Are you embarrassed by ropey, bulging varicose veins or spider web-like veins? It could be more than a cosmetic concern. Lincoln Radiology Varicose Vein Clinic at 3901 Pine Lake Road, Suite 310, can help determine how and when to treat these two conditions.

Al Hayward, 49, came to the clinic two years ago to have varicose veins in his legs treated. “It had got to the point where it kept me up at night,” he says.

Pain is the number one reason why patients generally come in, according to Brenda Wagner, RN, who does the initial consultations with patients. At Al’s first appointment, the clinic’s staff took pictures of both of his legs and submitted them to his insurance company to make sure the necessary procedures would be covered. He’d had a procedure done 10 years earlier at a different clinic, but additional problems surfaced within a year.

Al underwent both types of procedures offered at the clinic to treat varicose veins: VenaCure Endovenous Laser Therapy and microphlebectomy. Al says Drs. Jeffrey Matthes and Douglas Winjum got to the source of the problem and told him that he probably wouldn’t have any more issues.

Clinical studies show that the VenaCure therapy has a 95% initial success rate and excellent long-term results. The VenaCure therapy involves threading a laser through a tiny incision and up the full length of the varicose vein. As the laser is withdrawn, heat is applied to the vein walls, causing the vein to permanently close and disappear. “It’s really cool watching something go up your leg and the light turn on, and then they pull it out,” Al says.

Two years later, he says he is very satisfied and that he hasn’t had any additional problems. He highly recommends the procedures and the staff, he goes on to say. “They know what they’re doing.”

Generally, varicose veins are inherited (about 40% of women and 25% of men are affected by the condition). Standing for long periods of time on hard surfaces can also contribute to the problem. Pregnancy, weight gain, and hormones can also play a role.

Spider veins are purple and look more like a spider web. They appear on the legs, arms, and forehead, and can bleed when cut. People often complain that they itch, explains Brenda.

Brenda says that it’s hard to tell how long it will take varicose veins to progress to where they need to be treated. When patients are experiencing burning, throbbing, or a heavy or tired feeling in their leg(s), it’s a good indication that it’s time to see a specialist, she says. Delaying treatment if these symptoms are present can cause more serious complications, including inflammation, blood clots, sores, or skin ulcers and bleeding.

Brenda will do a health history on the patient, as well as check for any underlying conditions such as reflux. In most cases she will recommend an ultrasound. Brittany Filipi, ultrasound technologist, then performs a venous doppler to test the flow of blood in the veins.

For the scan, Brittany has the patient lay down first to rule out a blood clot. Then she has them stand to test for reflux, a condition where the valve doesn’t open and close properly and allows blood to flow backward and pool. If the blood is not flowing upward toward the heart, it could indicate a valve problem. Varicose veins develop when the valves in superficial veins malfunction.

Following the ultrasound, the patient consults with Brenda and one of the four physicians to discuss treatment options and to schedule a second appointment if needed. All procedures are completed at the clinic and vary in length. From start to finish, patients will spend between an hour and an hour-and-a-half at the clinic.

Technologist Melinda Thompson says that except for the numbing shots, the procedures are pain-free. “Sometimes patients are nervous when they come in, but they’re fine by the time they leave,” Melinda explains. “They’re pretty amazed at how quick it is and how easy it is.”

The clinic staff schedules follow-up appointments one week, three months, and a year out from the initial procedure. Melinda says most patients have to wear a compression stocking around-the-clock for a week and observe a lifting restriction of 20 pounds for two weeks. Avoiding strenuous exercise such as running is recommended, while walking is highly encouraged. Melinda adds that there is no downtime for patients.

After his procedure, Al, a mail carrier from Lincoln, had few restrictions. He didn’t miss any work except for the day of the procedure, but he was told to avoid commuting by bike for two weeks. “We don’t want people taking time off,” Melinda explains. “We want them to be up moving around.”

In addition to his laser therapy, Al had some veins in his legs removed. This procedure, which is called microphlebectomy, is done to remove superficial varicose veins. It involves making a tiny incision and inserting a hook to remove damaged sections of the vein.

For spider veins, there is a procedure called sclerotherapy. It is said to be a painless and effective treatment involving an FDA-approved solution that is injected into the vein using a tiny needle. The veins then collapse, shrink, and are eventually absorbed into the body. A series of sessions may be needed to clear up spider veins completely. This procedure is considered cosmetic and is not covered by insurance, Melinda says.

Both the laser ablation and microphlebectomy are performed with a local anesthetic. A Xanax pill is also available to help relax patients who may be anxious about a procedure, Brenda says. “It’s not a painful surgery,” she explains. “You should only feel the injections when they’re numbing you up.”
Dustin Ledgerwood, the clinic’s practice administrator, says it is roughly 20% cheaper to go to an outpatient clinic such as the Lincoln Radiology Varicose Vein Clinic versus a hospital. “And we do everything we can to get people covered by their insurance,” adds Brenda.

For fees not covered by insurance, Lincoln Radiology Varicose Vein Clinic offers monthly payment plans that can be arranged in advance. “We let people know what their charges will be based on their insurance coverage so they know ahead of time and there are no surprises,” explains Dustin. Patients paying in full up-front receive a 20% discount.

To find out more about spider vein or varicose vein treatment options, contact the Lincoln Radiology Varicose Vein Clinic at 420-3500, or go to www.lincolnradiology.com.