one-on-one



Our physician will personally meet one-on-one with new patients to discuss surgical treatment. New patients need to bring the following information on your first appointment: note of referring physian (if any), copies of your medical records, a list of medicines currently taking, and health insurance card(s). Please allow 30 minutes of your initial appointment to complete a medical history form. This will give physician a complete accessment of your health condition before meeting.
how to diagnose



How are varicose veins diagnosed?

You will be carefully interviewed and examined. A family history of venous disorders is a strong indication for developing varicose veins. Most patients undergo a duplex scan - a simple, painless, non-invasive ultrasound test that examines and maps out your entire venous system and, most importantly, evaluates the function of your valves. Once the degree of reflux is determined, the appropriate treatment regimen can be recommended.

Who can treat varicose veins?

Usually the condition is identified by a primary care physician who then recommends having it looked at by a specialist. It is wiser to seek treatment for varicose veins in the early stages, prior to the occurrence of permanent, serious changes in your legs.













faq's


Varicose Veins: More Than Just a Cosmetic Issue
Varicose veins are a very common problem, generally appearing as twisting, bulging rope-like cords on the legs, anywhere from groin to ankle. While many people have heard of varicose veins, very few truly understand their underlying cause, and the potential they have for developing into a serious medical issue.

Facts about varicose veins
Varicose veins affect an estimated 40% of women and 25% of men. Factors leading to varicose veins include heredity, gender, pregnancy, age and other factors. Some factors may speed up the development of this disease and make the veins worse, including prolonged standing, obesity, hormone levels, and physical trauma.

What are the symptoms? Will they get worse?
In addition to the visual appearance, many patients may experience one or more of the following leg symptoms:

Pain (an aching or cramping feeling)
Heaviness/Tiredness
Burning or tingling sensations
Swelling/Throbbing
Tender areas around the veins

If you experience symptoms and delay treatment, your symptoms may progress onward to more serious complications including:

Inflammation (phlebitis)
Blood clots (e.g., DVT)
Ankle sores or skin ulcers
Bleeding
If you are experiencing any of the above, consult your physician, as treatment may be required.


How varicose veins occur

Arteries carry blood from your heart out to your extremities, delivering oxygen deep into the tissue. Veins then return the ‘de-oxygenated’ blood (now blue) back to your heart to be re-circulated.

To return this blood to the heart, your leg veins must work against gravity. Small, one-way valves in the veins open to allow blood to flow upward, towards the heart, and then close to prevent it from flowing backwards.

Varicose veins occur when the valves in superficial leg veins malfunction. When this occurs, the valve may be unable to close, allowing blood that should be moving towards the heart to flow backward (called venous reflux). Blood collects in your lower veins causing them to enlarge and become varicose.

Can varicose veins be prevented?
The underlying conditions described above usually make ‘curing’ varicose veins impossible, however certain measures may help relieve discomfort from existing varicose veins and prevent others from arising:

Exercise regularly (walking is ideal)
Avoid standing for long periods of time
Avoid sitting for long periods
Control weight
Since the above measures do not treat the underlying cause of the disease, varicose veins will usually enlarge and worsen over time. Legs and feet may begin to swell and sensations of pain, heaviness, burning or tenderness may occur. If and when this happens, consult your physician immediately.

Treatment alternatives for varicose veins
Your physician will usually try methods that don’t involve surgery first to relieve your symptoms. These may include preventive techniques or the use of compression stockings. If your varicose veins do not respond to this conservative therapy, more active treatment may be required.

RATC © 2006 Copyright