Venous Disease Treatment in Flint

Inferior vena cava (IVC) filter placement is a procedure that involves inserting a filter into the inferior vena cava (IVC) to prevent blood clots from reaching the heart and lungs. The procedure is usually completed within an hour and most patients can go home the same day.

An interventional radiologist (IR) physician can remove an inferior vena cava (IVC) filter using a procedure similar to the one used to place it:

• The patient is usually sedated and the procedure is performed on an outpatient basis.
• The IR physician makes a small incision in the neck or groin and inserts a long, thin tube called a catheter.
• The catheter is guided to the filter’s location using X-ray or ultrasound.
• A small wire loop called a snare is inserted into the catheter and used to grasp the filter’s hook or knob.
• The filter is then pulled into the catheter and withdrawn from the body

Venoplasty, also known as venous angioplasty, is a minimally invasive procedure that treats blocked or narrowed veins. It’s performed by doctors who specialize in interventional radiology.

Venoplasty can be used to treat deep venous disease, also known as iliac compression syndrome or May Thurner syndrome. It can also be used to create a temporary entry point for placing additional leads in heart rhythm procedures.

Benefits of venoplasty include:

• Small incisions
• Less pain
• Low risk of infection
• Quick recovery time
• Less scarring
• Reduced blood loss

Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a laser to treat varicose veins. The procedure involves inserting a laser fiber into the vein through a small incision, numbing the area with local anesthetic, and then slowly withdrawing the catheter while activating the laser. The laser’s light energy heats the surrounding tissue, damaging the vein wall and causing it to collapse and turn into scar tissue. This allows healthy veins to resume normal blood flow.

EVLA is considered an effective treatment for varicose veins, with a reported success rate of 95–98% and fewer complications than surgery. The procedure usually takes less than an hour, and the incision site is usually small enough that stitches aren’t required. After the procedure, you should expect some bruising and may be encouraged to walk for 30–60 minutes. You should also avoid strenuous activities like jogging or weight lifting, and sitting or standing for long periods of time, until your doctor says it’s okay. Most people can return to work and normal activities after a couple of days.

Before your procedure, your doctor may ask you to stop taking blood thinners like aspirin, so it’s important to understand exactly what they want you to do.

VenaSeal ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that uses medical glue to close damaged veins and improve varicose veins. The procedure can help relieve symptoms associated with damaged veins, such as leg pain, swelling, and fatigue, and can also gradually fade varicose veins.

During the procedure, a vein expert uses ultrasound guidance to deliver a small amount of the glue directly into the affected vein through a small catheter. The glue holds the vein walls together, stopping blood flow to the damaged area and redirecting it to healthy veins. Over time, the body absorbs the inactive veins, and they disappear.

VenaSeal ablation is a day procedure that takes about 45–60 minutes, but patients typically spend 4–6 hours at the facility. It’s considered a comfortable procedure with a quick recovery, and patients can usually return to their normal activities right after. Some people may experience minor bruising and swelling at the injection site, but most recover with minimal discomfort.

VenaSeal ablation has several advantages over other treatments, including:

• No need for a regional nerve block or large amounts of anesthesia
• No pre-procedure drugs
• No risk of skin burns or nerve damage

However, there are also some potential disadvantages to consider, including:

• Lack of information about the long-term impact
• The glue remains in the body as a medical implant
• Minor risk of allergic reactions to the glue
• Not covered by all insurance plans

Sclerotherapy is a medical procedure that involves injecting a chemical solution into veins to treat varicose and spider veins. The solution irritates the vein lining, causing it to swell, stick together, and form a scar that closes off the vein. This can improve the appearance of the veins and relieve symptoms like aching, swelling, burning, and cramping. The vein usually fades within a few weeks.

After treatment, patients may be advised to:

• Wear compression socks or stockings during the day, except when sleeping or showering
• Take acetaminophen-based pain medicine like Tylenol for any pain or discomfort
• Avoid aspirin and ibuprofen
• Avoid sunlight, hot baths, saunas, swimming pools, and the beach for the first two days
• Stay active to reduce the chance of blood clots, but avoid aerobic exercise like running and weightlifting for a couple of days
• In some cases, avoid flying for several days

Most patients need two to four treatment sessions to see near-complete results, but complete elimination of the veins isn’t guaranteed

A stab phlebectomy, also known as microphlebectomy, ambulatory phlebectomy, or stab avulsion, is a minimally invasive procedure that removes varicose veins from the surface of the legs:

• The patient receives local anesthesia and light sedation
• The doctor makes small incisions in the skin, also called “stab incisions”
• The varicose vein is removed in sections
• The incisions are usually small enough that stitches aren’t required

The procedure usually takes about an hour and patients typically report little pain. After the procedure, patients can walk and usually resume normal activities within 1–2 days. They may be advised to wear compression bandages or stockings for a period of time.

Stab phlebectomies are safe and effective, but there is a small risk of temporary side effects, such as:

• Inflammation or infection at the incision site
• Allergic reaction to the anesthetic or sedative
• Changes in skin color where the varicose veins were removed

Stab phlebectomy has been used since the 1800s and is often used for cosmetic surgery, symptomatic varicose veins, or larger veins that can’t be treated with newer technologies.