Varicose Veins

What Are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are enlarged, swollen, and twisting veins, often appearing blue or dark purple. They occur when faulty valves in the veins allow blood to flow in the wrong direction or to pool, causing the veins to stretch and become visible under the skin.

While any vein can become varicose, the veins most commonly affected are those in the legs and feet because standing and walking increase the pressure in the veins of the lower body.

When Should You See a Specialist?

If self-care measures — such as exercise, elevating your legs, or wearing compression stockings — haven’t helped, or if you’re concerned about the appearance of your veins, schedule a consultation with one of our interventional radiologists.

How We Treat Varicose Veins

At VIS, we use minimally invasive techniques that treat varicose veins without traditional surgery. Most procedures are performed in our outpatient clinics and take less than an hour.

Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA)

A thin laser fiber is inserted into the affected vein using ultrasound guidance. The laser delivers energy that causes the vein to close and seal shut. Blood is naturally rerouted through healthier veins.

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

Similar to EVLA, but uses radiofrequency energy instead of laser energy. A catheter delivers controlled heat to the vein wall, causing it to collapse and seal.

Sclerotherapy

A solution is injected directly into the affected veins, causing them to scar and close. This is particularly effective for smaller varicose veins and spider veins.

VenaSeal Closure System

A medical adhesive is delivered inside the diseased vein to close it. This technique requires no tumescent anesthesia and allows patients to return to normal activities quickly.

Recovery

Most patients return to normal activities within 1-2 days. Compression stockings may be recommended for 1-2 weeks following the procedure. Strenuous activity should be avoided for about a week.

Frequently Asked Questions About Varicose Veins

What are varicose veins?

Varicose veins are enlarged, swollen, and twisting veins, often appearing blue or dark purple. They occur when faulty valves in the veins allow blood to flow in the wrong direction or to pool, causing the veins to stretch and become visible under the skin.

Why do varicose veins usually appear in the legs?

While any vein can become varicose, the veins most commonly affected are those in the legs and feet because standing and walking increase the pressure in the veins of the lower body.

When should I see a specialist for varicose veins?

If self-care measures such as exercise, elevating your legs, or wearing compression stockings haven’t helped, or if you’re concerned about the appearance of your veins, schedule a consultation with one of our interventional radiologists.

Do you treat varicose veins with surgery?

No. At VIS, we use minimally invasive techniques that treat varicose veins without traditional surgery. Most procedures are performed in our outpatient clinics and take less than an hour. Options include endovenous laser ablation (EVLA), radiofrequency ablation (RFA), sclerotherapy, and the VenaSeal closure system.

How do EVLA and radiofrequency ablation work?

In endovenous laser ablation, a thin laser fiber is inserted into the affected vein using ultrasound guidance, and the laser delivers energy that causes the vein to close and seal shut. Radiofrequency ablation works similarly but uses radiofrequency energy instead of laser energy. In both cases, blood is naturally rerouted through healthier veins.

How long does recovery take?

Most patients return to normal activities within 1-2 days. Compression stockings may be recommended for 1-2 weeks following the procedure, and strenuous activity should be avoided for about a week.

Take the First Step

At Vascular & Interventional Specialists, we offer a range of minimally invasive treatments for varicose veins, including radiofrequency ablation, sclerotherapy, and VenaSeal closure — all performed as outpatient procedures.

Contact us today or call (605) 217-5617 to schedule your consultation.

If you experience emergency symptoms such as sudden swelling, warmth, or redness in your leg, seek urgent medical attention by calling 911.