VARICOSE VEINS IN SANTA FE, NM

Normal leg veins have one-way valves in them which help maintain blood flow against the force of gravity. The valves can become non-functional for a variety of reasons, to include genetics, hormonal changes, pregnancy, prolonged standing, and a history of blood clots. When the valves are not working correctly, gravity acts on the blood in the venous system, causing the veins to become swollen. Veins closer to the skin may seem to "pop out" of the leg and are visible as twisting, bluish cords, known as varicose veins. The underlying valve problem can also contribute to symptoms of leg tiredness, aching, pain, and swelling after standing for long periods. Untreated valve problems can progress to skin breakdown and the formation of an ulcer, or sore, located close to the ankle.

To diagnose a valve problem, a painless ultrasound exam is conducted by Dr. Biggs, who is credentialed as a Registered Physician in Vascular Interpretation (RPVI) by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). This test involves placing an ultrasound probe on the skin to examine the blood flow in the leg veins. Santa Fe Vein & Med Spa is an Accredited Facility for Vascular Testing by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC).

Endovenous Laser Ablation

If a valve problem is identified, minimally invasive treatments are available, using some of the most sophisticated technology to date.  Endovenous Laser Ablation, or Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLA or EVLT, respectively), involves using heat energy from a laser to cause controlled thermal damage to the faulty vein.  Blood is then re-routed to other leg veins, with the goal of improving the venous circulation.  The procedure can be performed with local anesthesia in the office, and no stitches are used. Most patients experience a rapid recovery, with return to work possible in 24 hours in many patients. Timeframes and individual results may vary.

Microphlebectomy

Varicose veins are enlarged veins with faulty valves, and they can potentially cause problems if they form a blood clot. They can be removed to reduce the risk of clotting and to potentially improve how the patient's leg feels.

Microphlebectomy is a procedure for removing tortuous (full of twists and turns) surface varicose veins through small, "micro" incisions. Microphlebectomy is not the same procedure as "vein stripping," the latter being a surgical procedure used to remove much longer and relatively straight veins with valve problems in the leg. We use Endovenous Laser Ablation (see previous section) instead of vein stripping to treat these longer and relatively straight veins.

With microphlebectomy, the skin over the varicose veins is first numbed in the office. Very small, "micro" incisions are made in the leg next to the varicose vein clusters. Dr. Biggs uses a special instrument to extract the veins through the "micro" incisions. Since the incisions are so small, Dr. Biggs does not use any stitches. After the procedure, most patients experience an improvement in how their leg feels and looks as well as a reduced risk of forming superficial blood clots.