Vein & Vascular Disease

Varicose Vein Treatment

Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins close to the skin surface. These veins are commonly visible under the skin. They most often occur in your legs and feet due to the increased pressure in your leg veins while standing and walking, but varicose can also develop in other areas of the body.

There are numerous treatment options for varicose veins. Once a detailed ultrasound of your legs is completed, your Minneapolis Vein Center provider will explain the ultrasound findings in detail and provide you with specific treatment options.

Phlebectomy

Also called ambulatory phlebectomy, this procedure is done to remove varicose veins near the skin’s surface. Small incisions are made in the skin, and the physician removes the varicose veins using a small hook. There is no need for stitches, and the small incisions heal thoroughly in about four weeks. This procedure is typically done along with other venous procedures needed to treat the root cause of the varicose veins.

Venous ablation

A thin catheter placed inside the vein directs laser or radiofrequency to the walls of the diseased vein, which heats it, causing it to collapse and seal closed. Your body sends or reroutes blood to nearby healthy veins, improving the venous circulation in your legs.

Sclerotherapy

This procedure involves injecting a solution into the diseased veins using a small needle. This medication irritates the vein lining, causing it to scar down and close. The body then absorbs these closed veins.

Self-care and lifestyle modifications

Compression stockings, leg elevation, weight loss, exercise, and anti-inflammatory medications (such as ibuprofen) can help to alleviate the discomfort varicose veins cause. Many patients attempt these measures before seeking medical interventions.

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Treatment

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is caused by plaque building up on the inside of the walls of arteries that carry blood to your extremities. Your arteries then start a process called atherosclerosis, during which they harden and narrow. This is why PAD can increase your risk of heart attack or stroke.

MOST COMMON PROCEDURES

Your doctor may recommend the following procedures to treat advanced PAD signs and symptoms:

Angioplasty
A minimally invasive procedure where a balloon is placed inside a blocked artery and then inflated to restore overall blood flow.

Stent
A tiny tube will be placed inside an artery to keep it open and increase blood flow to a specific area.

Atherectomy
A minimally invasive procedure using an advanced medical device to help open your arteries.

Bypass Surgery
A surgical procedure that uses a blood vessel or synthetic tube to bypass blockages in your artery.

Dialysis Access Care

Vascular access when the kidneys are failing.

FISTULAGRAM

You had an AV Fistula or graft created to treat your renal failure. MVP has been asked to perform a fistulagram to evaluate your fistula or graft. A fistulagram is an exam in which contrast dye is injected into the fistula or graft with a small catheter to evaluate the blood flow into and out of the fistula or graft.