Vein Centre

Aug 14

0

Varicose Veins: Where Do They Come From?

By allison | Uncategorized, Vein Health | No Comments

Did you know varicose veins are one of the most common ailments in the western world? 23% of the United States adult population has been diagnosed with varicose veins.

Facts about varicose veins:

Who is most likely to get them?
- Varicose veins are far more common in women than men.
- 22 million American women, ages 40 – 80, suffer from varicose veins.
How did I get varicose veins?
- In over 80 percent of cases, genetics are the primary cause.
Will I will get more in the future?
- Yes! If you have them, they tend to get worse as you age.
Will my children be at risk for developing them?
- You are more likely to get varicose veins if members of your family have them.

It may be a common misconception that being in shape and getting regular exercise will prevent varicose veins, but sadly, this is not true. If you have varicose veins, regular exercise will help ease the symptoms, but it will not actually prevent them. Genetics determine if you are redisposed to get varicose veins. Olympic Gold medal winner (now TV host) Summer Sanders can attest to this truth. Like her mother, Summer and millions of others have varicose veins despite being in excellent shape.

Risk factors for varicose veins are categorized as environmental or inherited. Environmental factors include pregnancy, age, sex, obesity, and occupations that involve lengthy periods of standing. The main inherited factor is family history. If you’re predisposed genetically to varicose veins, there are things you can do to minimize, or delay them. It is extremely common for women to notice varicose veins appear, or become more severe after they become pregnant. With each additional pregnancy they can get larger and more painful. The reason for this is because as the baby and uterus become larger, it increases the amount of pressure placed on the inferior vena cava. This large vein is located on the right side of your body, which places a lot of pressure on every vein in your body, including your legs. Furthermore, when you are pregnant the amount of blood in your entire body soars, which places more pressure on your veins.

The good news is there are various safe and successful treatment methods that can help manage the pain and eliminate varicose veins. Practicing a healthy lifestyle will not prevent them from popping up, but it will help them from getting worse and to manage the pain that can accompany them.

It is important to seek a qualified specialist for this treatment. The surgeons at The Vein Centre are all board certified vascular surgeons and have 100 years of combined vein expertise. The Vein Centre has three convenient locations throughout Middle Tennessee. If you are sick of living with painful and unsightly varicose veins, contact us today.

Jul 25

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Positive Effects of Laser Treatments on Varicose and Spider Veins

By allison | Vein Health, Vein Surgery, Vein Therapy, Vein Treatments | No Comments

Interest in laser treatment for varicose veins is on the rise, and depending the severity of the veins, amazing results can be achieved with this treatment. Laser treatments relieve pressure from the varicose vein, and lasers can be very effective in treating blood vessels that are resistant to sclerotherapy, typically veins smaller than 1-2 mm in diameter.

The first notable laser therapies were called pulsed dye lasers (PDL’s) and were developed in the late 1980’s. Over the past ten years, different versions that used longer wavelengths have vastly improved delivering better results. The key to successful laser therapies is utilizing wavelengths that are better absorbed by the blood vessel.

Doctors will choose the type of wavelength and duration by considering the size and type of vein to be treated; the deeper the vein, the longer the wavelength required to penetrate it. Most patients that receive laser treatments for varicose veins experience zero pain, thus no medication is required to take, and often the smaller veins are completely gone immediately, larger ones take some time to disappear.

Simple laser treatments are done on the exterior of the skin to treat smaller spider and varicose veins and endovenous laser treatments are done to treat the large, deep varicose veins. Laser treatments are far less painful than invasive surgeries such as vein stripping, and has a much shorter recovery time.

The legs are not the only area where spider veins can rear their ugly heads; in fact it is quite common for spider veins and broken capillaries to appear on the face. This is the most common and recommended method of treatment for spider veins on the face and redness, and is much less intimidating than getting them injected.

Laser therapy is a safe and time-proven method that improves the overall appearance of varicose veins, and causes little, if any discomfort with no downtime. There are many benefits to using laser treatments against varicose veins large and small when done by a certified surgeon. At The Vein Centre our board certified surgeons have over 100 years of combined experience.

Jul 20

0

Noninvasive Treatment For Varicose Veins

By allison | Vein Health, Vein Surgery, Vein Therapy, Vein Treatments | No Comments

Varicose veins are warped, enflamed veins that become tender because they are over-filled with blood. We have valves in our veins to help us keep blood flowing to our hearts, but in varicose veins, that valve is missing or damaged. The veins typically begin to manifest in the legs, and become visible above the skins surface, usually taking on a blue hue. The good news is, even though they can be tough to look at and cause a lot of pain and discomfort, they are not deadly, and there are non-invasive treatments available.

There are more invasive treatments that require surgery, for example, a surgery known as “vein stripping” is done to destroy varicose veins. This procedure requires making incisions into the skin and physically removing the vein from the body. Luckily, current developments have been made that get rid of varicose veins using noninvasive procedures. These new, non-invasive methods can be done in a doctor’s office under local anesthesia and usually have minimal side effects.

The first method is known as Sclerotherapy, which is primarily used to treat smaller varicose veins, known as spider veins. The doctor injects a solution directly into the spider vein which irritates it, causes it to breakdown and vanish. The solution is called sodium tetradecyl sulfate and it works by increasing blood clot and scar tissue development inside the vein, thus assisting the veins to decrease in size.

Another option is to get them treated with an intense pulsed light (IPL) laser that essentially zaps them away. The laser causes the vessel to shut by use of heat, causing the veins to shrink and reabsorb into the body. The IPL treatments are completed in a doctor’s office and usually takes around 20 minutes, and most people can resume their normal activities the same day.

The final method is radiofrequency ablation therapy. The word ablation basically means heat is utilized to cause tissue damage to form scar tissue. In this case radiofrequency energy is used to heat and damage the vein wall, and it’s this scar tissue that seals the varicose vein, eventually causing it to disappear. For this procedure, compression stockings or wrapping legs in bandages are recommended for a few days after treatment. Usually the doctor will conduct an ultrasound after the procedure to ensure the scar tissue has completely closed off the veins.

The purpose of these treatments is to reduce associated pain and to improve the appearance of the legs, with little down time and risk. These noninvasive methods are very effective and have helped improve the lives of many individuals suffering with varicose veins by eliminating pain and improving the overall appearance of the legs.

If you’re interested in treating your varicose veins, contact The Vein Centre, today. 615-269-9007.

May 10

0

Venous Diseases | Who Is At Risk For Vein Diseases?

By allison | Uncategorized, Vein Surgery, Vein Therapy, Vein Treatments | No Comments

People Who Are At Risk Of Venous Diseases
Many things can increase your risk for varicose veins and venous disease. Carrying extra weight on your body, pregnancy, having a lack of movement and aging are all possible causes of venous disease. Having a family history of varicose veins and vein disease can also play a role in whether you will have these problems too.

Carrying heavy weight around the pelvis can contribute to vein problems, as can abdominal tumors, which can elevate pressure that leads to varicose veins. Working in an environment that requires you to stand for long periods of time may also add pressure to the veins. Patients who have cardiovascular disease in addition to varicose veins are at higher risk for developing other vein problems, such as high blood pressure. Other vein issues are correlated to varicose veins, including too much water retention, congestive heart failure, swelling in the legs, and skin infections or skin conditions. Weakened valves of the veins cause varicose veins, which usually become that way over a long period of time rather than by short-term activities, like crossing one’s legs.
Three sets of vessels comprise the circulatory system, which includes:

Arteries
Arteries bring oxygen-carrying blood from the heart to the tissues. In the normal course of blood circulation, small amounts of fluid and protein leak from arteries and veins.
Lymphatics
Lymphatic vessels bring protein-rich fluid back into the circulation. The third type of blood vessel is the vein.
Veins
Veins bring oxygen-depleted blood from the organs and tissues to the heart and lungs, where it is re-oxygenated.

Blood is pumped through the body from the heart and returns to the heart through muscle contraction of the arms and legs. Because the venous system uses low pressure for circulation, the physical signs of venous disease sometimes require rigorous testing before your physician can come up with a diagnosis.

Diseases of the veins typically fall into two categories, which include either blockage from blood clots (thrombosis) and/or insufficient vein drainage. Read more about thrombosis and insufficient vein drainage.

Contact The Vein Centre to get a proper diagnosis of your vein problems today!

May 05

0

varicose veins the vein centre treatment

The Benefits Of Vein Treatment Services The Vein Centre Provides In Nashville, TN

By allison | Vein Health, Vein Surgery, Vein Therapy, Vein Treatments | No Comments

Benefits Of Having Vein Treatment Services, Vascular Surgeries, and Vein Therapy Services From The Vein Centre in Franklin, Nashville, and Mount Juliet

The Vein Centre of Nashville, Tennessee performs vascular surgery which involves surgery of the vein structures and arteries of the body, including the aorta, carotid arteries, and arteries of the lower extremities like the iliac artery, tibial artery, and femoral arteries.

The skilled team at The Vein Centre provides solutions for patients suffering from problems associated with the circulatory system. This includes artery problems, lymphatic problems, and vein problems.

The Vein Centre render services for patients needing vascular surgery, vein surgery, vein treatments, and vein therapy. Patients who benefit from vein surgery and treatments include individuals suffering from problems with varicose veins, spider veins, lymphatic vessel issues, blood circulation, venous diseases, thrombosis, superficial thrombophlebitis, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, blood clots, vein diseases, circulatory vein diseases, and trousseau’s syndrome.

Vascular surgery involves surgery of veins. In some of The Vein Centre locations, vascular and vein surgery solutions are offered as well as dialysis access surgery and transplant surgery, if necessary.

Patients needing services offered by The Vein Centre can find relief in any of the three locations they offer their services. The Vein Centre is located in Franklin, Nashville, and Mount Juliet, Tennessee.

To make an appointment with a doctor at The Vein Centre, call 615-269-9007, complete the contact form here, or come by for a visit at one of The Vein Centre locations below:

ASPEN GROVE

125 Cool Springs Blvd, Suite 250
Franklin, TN 37067
Phone: 615-503-9895
Fax: 615-778-3249

BELLE MEADE

4535 Harding Pike, Suite 304
Nashville, TN 37205
Phone: 615-269-9007
Fax: 615-269-3448

MOUNT JULIET

660 South Mount Juliet Rd, Suite 211
Mount Juliet, TN 37122
Phone: 615-932-8346
Fax: 615-891-5048

Apr 27

0

Causes of Varicose Veins & Lifestyle Changes to Prevent Them

By allison | Vein Therapy, Vein Treatments | No Comments

When Are Varicose Veins?

Over half of women in the United States that are over the age of 50 suffer from some form of varicose veins. Men get varicose veins as well but in most cases the majority of varicose vein cases involve women. Varicose veins occur when your veins become enlarged, dilated, and overfilled with blood in compacted areas. Varicose veins often accompany bluish, purple, or red colored pigmentation that are raised and often painful.

Symptoms of varicose veins include:

Raised dark blue blood vessels, especially in the thigh and calf areas.
Aching, tender, heavy, or sore legs.
Swelling in the ankles or feet after standing for a long period of time, accompanied by varicose veins.

Severe symptoms of varicose veins that require medical attention include:

Swelling that becomes unbarible, or the skin over your varicose veins becomes discolored, ulcerated, flakey, or prone to bleeding. This could be a signal that you are developing stasis dermatitis. To prevent potentially serious circulatory problems the veins may be removed with surgery.
You have warm, tender, and red varicose veins. This could be a sign of a blood clot in the vein known as phlebitis.
You have injured a varicose vein resulting in a burst of blood.

What Causes Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins happen when veins are not functioning as they normally would when they are in healthy condition. Veins have one-way valves that prevent blood from flowing backwards. When vein valves malfunction, blood begins to collect in the vein instead of continuing to travel toward your heart.

The following are potential causes for varicose veins include:

standing for long periods of time
pressure on the midsection of the body, especially the abdomen
obesity, which adds weight to the body and increases the pressure on the legs
chronic heart valve conditions, which are usually congenital
pregnancy
Menopause

Lifestyle Changes To Prevent Varicose Veins

The following changes can help prevent varicose veins from forming:

Avoid standing for extended periods of time.
Avoid excessive exposure to the sun.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Improve your leg strength by exercising.
Refrain from crossing your legs for long periods of time.
Elevate your legs whenever you’re resting or sleeping.

Apr 19

0

Keep Varicose Veins Away By Following These Lifestyle Changes & By Getting Modern Vein Treatments

By allison | Vein Health, Vein Surgery, Vein Therapy, Vein Treatments | No Comments

Varicose veins are unsightly veins that become twisted and often accompany swelling and discoloration when they are severe. Varicose veins can lead to blood clots and pain, especially when lifestyle habits remain the same.

Lifestyle Changes To Prevent Varicose Veins

Veins, like all life habits, are often something that change with aging and having an physically inactive lifestyle. There are several things you can add to your daily routine that can help prevent varicose veins.

Lifestyle changes that help prevent varicose veins from forming include the following tips:

Improving your leg strength by exercising.
Refraining from crossing your legs for long periods of time.
Elevating your legs whenever you’re resting or sleeping.
Avoiding standing for extended periods of time.
Avoiding excessive exposure to the sun.
Maintaining a healthy weight.

If lifestyle changes do not help alleviate the pain of varicose veins or if your pain becomes more severe, your doctor may recommend a surgical procedure. Sometimes unhealthy veins can be caused by health issues like diabetes or other inherited. When veins become a daily struggle and begin affecting your self esteem, developing some useful habits can help prevent varicose veins from forming. Popular preventive options for keeping blood flow evenly distributed includes wearing compression stocking, getting minimal vein surgeries to name a few. Other vein treatment options may be sought out when varicose veins become severe and unsightly.

Compression Methods for Improving Circulation & Vein Health
Compression is used when the doctor gives the patient a special pair of paintyhose or stocking. The way compression works is by applying pressure over the areas that suffer from varicose veins so that the blood can flow more easily to the heart. These stockings place pressure on the legs.

Medical Problems Associated With Unhealthy Veins
In some cases varicose veins can lead to blood clots and chronic inflammation. Varicose veins can also lead to sores or ulcers on the legs. In severe cases, veins could rupture. They may then suggest taking a more aggressive approach, such as surgery or laser treatments.

Lasers and Radiofrequency Vein Treatments
Other treatment options for varicose veins use radiofrequency or lasers to remove the veins or seal off blood flow. Such procedures may cause bruising or swelling immediately afterward. But with time, they improve the appearance of the legs. You should always talk to your doctor about your treatment options and the risks before choosing a method.

Surgical Procedures & Vein Treatments
The least common surgical procedure performed for varicose veins is called vein stripping, which is an operation that is used to remove the varicose veins through incision of the veins. Vein-stripping surgeries is less common due to newer, less invasive options available today.

The most modern vein surgeries and vein treatments available for varicose veins include:

LASAR ABLATION
Laser ablation is a process in vein therapy that removes material from a liquid surface by irradiating it with a laser beam. This is performed at a low laser flux and the material is heated by the absorbed laser energy, then evaporates or sublimates.
VNUS CLOSURE
The VNUS Radiofrequency (RF) therapy is a minimally invasive procedure where the doctor performing the procedure inserts a very small catheter into the vein and delivers radiofrequency energy to the vein wall, causing the vein to shrink, collapse, and seal shut.
SCLEROTHERAPY
This minimally invasive procedure is used to treat spider veins. A solution of various concentrations, called tetradechol, is injected into the vein.
AMBULATORY PHLEMBECTOMY
Ambulatory phlebectomy is an outpatient procedure usually performed under local anesthesia.

To learn more about the vein services offered in your area, contact the Vein Centre today at 615-269-9007 to get your free consultation!