VASCULAR HEALTH
lifeand health
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9
COMBINING
innovative
techniques, the latest technology and
the clinical expertise of highly skilled
interventional radiologists, Sharon
Hospital is restoring vein health to
patients su ering from heavy, tired,
throbbing legs—with the added
advantage of virtually erasing discol-
oration from iron staining, as well as
smoothing lumps or bulges caused by
weak, damaged valves in the veins.
When should you have the
procedure?
Winter is the ideal time to ready
your legs for the warmer seasons,
as vascular treatment procedures
produce the most noticeable aesthetic
bene t to patients several months fol-
lowing treatment.
The Vein Center
at Sharon Hospital
O ering the latest treatments for varicose and spider veins
By Bryan Yen, MD, and Philip Amatulle, MD,
Radiologists at the Vein Center at Sharon Hospital
What causes varicose veins to
occur?
Over time, veins can lose elasticity,
causing them to stretch and the valves
to weaken and not close properly,
which causes re ux (backward ow)
in the nonelastic vessel. Both men
and women can su er from varicose
veins. Common symptoms of vari-
cose veins are aching pains, throbbing
and discomfort of the legs. In some
cases, varicose veins can lead to more
serious health problems. Symptoms
for spider veins commonly include
itching or burning.
What is sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is one of the most
popular ways to treat spider veins.
A sclerosing solution is injected into
the vein and causes it to collapse.
e vein then fades or disappears.
e procedure is repeated into each
of the a ected areas. Each treatment
takes about 20 minutes and is spaced
30 days apart to allow the healing
process to take place. Spider veins
respond to sclerotherapy in three to
six weeks, larger veins in three to four
months. Veins that respond to treat-
ment will not reappear. e number
of treatments needed varies from
patient to patient, depending upon
the extent of the symptoms.
What is endovenous laser
treatment (EVLT)?
EVLT is a minimally invasive laser
procedure that treats the pain and
discomfort of varicose veins. e
laser treats the vein walls, shrink-
ing them and closing the defective
vein so that the blood is redirected
through healthier, stronger veins.
EVLT eliminates vein bulging at its
source, leaving no scars.
What is ambulatory
phlebectomy?
Ambulatory phlebectomy is an
outpatient procedure where micro-
incisions are made in the leg to gently
remove signi cant varicose veins.
A er the procedure, the remaining
varicose veins should decrease in size
signi cantly or disappear. Because
incisions are so small, sutures are
generally not necessary and there is
virtually no scarring.
A physician’s referral is not
necessary for a consultation with an
interventional radiologist. Prior to
any procedure, the radiologist will
perform a complete vein consulta-
tion, including a detailed history and
physical with an ultrasound evalua-
tion of the main veins in your leg. At
this time, the radiologist will answer
any questions and then decide on
the appropriate treatment for you. To
make an appointment for a consul-
tation, please call
860.364.4070
or
860.364.4468
(radiology scheduling).
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