is considered cosmetic and is generally not covered by insurance.

Micro Phlebectomy is treatment for varicose veins that can be performed in a doctor’s office under local anesthesia. It consists of tiny incisions being made over the larger portion of the veins allowing for that section of the diseased vein to be removed.

Spider Veins

Spider veins are thin veins that often appear red, blue or purple and rest just under the surface of your skin, resembling spider webs. Spider veins most commonly appear on the legs, but may also appear on the chest, face or hands. Although spider veins can be a symptom of Venous Disease and cause you pain or discomfort, your spider veins may not be related to Venous Disease and cause you little-to-no-pain.

A number of factors may contribute to the development of spider veins, including:

  • Heredity
  • Hormonal changes
  • Prolonged sitting or standing due to one’s occupation
  • Pregnancy
  • Weight fluctuation

If not related to a more serious issue, many people still want their spider veins removed due to discomfort or due to unsightly and unpleasant appearance.

A screening is done prior to treatment to make sure your spider veins are not related to a more serious issue. Insurance does not cover spider vein removal because it is considered an elective, cosmetic-only procedure. The amount of treatments you will need depends on the amount of spider veins you have.

Call the Vein Clinic 405-515-4444 to learn more about treatment options and if you qualify.