Varicose Veins

At AAR, we use a comprehensive approach for both the diagnosis and treatment of spider veins and varicose veins that develop in the legs and pelvis.   Our board certified interventional radiologists are directly involved in the clinical assessment and therapeutic management of your individual condition, providing you with state-of-the-art vein ablation techniques utilizing laser (EVLT®) and radio frequency (VNUS® Closure®) energy that  deliver the most successful results.

AAR interventional radiologists were the first in Northern Virginia to treat varicose veins without surgery.

When you choose AAR for the treatment of your varicose veins, you can expect:

• Full evaluation of your individual condition.
• A Duplex Ultrasound “map” of your unique venous system.
• Direct consultation with a physician to discuss your non-surgical options.
• Non-surgical treatment of your cosmetic and/or symptomatic varicose veins.
• Post-therapy instructions and lifestyle tips for maintaining healthy veins.

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Understanding Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are caused by an abnormal circulatory condition called venous insufficiency.The purpose of the venous system is to return blood to the heart. In order to do this, veins contain one-way valves, which prevent blood from flowing downward with gravity. When these valves
become weak, they lose their effectiveness and do not close properly, causing blood to flow backwards (reflux) and pool in the veins. This causes the veins to enlarge, becoming more prominent under the surface of the skin. Venous insufficiency most commonly affects the veins in the lower extremities.

Risk Factors and Symptoms

Vein disease affects both men and women. Risk Factors include age, family history, female gender and pregnancy. In women, pregnancy, especially multiple pregnancies, is one of the most common factors accelerating the worsening of varicose veins. Varicose veins can cause a variety of mild to moderate symptoms including:

• Aching leg pain, cramping and throbbing
• Leg heaviness and easy leg fatigue
• Itching, burning or swelling
• Skin discoloration or ulceration

Symptoms can arise from spider veins as well as varicose veins. Because these symptoms are caused by pressure on nerves from dilated veins, it is possible to experience symptoms without visible varicose veins.

A Progressive Condition

Left untreated, varicose veins will usually become more pronounced over time and may lead to serious complications including inflammation (phlebitis), skin discoloration, skin ulceration or bleeding.

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Non-Surgical Treatment of Varicose Veins

Venous insufficiency typically affects the greater saphenous vein which runs from the inside of the foot to the top of the thigh. This condition can be treated using an outpatient procedure called vein ablation.

After applying local anesthetic to the skin, your interventional radiologist will insert a thin catheter into the vein and use ultrasound imaging to guide it up to the top of the greater saphenous vein. Then laser (EVLT®) or radiofrequency (VNUS® Closure®) energy is applied to the inside of the vein, causing it to heat and seal closed.

Once the vein is closed, the twisted and varicosed branch veins shrink and improve in appearance. Other healthy veins then take over to carry blood from the leg, re-establishing normal flow.

• Treatment takes less than one hour.
• Once the faulty vein is closed, symptoms improve. Most patients return to normal activity immediately.
• Some patients may experience minor soreness or bruising; these symptoms can be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers.
• No scars or stitches. No surgical incision is required, just a small nick in the skin the size of a pencil tip.

Effectiveness of Vein Ablation

According to the Society of Interventional Radiology, the success rate for vein ablation ranges from 93 – 95 percent with minimal side-effects or complications. This is much higher than the 85 percent success rate for surgical ligation or stripping.

Treatment Locations:

The Interventional Radiologists at Association of Alexandria Radiologists provide non-surgical treatment of varicose veins at the following locations:

Advanced Interventional Vein and Vascular Center
4001 Prince William Parkway, Suite 302
Woodbridge, VA  22193
Appointment Scheduling: (703) 824-3228
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Inova Alexandria Hospital
Department of Interventional Radiology
4320 Seminary Road
Alexandria, VA 22304
Appointment Scheduling: (703) 504-7950
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Inova Mount Vernon Hospital
Department of Interventional Radiology
2501 Parker’s Lane
Alexandria, VA 22306
Appointment Scheduling: (703) 664-7175
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