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In
essence, UGS is a safe and highly effective out-patient
procedure which eliminates the deeper diseased veins hidden from
view that have traditionally required surgical removal. Here is
a brief explanation of this important advance in the treatment
of varicose veins.
Until
recently, sclerotherapy was thought to be effective only for
spider veins and small varicose veins that remain after surgery.
But since 1990, the use of duplex ultrasound (DUS) has enabled
the precise anatomic location of abnormal "saphenous"
veins and their tributaries, so that injections of powerful
sclerosing agents directly into these veins can be accurately
delivered for effective and durable results.
DUS thus serves both to provide a diagnostic functional map, and
to guide the actual injection process. The patient benefits by
avoiding Xray contrast studies (venography), while eliminating
the targeted saphenous veins without the disadvantages of
surgery (higher risks and costs, recuperation time, and scars).
Neither
surgery nor sclerotherapy can prevent new varicose veins from
developing as a result of the natural progression of this
chronic condition. However, UGS offers a less traumatic, less
costly alternative to gain and maintain control. Special
expertise is required in order to treat the saphenous axis by
sclerotherapy, as supported by the international medical
literature.
Duplex
ultrasound is the key to the success of this procedure. First,
it locates the diseased "saphenous" vein(s) hidden
from view that cause the more obvious bulging surface
varicosities. Next, DUS guides both the placement and number of
injections according to individual response. Later, follow-up
DUS examinations confirm success, and guide additional treatment
when necessary.
The
success of both surgery and sclerotherapy depends on accurate
control of all reflux (backward flow) points. Due to recent
advances, both methods now share a similarly high success rate
when performed by experienced practitioners who accurately
target the diseased veins using DUS. However, published studies
show that most patients prefer sclerotherapy if given the
choice.
Varicose
vein disease is not curable. Like any other chronic medical
condition such as diabetes or hypertension, it requires ongoing
maintenance and surveillance after the initial course of
treatment gains control. Treatment in the earlier stages helps
avert unpleasant complications (leg ulcers, dermatitis,
phlebitis, blood clots), and relieve bothersome symptoms.
We accept most insurance plans.
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