Ask A Doctor: Do newer varicose vein treatments work better than the old vein-stripping procedure?

Q: The newer varicose vein treatments seem a lot simpler than the old vein-stripping procedure, but do they work?

A: Varicose veins are one of the most common vascular conditions, affecting 33 percent of women and 20 percent of men in the U.S. The main symptoms are bulging veins in the lower legs that are associated with pain, swelling, heaviness and itching, as well as advanced problems where the skin becomes hyper-pigmented with possible ulcer formation.

Patients often present painful legs, which can indicate problems with arteries, veins or nerves, so your physician would perform a thorough workup. Fortunately, the newer therapies are all minimally invasive and can be performed through a small needle, lasting approximately one half-hour, effectively treating the problem. When the vascular specialist is consulted, he or she will obtain a non-invasive ultrasound, look for the leaky valves that cause pressure within the veins and perform a painless cauterization which closes these valves, reduces pressure in the vein and relieves symptoms.

- Dr. Chris LeSar, University Surgical Associates; member, Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society

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