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A Guide to VenaSeal™: Everything You Should Know
Varicose veins are no fun. Yet, as we begin to age, many of us begin seeing the appearance of those dark, telltale lines that indicate blood is pooling in our legs and around our ankles instead of returning to the heart as it should. While varicose veins are mostly benign, they may be a sign of a circulatory problem such as chronic venous insufficiency. This means that valves inside the veins of our legs are no longer functioning as they should. This can be due to normal aging, being overweight, or being on our feet too many hours out of the day. VenaSeal™ is a simple solution that can help alleviate the irritation of varicose veins. Book a consult today.
The Amazing Details About VenaSeal™ Procedure
VenaSeal™ is a simple, minimally invasive procedure that your vein specialist performs on an outpatient basis. You're able to return to your regular schedule immediately afterward, and blood flow to your heart from your legs may actually become stronger and healthier as a result. The steps of a VenaSeal™ procedure are simple:
- You'll receive a shot of a local anesthetic for pain relief near the site of the initial injection.
- Your vein specialist will make a single incision near the damaged vein and insert a catheter.
- A special adhesive is pumped into the damaged vein and pressure is applied afterward, effectively sealing the vein.
- Blood is automatically re-routed to healthy veins nearby, where it can be pumped back to the heart.
- The closed veins are harmlessly absorbed by the body, becoming invisible to the eye.
VenaSeal™ is safe and effective and allows you to return to work immediately. You can drive yourself to and from treatment. It's that minimally invasive, and closed veins will never open up again.
How Much Does VenaSeal™ Cost?
The average cost of a VenaSeal™ procedure is around $3,000, but may vary depending upon where you live and other circumstances. This may sound expensive, but in reality, it's a state-of-the-art medical procedure that allows patients to find immediate relief from the pain, itching, and swelling of varicose veins, while alleviating the unsightly bulging, black lines that develop as a result.
Is VenaSeal™ Covered by Insurance?
Unlike other forms of treatment for chronic venous insufficiency, VenaSeal™ may not be covered by your insurance carrier because it's the newest, most cutting-edge treatment available for closing varicose veins. Before having your procedure, speak with your insurance representative to learn more about coverage.
If VenaSeal™ is not covered by your insurance carrier, talk with your vein specialist regarding radiofrequency vein ablation (RVA). RVA is normally considered effective treatment for chronic venous insufficiency, and as such, most carriers provide coverage.
Is VenaSeal™ Covered by Medicare?
Happily, Medicare often covers at least a percentage of the cost of the VenaSeal™ procedure as long as it's considered medically necessary. Talk with your vein specialist to find out whether your procedure is considered necessary or cosmetic. Because varicose veins can lead to bigger problems such as venous ulcers, seeking treatment is typically recommended.
Schedule a Consultation Today
When you're ready to find relief for the discomfort and embarrassment of varicose veins, Premier Heart & Vein Care is ready to help. Our dedicated vein specialist is an expert at performing the newest, most scientific treatments for varicose veins, including VenaSeal™. Meet our vein physician in San Luis Obispo, CA, when you book your consultation today.
Everything You Need to Know About Carotid Artery Stenosis
Carotid artery stenosis, or better known simply as carotid artery disease, occurs when the two main arteries — one located on each side of the neck — that carry blood from the heart to the brain and head narrow. This condition is typically caused by a gradual buildup of plaque within the artery, which over time leads in the narrowing of it. If untreated, this disease can increase the likelihood of a stroke, which can result in permanent long-term medical issues and even death.
What causes carotid stenosis? Being the disease is progressive, it's largely a combination of a number of factors over time. Those who suffer from medical conditions such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes are more likely to be diagnosed with carotid artery stenosis. Smoking is another risk factor. In this post, we'll cover everything that you should know about carotid artery disease, from its early symptoms to how it's treated to how to prevent it. Here's a look:
Early Symptoms of Carotid Artery Stenosis
In some cases, carotid stenosis may be an unknown health condition and not evident until an individual experiences signs of a stroke or suffers an actual stroke. In other situations, an annual medical physical exam may suggest to a doctor that there's an issue, which may be followed up with a specialty test, like a carotid ultrasound. And in other cases, there are tell-tale signs and symptoms that individuals and healthcare professionals alike can take note of that may indicate a problem. Here's a look at some of the early symptoms of carotid artery stenosis to be on the lookout for:
- Difficulty seeing suddenly or blindness.
- Slurring speech without alcohol consumption or other obvious causes.
- Numbness, tingling or weakness in the face and/or arm and/or leg.
- Inability to speak or understand speech.
- Confusion and memory problems.
Treating Carotid Artery Stenosis
The good news about carotid artery stenosis is that it's treatable and certain lifestyle choices can make living with the disease more manageable. Mild cases can even be treated with over-the-counter medications, like aspirin, which can help decrease the likelihood of blood clotting and reduce the risk of stroke. More severe blockages typically involve a more invasive surgical procedure where an endarterectomy is performed to remove plaque buildup within the artery and restore normal blood flow.
As we hinted above, following a carotid artery stenosis, individuals should make immediate changes to their lifestyle, which may include quitting smoking, adopting a healthier diet, exercising more and taking medication to treat conditions that may be aiding in plaque buildup. Eating healthy is particularly important, and a steady diet of fruits and vegetables don't just provide antioxidants, reduce inflammation and strengthen connective tissue, but stimulate blood flow throughout the body as well. A good diet isn't just important for heart health, but vein health as well.
How to Prevent Carotid Artery Stenosis and Other Vein Issues
As we noted above, the best way to prevent carotid artery stenosis is to live a healthy lifestyle. Eat a balanced diet, get plenty of exercise and refrain from any lifestyle habits — like smoking — that could lead to long-term health issues. Additionally, preventative medical care is key to catching certain health issues, like diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, that could lead to the sudden onset of carotid artery stenosis.
Contact Premier Heart and Vein Care for More Information
One of the ways to diagnose carotid artery stenosis is via a carotid ultrasound, a non-invasive, safe procedure where images of the body's internal structures are taken and can be analyzed to assess the carotid artery's overall health in real-time. At Premier Heart and Vein Care, we're proud to offer this type of test as a way to carefully examine the health of the carotid artery. Contact us today, and we'll be happy to introduce you to Dr. Ken Stevens, our industry-leading vein physician. Contact our office today for more information.
What Are the Advantages of Venefit?
Varicose veins affect up to 35 percent of Americans, and those with a family history of the condition are more likely to suffer from varicose veins, reports the Society for Vascular Surgery. While surgical removal of varicose veins is available, it can lead to scarring and extensive recovery periods. However, a newer, more effective treatment, known as Venefit™, offers significant advantages over other treatment options.
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Do I Need a Vein Clinic?
Summer is a time for shorts and bathing suits to help beat the heat. On the other hand, any time of year is good for a ,little black dress. If you have varicose veins or spider veins, however, you may feel uncomfortable wearing these wardrobe staples. Or you may actually be having uncomfortable symptoms. These are all good reasons to visit a vein clinic. Here's how a vein clinic might be helpful if you need varicose veins treated or spider vein removal, courtesy of Dr. Ken Stevens, at Premier Heart and Vein Care in San Luis Obispo, California.
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Is it Time to Visit a Vein Clinic?
If you think you may be dealing with the symptoms of abnormal veins, you may wonder if it is time for you visit a vein clinic. To determine whether the time is right, ask yourself the following questions.
1. Do my veins appear abnormal?
For most people, the first sign of abnormal veins is a change in the veins' appearance. Spider veins typically appear as thin, web-like veins that are visible from the surface of the skin but are not raised. These veins are most common on the chest, hands, face and legs. Varicose veins, on the other hand, are larger veins that may be deep within the tissues or raised above the skin's surface. These veins may be twisted or gnarled, and they are most common in the legs.
2. Do I have other symptoms?
Many people with abnormal veins experience physical symptoms in addition to veins' abnormal appearance. These symptoms may include cramping, throbbing, burning, numbness, tingling and weakness. Some people with severe varicose veins may also develop ulcerations in the skin near the affected vein. If you have any of these symptoms, it is time to see a vein doctor.
3. Have I tried at-home treatments?
In some cases, you may be able to improve some of the symptoms of abnormal veins with at-home treatments, such as elevation of the legs, wearing compression stockings or engaging in more physical exercise. Some people with abnormal veins may also benefit from weight loss. If you have tried these conservative treatment options without success, or if you don't want to try at-home treatments first, it may be time to make an appointment at a vein clinic.
4. Am I interested in vein clinic treatment options?
If you seek treatment at a vein clinic, you may have several different treatment options to choose from. For example, at Premier Heart and Vein Care, we offer the following vein treatment options:
- Sclerotherapy - Sclerotherapy is a procedure used to treat spider veins and some smaller varicose veins. During this procedure, a vein surgeon injects your abnormal veins with a special solution designed to irritate the walls of the veins and force them to swell. The walls stick together, and the vein collapses. Over time, it fades from view.
- Veinwave - Veinwave is a procedure designed to address spider veins. This procedure treats spider veins with high frequency thermal energy.
- Venefit - Venefit is designed to treat varicose veins, including those that are larger or located deep within the tissues. During this procedure, a vascular surgeon threads a thin catheter into the abnormal vein and administers radiofrequency energy. This energy causes the vein to collapse and shrink.
Ready to make an appointment at a vein clinic? Contact Premier Heart and Vein Care to learn more.
Getting Treatment at a Vein Center is Important
If you have problems with your legs due to vascular issues, it's important to find a vein center that's committed to helping you become as healthy as possible. Whether you're concerned about a few spider veins or you've having a more significant difficulty with your vascular system, you can find the right vein doctors for your needs.
Before you choose a vein clinic, make sure you talk to the doctors there and ask plenty of questions. It's vital that you're informed about any conditions you may have and the treatments available for those conditions. Only then can you work with your doctors to make the right decisions about your health.
The peace of mind you can get from a good conversation with your doctors is highly valuable, but the next step will be to work on the actual treatment of your vascular issues. Vein treatment is often cosmetic, but there may be underlying health problems that have to be corrected, as well. Both cosmetic and other issues can all be handled by working with vascular surgeons.
If poor circulation or other problems are lending themselves to vascular trouble in your particular case, you'll want to see about having those issues corrected, managed, or otherwise handled before you embark on cosmetic correction of spider or varicose veins.
When other issues have been properly controlled, it's much easier to treat the cosmetic problems. Those problems will also be less likely to recur. That can be an important consideration when treating something such as varicose veins. They are generally considered to be cosmetic, but they can also cause problems like pain, aches, discomfort, restlessness, and heaviness in the legs. By treating them properly, vascular surgeons will be able to make your legs look a lot better, but you'll also feel better, as well. That's a winning combination, and can help you get back to your normal activities in virtually no time at all.
Because the procedure to treat spider or varicose veins is relatively simple and not highly invasive, there's not much downtime. It can be performed in a vein clinic, and it's considered outpatient. You won't have to worry about a hospital stay or a lot of restrictions on what you can do, and you won't have a long recovery period.
Some people put off the treatment of their vascular problems because they don't want to take the time out of their schedule for recovery, but that's not really an issue anymore. The treatment options available today are fast and virtually painless, and you can resume normal activities quickly. You'll love the way your legs look and feel, and you'll be making a great investment in your overall vascular health.
