Vascular disease

Veins are one-way channels that transport blood to the heart, however, when a valve within the vein becomes damaged, blood pools in the vein. This creates the visible veins just under the surface of the skin, which are usually either:

• Varicose veins—typically thicker and dark blue in color
• Spider veins—typically thinner, and may be more purple or red in color

Though these types of veins can appear anywhere on the body, however they are most commonly found in the legs.

Anyone can develop these types of veins, however, they most often occur in women.

The following factors also put you at a greater risk of developing them:

• Being older
• Being pregnant or taking hormones or birth control pills
• Having extra weight (greater than what your doctor determines is healthy for you) on your body
• Leading a more sedentary lifestyle that is lacking in exercise
• Working in a job where you stand or sit for long periods of time

For some people, varicose veins are never a problem. Severe cases of varicose veins may cause discoloration, rashes or sores that are difficult to heal. However, more common symptoms of these veins include:

• Achy, tired and heavy feeling in the area of the veins
• Burning or throbbing pain in the legs
• Enlarged, twisted and swollen veins that are visible through the skin
• General discomfort in the legs or area of the veins
• Itching in the area of the veins
• Swelling or cramps in the legs

You may find symptoms associated with these veins are worse at the end of the day, which is typically caused by extended sitting or standing.

St. Mark’s Hospital offers two treatments to remove varicose veins in the most comfortable way for you. Both treatment options—a medical adhesive system and a thermal heat closure procedure—are minimally invasive.

We use an advanced technology to deliver special medical adhesive into the diseased vein to close it. It provides patients with less pain and bruising and a faster recovery than the traditional thermal heat closure technique. (This treatment option may not be covered by your health insurance provider.)

During our thermal heat closure procedure for varicose veins, we use a thin catheter. It is delicately inserted into the vein where it is able to deliver radiofrequency energy. This heats up the vein wall, causing it to close.

You can typically resume your regular activities after the vein treatments mentioned above, however, your surgeon will be able to tell you what to expect in your unique case. They may suggest a walking regimen or refraining from strenuous activities and prolonged standing. Either way, most patients see symptoms improve within one to two weeks after their procedure.