Sclerotherapy – the Right Choice for Small Vein Removal

sclerotherapy-west-florida-vein-center-tampa

sclerotherapy-west-florida-vein-center-tampaAs we age many of us begin to notice small changes in our bodies. If your parents or grandparents had varicose veins or spider veins in their legs you are more likely to develop them as well. Genetics is not the only factor though. Lifestyle also plays a big part.

If you have visibly noticeable small veins that resemble a spider web you likely have telangiectasia, a lesser form of varicose veins or vein disease. While not usually painful, if not treated they tend to start out in a small location and spread fairly quickly.

Sclerotherapy is the main go to treatment for combatting telangiectasis. Sclerotherapy is used on spider veins as well as small superficial varicose veins appearing on the legs. They may also appear (though less commonly) on other parts of the body as well.

What Is Sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy is injection therapy using a very thin 32 gauge needle and a solution to chemically treat specific areas where vein damage exists. The injected chemicals collapse the blood vessel. This takes place within only a few seconds taking effect immediately. The doctor can see it working as they proceed. Sclerotherapy typically takes from 1 to 6 treatment sessions to reach the fading level desired for the treated veins.

Thanks to the natural adaptive healing processes of the human body the blood is simply re-routed to other healthy veins that can easily take on the extra flow while the spider veins fade from view gradually over a period of several weeks due to nonuse and reabsorption.

This procedure is performed using the smallest gauge needle made in order to minimize the sensation of an injection. Most patients are pleasantly surprised when they experience just how painless modern sclerotherapy actually is. Even if you are needle phobic this procedure has been said to be a breeze.

The Doctor’s Suggestion: Wear graduated compression stockings immediately after treatment for up to a week or more. The main benefit is, of course, the look of your legs. No longer encumbered by purplish blue lines sclerotherapy may also help improve annoyance symptoms sometimes linked to spider veins, such as itching, aching, burning and nighttime cramps. If you have tried sclerotherapy in the past and have been unsuccessful in relieving symptoms outside of the visual it could be a sign that deeper veins may need to be treated as well.

It is important to note that there is minimal to no discomfort with this treatment and no downtime.

Sclerotherapy is, so far, the most effective treatment option for spider veins.

Interested to learn more? We are here to help. Give the office of Dr. Mark Zuzga a call today at The West Florida Vein Center of Safety Harbor / Tampa, Florida.

www.westfloridaveincenter.com (727) 712-3233 to set up a consultation and get you on the road to healthier legs.

Most insurance accepted!

Varicose Veins, The Hidden Dangers

varicose veins tampa west florida vein center

varicose veins tampa west florida vein centerOn the surface, varicose veins might seem like a vanity issue the truth is they are a cosmetic warning sign that something is medically wrong. All varicose veins should be monitored by a Vein Specialist when they begin to present. The sooner you can treat them, the less damage can be done.

Left untreated varicose veins which are the visual presentation of chronic venous insufficiency (damage to the veins which lead to an inability to properly transport blood throughout the body’s circulatory system) will get worse over time and more pronounced. The once visual issue can lead to pain and discomfort.

Complications including skin ulcers, DVT (deep vein thrombosis blood clots), phlebitis, bleeding, dermatitis, itching, Restless Leg Syndrome, and wounds that may not heal may become issues if untreated.

Many avoid doing anything about their vein issues for fear of either pain or price. The truth is that vein treatment is virtually painless. We offer several different treatment options of which your physician will recommend one that is right for your case. There is almost no downtime and all are performed on an outpatient basis.

Insurance covers most procedures as varicose veins are a medical condition, not an elective treatment.

At The West Florida Vein Center of Tampa Bay | Safety Harbor we offer:


Microphlebectomy – Damaged veins are surgically removed through tiny punctures. The day of the procedure, your leg will be marked on the areas to be corrected. A local anesthetic “tumescent” is injected into the area surrounding your vein. Tiny incisions about 2-3mm each – are made and a crochet-type hook is to get ahold of the vein and remove it. This interrupts the blood flow and causes any remaining portion of the vein to clot and gets rid of the bulging diseased vein area.

Sclerotherapy – Sclerotherapy helps via injection through a very fine needle. The injectable solution causes the veins to shrink, close off and gradually dissolve. Each session lasts about15 minutes. Most tolerate the solution with no issues. Multiple sessions may be required. This will be decided after the initial consultation and evaluation.

The Venefit Procedure – Formerly known as the VNUS Closure™ procedure, for the treatment of varicose veins and CVI. This is a minimally invasive procedure of segmental ablation that utilizes radio frequency (RF) energy to provide an even and uniform heat to contract the collagen in the vein walls, causing them to collapse and seal. Once the diseased vein is closed, blood will re-route itself to other healthy veins.

Endovenous Ablation – This revolutionary new treatment for large varicose veins takes less than an hour and accomplishes the same outcome as surgical vein stripping. Using ultrasound guidance and local anesthesia, a thin laser fiber in a catheter is threaded up the vein. As the catheter is slowly withdrawn, the laser shrinks and seals the large vein that causes varicose veins in most patients. There is little or no visible scarring.

If you are in the Safety Harbor or Tampa Bay area of Florida we invite you to come in and see Dr. Zuzga of the West Florida Vein Center. www.westfloridaveincenter.com. Just give us a call to schedule your appointment today! (727) 712-3233.

Diagnosing Varicose Veins

varicose-veins-tampa-fl

varicose-veins-tampa-flIf you suspect you may have vein issues seeking medical attention as soon as possible is the best way to get your legs back to health.


Surface level veins are pretty easily diagnosed visually but when vein issues are deeper there are certain medical tests and procedures that can be processed when it comes to finding the damage and determining the extent. These same tests can also be used to rule out possible conditions.

If your skin in the area affected is having issues as well it is not unusual for your Dermatologist to work in conjunction with your Vein Specialist.

The Exam

Both standing and seated a visual examination is done on the patients’ legs. Questions will be asked as to how you feel standing, walking, sitting, running, and even while sleeping.

Ultrasound (Duplex)

A duplex ultrasound is a combination of the traditional with the newer technology of the Doppler ultrasound. Traditional ultrasound operates on sound waves in order to create an image of the structures. In this test, you can see the blood vessels and view anything that may be blocking the blood flow.

Doppler ultrasound uses sound waves to create pictures of the movement of the blood. The two together create a picture that can assist your doctor in diagnosing your condition more easily. Your physician may recommend a duplex ultrasound in order to look for blood clots as well.

The Ultrasound Experience

A handheld ultrasound device is placed on your body during this test in the area of suspected issue. It will be moved back and forth over the area. The unit works by sending and receiving sound waves. Those waves are then sent to a computer which will then convert into a visual image of the arteries and veins.

If a diagnosis of vein disease and accompanying varicose veins is made, your doctor will then recommend the very best treatment path possible to get your legs back to health.

Angiogram

If a simple physical exam isn’t enough, an angiogram may be used. During an angiogram, a nonreactive nontoxic dye is injected into your leg veins suspected of sustaining damage. Dying the veins allows the outlines to be viewable on an X-ray image. This is not very commonly used in most exams but can be incredibly valuable if a detailed look at blood flow routes is needed. This test can both confirm a diagnosis of varicose veins or may point to a different condition.

If you are in the Safety Harbor or Tampa, Florida area and in need of a Vein Specialist we hope you consider The West Florida Vein Center. www.westfloridaveincenter.com (727) 712-3233.

Drinking Excessively Can Worsen Vein Issues

alcohol and varicose veins tampa safety harbor

alcohol and varicose veins tampa safety harborWe have all seen it in the faces of serious hardcore lifetime drinkers. The broken capillaries and swelling nasal features, its a telltale sign of the consumption of too much alcohol over time. This excessive consumption can have a negative effect on your entire circulatory system.

Many people are predisposed to alcoholism due to family history and genetics.

If you know that risk runs in your family, your best option is to avoid it altogether. Other risk factors for vein disease besides alcohol can include poor diet, sedentary activity level, and holding on to extra weight especially in the midsection.

All of these factors can be addressed and helped through planning with your physician and lifestyle change. When people think diet they look at the food they are consuming and sometimes fail to look at what they are drinking as well. Alcohol should be an occasional indulgence at best when it comes to your health. Alcohol is actually poison. Your body just is able to filter it in small quantities via the kidneys and liver.

As varicose veins are a defective circulatory condition, and that alcohol affects blood circulation it should be no surprise that the two are interrelated.

The blood flowing through the legs pumps back up to the heart through a series of one-way valves that open in the direction of the heart and close immediately after the blood has passed through.  Ideally preventing any backflow of blood from occurring. When leg vein valves are damaged or aged they are unable to prevent an unhealthy backflow of blood, causing pressure to build up in the leg veins and resulting in the swollen, bulging, and enlarged appearance associated with varicose veins.

When alcohol is consumed it increases the heart rate and blood pressure. This forces the veins to work harder. It has a direct effect on the liver which is responsible for filtering blood. When the liver is damaged it becomes unable to properly filter the blood of waste and toxins. The result is a thickening of the blood making it even harder for those already delicate veins to do their job and varicose veins a far more likely outcome.

Dr. Zuzga of the West Florida Vein Center is certainly not going to advise you that you should never drink alcohol even socially, he will inform you that it would be wise to refrain from or limit alcoholic beverages if varicose veins are already present or if you have other risk factors for vein disease.

If you are in the Tampa, Florida or Safety Harbor Area of Tampa Bay give the office of West Florida Vein Center a call to schedule a consultation.  (727) 712-3233 or www.westfloridaveincenter.com.

Could Athletes Benefit from Wearing Compression Stockings?

compression-stockings

compression-stockingsMost of us would never have thought to group the words “Athlete” and “Compression stockings” into one sentence let alone suggest that they might be a good idea to wear during athletic activities. After all, aren’t compression stockings just for little old ladies?

As it turns out, not even close. Over the course of the last few years, top medical investigators have joined with world class athletes in the distance biking, triathlon, and marathon fields.

One of the toughest problems they all has to overcome was cramping. It is sometimes referred to as “hitting the wall” which is caused by lactic acid build up. This build-up takes place when the aerobic threshold reached and pushed past.

The findings prove that wearing graduated compression stockings can help. These graduated stockings have the highest compression starting at the ankles and get less tightly compressed as you move up past the knee.

How They Help

Wearing these stockings helps to prevent the pooling of blood in the muscles and affects the arterial flow to the muscles. The muscle in the arterial wall relaxes and this increases in the dimeter of the veins help with performance via higher cellular oxygen as well as faster recovery times.

Marathon Runners – A Study

A conjoined study including 19 marathon runners used running socks for three months during training as well as competition came to the following conclusions:

  1. Sixty percent of runners who suffered from muscle and tendon aches in the lower leg or experience pain in the ankle joint reported feeling relief from these aches as a result of wearing compression sport socks.

2. Forty seven percent of the group experienced an easier run over all and fifty three percent said the calf muscles were more relaxed.

The Real Question: Are They Comfortable?

The group report no significant issues as far as comfortability of stockings even out in the heat. Especially as they can be sprayed down with water during a run on a particularly hot day.

Are you an athlete? If so we are glad you stumbled on to this article. Help protect the health of your veins and circulatory system by considering proactively wearing compression stockings during workouts and competitions.

If you are in the Tampa Bay Florida area and need a Vein Specialist look no further. West Florida Vein Center has you covered. Give us a call to schedule today. 727-712-3233 or visit us online at www.westfloridaveincenter.com.

How to Recognize the Warning Signs of a Blood Clot

blood clot

blood clotYour heart pumps the blood through your arteries and then returns it to the heart where the process starts again. Blood is constantly flowing throughout the body. When motion and current cease blood can become stagnant, resulting in the possibility of blood clots.

When the body is injured in a way that cuts or punctures, in order to stop the bleeding a blood clot can sometimes form. Usually with no ill effects. There are times, however, when they form in locations they’re not needed in. Because of this early detection is important though recognition of symptoms and signs.

Learn the warning signs

Swelling

Developing a DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) also known as a blood clot in your arm or leg you could experience swelling. Risk factors for DVT include recent surgery, being stationary all of the time, or sitting on a plane at high elevation without movement for a long period of time.

Heart Palpitations

If you develop a clot in your lungs (a pulmonary embolism) it slows down your O2 rate. This causes your heart rate to speed up to make up the difference in the amount of O2 received.

Pain

Your entire body runs because of blood circulation. It requires it in order to move. A blood flow blocking clot can cause inflammation which leads to severe pain in the limb.

Color Changes

If you notice that an area in your body turns red or blueish, has a red streak, or becomes overly itchy, you may have a blood clot.

Breathing Problems

This can also be a sign of a lung based blood clot. You may have a deep cough or even cough up blood. Pain in the chest and dizziness Dizziness are also signs. Seek treatment immediately.

Elevated Blood Pressure

A kidney based clot can keep the kidneys from functioning properly and negatively influence the ability to process waste, removing it from your body. If left untreated it can cause kidney failure or higher than normal blood pressure.You may also notice you have a hard time breathing, leg swelling, blood in your urine or a fever.

Nausea or Vomiting

If a clot occurs in the veins that blocks the blood from your intestines, it can result in nausea, vomiting, blood in the stool, diarrhea, and stomach pain.

Never take a potential blood clot lightly.  If you believe you may have a clot please call your doctor immediately or head to the nearest ER.

Problems Seeing and Speaking

A brain based blood clot can cause feelings of weakness, vision issues, speech problems, and even lead to a stroke.

If you are in the Tampa, Florida area and looking for a great Vein Specialist or Cardiologist please consider Tampa Cardiovascular Associates. Give us a call at (813) 975-2800 or visit online at www.tampacardio.com.

Is it Just Vanity?

vein

veinIt’s a fact that as we age our bodies do change. wrinkles and creases may begin to appear, skin loosens, our hair may grey. But what about varicose and spider veins? Many may consider it as well a badge of ageing, but the truth is that spider veins and varicose veins are not simply normal effects of time. They are the result of venous insufficiency. Vein Disease.

Varicose and spider veins are not an aesthetic issue, they are the result of an underlying physical problem. When vein walls become weak in certain spots it can cause stretching, twisting and even pooling of blood while it is trying to travel both to and from the heart in the normal circulatory process. This not only causes unsightly purplish blue raised veins which can be embarrassing and make you want to cover them, they can also cause a whole host of physical discomfort issues.

The discomfort that comes from damaged veins can range from:

Aching

Swelling

Dermatitis

Discoloration

Itching legs

Clusters of small spider web looking veins (spider veins)

Twisted visible veins

Heavy Legs

The truth is you are not just being vain if you are considering treatment for varicose or spider veins. You are being proactive in protecting your own health.

Left untreated the above symptoms can and do progress to an advanced state where leg ulcers may form eating away the flesh making them very difficult to treat and heal or you may form blood clots known as DVT – Deep Vein Thrombosis. Blood clots may cut off circulation to a foot, hand, leg or other body part leaving it susceptible to permanent damage and even amputation.

Blood clots can be incredibly dangerous. If the clot itself breaks free, it can travel intravenously and if it reaches the heart, lungs, or brain may cause heart attack, pulmonary embolism or stroke which can be fatal.

It is important to have all possible vein issues checked by a Vein Specialist. For a vein specialist referral, or for more information on vein disorders and treatments, visit http://www.westfloridaveincenter.com/contact/ or call the West Florida Vein Center by dialing 727-712-3233.

Varicose Vein Relief

sclerotherapy

sclerotherapyThere are several different treatment options for spider veins. The one that stands out is sclerotherapy because it has stood the test of time and remains a top picked favorite of Vein Specialists as well as satisfied patients.

Sclerotherapy – What is it?

Sclerotherapy is the use of an injected chemical solution directly into the damaged. These chemicals cause the vein to collapse and scar, sealing the blood’s pathway and forcing it to reroute to healthier veins.  The collapsed vein is then reabsorbed into the tissue and the old vein eventually fades.

Why choose sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy liked and used so much because it is minimally invasive. This procedure improves not only the visual appeal of your legs but also tag along symptoms such as aching, swelling, burning and leg cramps. Treated veins fade completely within a few weeks, although in some patients it may take up to two months to see the full results. For more extensive cases, multiple sclerotherapy treatments may be needed. Your doctor will let you know prior to any treatment being administered.

What to be aware of when choosing Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is an outpatient procedure. It is generally performed right in your doctor’s office. No anaesthesia is required and only takes from 15 minutes to an hour to complete depending on the extent of the damage.

During the procedure, patients lie on their back, legs slightly elevated. Pretreatment the area is swabbed with alcohol. To begin the doctor uses a fine needle and begins slowly to inject a safe chemical solution or foam into the vein. Some patients may experience a minor stinging sensation or slight cramps at the point of insertion. The injection irritates the vein lining, causing it to swell shut and block the flow of blood.

Once the needle is removed, the doctor will then apply compression bandages and massage the area to keep blood out of the injected vessel and disperse the solution. For larger veins, a compression pad may be taped onto the site to keep the area compressed while your doctor moves on to the next vein. The size and area will affect the number of injections needed in a treatment.

Insurance coverage

Depending on the patient Sclerotherapy may or may not be covered by insurance. Please check with your carrier before scheduling the procedure.

Will I need time off?

There is virtually no downtime with Sclerotherapy. You can stand and walk immediately, it is even recommended. Compression stockings should be worn for one to three weeks and though you should avoid sun exposure during that time, you may return otherwise to normal activities.

Interested?

Give West Florida Vein Center a call today at (727) 712-3233 or visit www.westfloridaveincenter.com to start your screening.

Doing Away with Varicose Vein Myths!

varicose veins

varicose veinsVaricose veins are an issue that most people never talk about.

Current estimates state that approximately 50% of the United States population o50 and over have varicose veins. That’s 40 million Americans. With so many people living with venous insufficiency, you may be surprised to learn how little is widely known about varicose veins.

Let’s look at some of the common misconceptions so we can sort out fact from fiction.

Myth #1 Men don’t develop varicose veins – Vein disorders are more common in women because of hormones, birth control, and pregnancy, but there are many other factors for developing vein disease that is not exclusive to women – age, heredity, obesity, activity level, and profession can also contribute to men developing varicose veins as well. It’s expected that 43% of men will have experienced vein disease in some form by the time they reach their 60’s, and varicose veins are often the first sign that it’s occurring.

While varicose veins are certainly more frequently seen in the female population, around 55% of current cases, men can also develop vein issues.

Myth #2 Varicose veins are only a cosmetic problem – Treating varicose veins in the early stages can be extremely beneficial and helpful in improving the long-term vein health of the patient. Varicose veins can cause pain and can be a sign of much more serious problems, such as Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) or Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) that can lead to ulcers and blood clots, among other problems. 

Myth #3 Home Treatments – There are treatments that those with varicose veins can do at home. They may help to eliminate symptoms, but varicose veins cannot be cured once present by any at home trick.  Maintaining a healthy weight and diet, elevating the legs and feet when sitting or laying down, exercising, frequently and staying active, not smoking cigarettes, avoiding the use of high heels, and wearing compression stockings can all contribute to better overall vein health. While these actions can certainly help, if you have noticed any of the physical symptoms of vein disease, it’s always best to consult with your physician before taking any action.

Myth #5 Spider veins and Varicose veins are the same things – Both varicose veins and spider veins are caused by damaged or leaking valves, however, spider veins are typically seen as a strictly cosmetic issue, while varicose veins can signify deeper health issues. Spider veins are smaller and appear in sunburst patterns, and, unlike varicose veins, they are not elevated from the skin. Both conditions can cause physical embarrassment, and, fortunately, both are easily treated.

Myth #4 I can’t afford to treat my veins – Varicose veins are not a cosmetic condition, and because varicose veins present a valid medical condition with the potential for dangerous progression, most insurance companies will cover their treatment and removal. Spider vein treatments, while available, are considered a cosmetic treatment and thus will not always be covered. It’s always best if you speak with your insurance provider before making any decisions.

Educating yourself about varicose veins and venous disease is only the first step towards improving your vein health. For more information about vein disease, treatments, and prevention, please visit Dr. Zuzga at West Florida Vein Center in Safety Harbor and serving all of Tampa, FL. (727) 712-3233 www.westfloridaveincenter.com

Could it be May Thurner Syndrome?

may thurner syndrome

may thurner syndromeAre you experiencing symptoms?

Lower left leg edema and pain are the two classic symptoms. It is primarily seen in younger women twenty to forty following pregnancy or immobilization. May Thurner Syndrome is chronic. Because of this patients also tend to present pigmentation changes, varicose veins, chronic leg pain, phlebitis and skin ulcers.

It can be described in three stages:

1 – Asymptomatic iliac vein compression

2 – Development of a venous spur

3 – Development of the left iliac vein DVT

What is May Thurner?

Compression Syndrome (also called May Thurner Syndrome or Crockett Syndrome) is an affliction that is fairly rare. It consists of an anatomical variant where the left iliac artery is compressed by the right iliac artery.

May Thurner Syndrome is known by several names – iliocaval compression syndrome, Cockett syndrome or iliac vein compression syndrome. This affliction is an anatomical variant where the right lilac artery compressed the left iliac vein against the fifth lumbar vertebra.  Because of this deformity, it causes left side vein compression leading to deep vein thrombosis in the left iliofemoral.

How is it diagnosed?

Diagnosis is not always straightforward. Radiological evidence of compression combined with symptoms presented is key. Doppler ultrasound can detect a deep vein thrombosis in the iliac vessels. CT and magnetic imaging may also be used. Seeing a vein specialist is vital if you suspect you may have a vein issue including May Thurner Syndrome.

Is it treatable?

Yes. Treatment clears the thrombus to print post-thrombotic syndrome and to correct the initial compression of the left iliac vein. Several different surgical procedures may be used.

If left untreated a significant number of patients will develop post-thrombotic syndrome which can be debilitating.

Management of May-Thurner syndrome has evolved over the years.  Endovascular therapy has become the primary treatment. With early recognition and aggressive treatment, May-Thurner syndrome is a manageable disease.

If you live in the Tampa bay area and feel you may have vein issues please call us at 813-975-2800 or schedule an evaluation through our online form.

www.tampacardio.com