More than 80 million people in the United States have problems with their veins, the vessels that return blood to the heart once it has circulated through the body. The Western Vascular Institute & Vein Center is one of Arizona's largest vein centers with over 40 years combined experience. We treat all vascular disorders including the following:

Venous Insufficiency

Also called venous insufficiency, venous disease can result in a number of cosmetic disfigurements and health problems, from spider veins and varicose veins to blood clots and skin ulcers. Common symptoms include swelling and discomfort as well as skin discoloration, skin thickening, spider veins at the ankles, and leg ulcers.

Blood tests, ultrasound, CT, MRI and venograms (X-ray exam with contrast dye) may be used to examine the veins for signs of disease. Conservative treatment typically involves a combination of leg elevation and compression stockings to improve blood flow. Blood thinners may be given to treat or prevent blood clots, although these drugs may themselves damage the valves and raise blood pressure. Surgical options include varicose vein removal for superficial veins; subfacial endoscopic perforator surgery (SEPS) for perforating veins; and valve repair, valve transplant from the arm veins, and vein bypasses for deep veins.

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is the standard treatment for varicose and spider veins. A special sclerosing solution is injected into the diseased vein, which then collapses and is gradually absorbed by the body. By the end of the treatment program, the veins are less visible on the skin surface. Sclerotherapy usually also relieves symptoms associated with enlarged veins and prevents further complications.

Laser Vein Treatment

Varicose veins are unsightly bulging veins due to a backflow of blood. Varicose veins may be treated with a laser tuned to a specific wavelength absorbed by the blood. Laser treatment causes the vessel to heat up and collapse, while blood flow is naturally rerouted to the surrounding healthy veins. The body then breaks down and reabsorbs the "dead" vein.

Radiofrequency Closure

Radiofrequency Closure is a minimally invasive alternative to vein stripping for the treatment of varicose veins and its common underlying cause, venous reflux. Instead of surgically removing the diseased vein, the Closure procedure delivers radio frequency (RF) energy via a catheter to the clogged vein, which shrinks in the heat and eventually closes. Anesthetic and a saline solution are also injected to numb the leg, squeeze blood from the vein and protect surrounding tissue. Ultrasound imaging is used to locate the treatment site, guide the catheter and confirm that the vein has been fully closed.

After the procedure, blood is naturally re-routed through other, healthier veins in the body. Closure offers benefits over vein stripping and other treatment methods such as faster treatment and recovery time, less discomfort during and after the procedure, and little or no scarring, bruising or swelling. Closure can be performed under local or general anesthesia in as little as 45-60 minutes.

Microphlebectomy

Microphlebectomy, sometimes called ambulatory phlebectomy, is a minimally invasive method of treating small varicose veins. A special hook is used to remove the vein through multiple tiny incisions that do not usually require stitches and leave minimal scarring. Recent advances have made it possible to perform the procedure using only local anesthesia and light sedation in a doctor's office as an outpatient. After the microphlebectomy you will be asked to wear compression garments temporarily. The incisions typically heal within two weeks.

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