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Radio-Frequency Ablation for Varicose Veins.

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Radio-Frequency Ablation for Varicose Veins.

 

Introduction:

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for varicose veins addresses the venous reflex disease that often causes varicose veins. RFA serves as an alternative to traditional vein stripping, which requires invasive surgical removal of the diseased veins. RFA Instead, uses heat energy to prompt the closure of diseased veins.

Treatment:

The surgeon starts by numbing the area with a topical and local anesthetic. Then, by way of a small incision, he or she passes a catheter or similar tool into the affected vein. The catheter serves as a channel through which the surgeon introduces an electrode.

When the surgeon pulls back on the catheter to expose the end of the fiber or electrode, energy passes into the vein as heat. This heat shrinks the collagen in the vein wall, which in turn causes the vein to shrink and close. The surgeon then removes the catheter and the patient’s body proceeds to heal the closure by rerouting blood to healthy veins. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for varicose veins is the standard treatment for varicose veins and has been shown to be the most effective and long-lasting treatment modality to date.

Radio-Frequency Ablation
Radio-Frequency Ablation
Radio-Frequency Ablation
Radio-Frequency Ablation

 

Sclero-Therapy for Spider Veins

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Sclero-Therapy for Spider Veins.

Sclerotherapy is a medical procedure used to treat varicose veins and spider veins. It involves injecting a solution, known as a sclerosant, directly into the affected veins. The sclerosant irritates the vein walls, causing them to swell, stick together, and eventually close off. This leads to the reabsorption of the treated veins by the body, resulting in improved blood flow and the fading or disappearance of visible veins.

Sclerotherapy is typically performed as an outpatient procedure and does not require anesthesia.

The process involves the following steps:
Preparation:

The patient will lie down, and the targeted veins will be cleaned and sterilized.

Injection:

A fine needle is used to inject the sclerosant solution into the vein. The number of injections depends on the extent and location of the veins being treated.

Compression:

After the injection, the treated area is compressed using compression stockings or bandages to apply pressure and help the vein walls seal together.

Post-treatment care:

Patients are usually advised to walk and engage in light physical activity to promote blood circulation. They may also be instructed to wear compression stockings for a certain period of time to assist with healing and prevent blood clots.

Sclerotherapy is considered a safe and effective treatment for varicose veins and spider veins. However, it may require multiple sessions to achieve desired results, and some patients may experience temporary side effects such as bruising, swelling, or skin discoloration at the injection site. Rarely, more serious complications such as blood clots or allergic reactions can occur.

It’s important to consult with a vascular surgeon to determine if sclerotherapy is an appropriate treatment option for your specific condition. They can assess your veins, discuss potential risks and benefits, and provide personalized recommendations for your situation.

 

 

 

The Joint Commission

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The Joint Commission Certification

The Joint Commission, also known as TJC, is an independent, non-profit organization in the United States that accredits and certifies healthcare organizations and programs. It was founded in 1951 and is recognized as a leader in setting quality and safety standards for healthcare.

The goal of The Joint Commission:

The primary goal of The Joint Commission is to improve the quality and safety of patient care. They achieve this by establishing rigorous standards and conducting thorough evaluations of healthcare organizations to ensure compliance. Accreditation by The Joint Commission is voluntary but highly valued and widely recognized as a mark of quality in the healthcare industry.

The accreditation process:

The accreditation process involves an in-depth review of various aspects of an organization’s operations, including patient care, infection control, medication management, leadership, and performance improvement. Surveyors from The Joint Commission visit healthcare facilities to assess compliance with the standards. If an organization meets the standards, they are awarded accreditation, which is typically valid for a specific period.

The Joint Commission certification:

In addition to accreditation, The Joint Commission offers various certification programs for specific areas of healthcare, such as disease-specific care, primary stroke centers, and advanced certification in healthcare quality.

The Joint Commission & Patient Saftey:

The Joint Commission plays a crucial role in promoting patient safety and quality improvement in healthcare organizations. Their standards and accreditation process help organizations identify areas for improvement, implement evidence-based practices, and continuously enhance the quality of care provided to patients.

It’s important to note that while The Joint Commission sets standards and evaluates healthcare organizations, they do not have regulatory authority. Their focus is on voluntary accreditation and continuous improvement rather than enforcing compliance through legal means.

Western Vascular Institute is a Joint Commission Accredited vascular-surgery-center garnering the gold seal of approval. These certifications demonstrate a higher level of expertise and specialization in particular areas of care.

Understanding Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

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Symptoms:

can occur without warning signs
Also felt as discomfort in the affected area including Swelling and pain the affected leg. Additionally, redness and warmth along the vein where the clot is found.

Causes


Coagulation of blood is an important process that helps to prevent excessive bleeding during injury. However, in the absence of Injury, when the blood is not flowing properly or if it pools in the veins the platelets in the blood that help with coagulation can stick together and cause it to clot.

a. Inactivity- During a long flight or drive
b. Damage to a vein
c. Cancer or other diseases that cause your blood to clot more easily
d. Medications
e. Hormones


Risk Factors

a. Age
b. Obesity
c. Pregnancy
d. Family History of DVT
e. Having a catheter placed in a vein
f. Deep vein injury
g. Smoking

Diagnosis


Your vascular surgeon will ask questions about your symptoms and medical history as well as performing a thorough physical examination.

a. Duplex ultrasound to check the flow of blood in the area of the perceived clot. A Venograph can also be done by injecting a contrast dye into the vein under x-ray to see where the dye is allowed to pass through. The X-ray will show a mapping of your veins and show the area where the contrast dye was unable to pass through. Although DVT’s can generally be diagnosed by duplex ultrasound, venography is another option Western Vascular Institute has available to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatments


Most often a Deep Vein Thrombosis or DVT can be treated by a medication known as blood thinners or anticoagulants. These medications help prevent the blood from clotting and over time reduce the size and consistency of the clot.

Staying Healthy


Maintain good overall health including a healthy diet and staying physically active will help reduce the risk of a DVT. It is likewise important to maintain a healthy weight and make sure to follow up with your vascular surgeon to discuss the possibility of long-term blood thinner medications.

https://www.westernvascular.com/vein-center/deep-vein-thrombosis/

https://vascular.org/patients/vascular-conditions/deep-vein-thrombosis

 

Vascular Ultrasound

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Vascular ultrasound

Vascular ultrasound, also known as duplex ultrasonography or Doppler ultrasound, is a non-invasive imaging technique used to evaluate blood vessels and blood flow in the body.

During this study, a small handheld device called a transducer is used to emit high-frequency sound waves into the body. These sound waves bounce back off the blood vessels and are detected by the transducer, which converts them into images that can be viewed on a monitor.

Vascular ultrasound is commonly used to diagnose and monitor various vascular conditions, including:

 

Peripheral artery disease (PAD):

Evaluating blood flow and detecting blockages or narrowing in the arteries of the legs, arms, or neck.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT):

Detecting blood clots in the deep veins, usually in the legs.

Carotid artery disease:

Assessing the carotid arteries in the neck to detect plaques or other abnormalities that may increase the risk of stroke.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA):

Evaluating the aorta in the abdomen for the presence of an abnormal bulge or enlargement that could potentially rupture.

Venous insufficiency:

Assessing the veins and valves in the legs to identify valve dysfunction or venous reflux, which can lead to conditions like varicose veins.

Vascular ultrasound is a safe and painless procedure that does not involve radiation. It provides real-time images and can be used to measure blood flow velocity and direction using the Doppler effect, which allows the assessment of blood flow characteristics such as speed and turbulence.

The results of a vascular ultrasound can help vascular surgeons make accurate diagnoses, develop appropriate treatment plans, and monitor the effectiveness of interventions over time.

Varicose Veins

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Varicose Veins are veins that have become enlarged and twisted. They can occur anywhere on the body, but most often appear in the arms and legs. Some cases of varicose veins are solely cosmetic, but often they produce pain and discomfort or lead to other circulatory problems. Possible complications include ulcers near the ankles, bleeding, or blood clots.

In healthy leg veins, tiny valves keep blood from pooling in the lower body. When these veins become stretched with age, the valves fail and blood accumulates.

Our Board-certified vascular surgeons have extensive experience treating varicose veins.

What is Atherosclerosis?

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Atherosclerosis – is a disease process that leads to the hardening or clogging of arteries. The build-up over time of substances such as fat, cholesterol, & calcium, collectively called plaque, narrows the artery and restricts the amount of blood able to pass through the arteries, and provides oxygen-rich blood to the body. This stenosis or narrowing of the artery can lead to serious problems such as stroke, amputation, heart attack, and death.

 

What is Carotid Artery Disease?

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What is Carotid Artery Disease? Dr. Dawn Olsen Vascular Surgeon and Kailin George physician liaison discuss the signs, symptoms, causes, & treatments of carotid artery disease. Additionally, as seen below are some photos taken from a recent TCAR or Trans Carotid Artery Revascularization procedure performed by Dr. Dawn Olsen on a patient in the hospital. It can be clearly recognized where the carotid artery had become nearly occluded prior to the procedure and post-procedure including stenting the artery had become nice and open allowing for optimal blood flow to the brain. Also of note is the photo where plaque filtered out through the TCAR device can be seen in abundance.

Endovenous Radiofrequency Ablation or RFA procedure

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Endovenous radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive procedure performed by a vascular surgeon that utilizes radiofrequency energy to heat a catheter element which, when inserted into the vein, shrinks the wall of the vessel. This shrinkage or ablation of the vein closes off the blood flow to the incompetent area of the vein allowing the vein to create new healthy pathways where it is needed.