Varicose and Spider Veins

Vein Treatment for Men and Women

Locations:  Avon and Glastonbury

(860) 664-0794

To download our EVLT Brochure click here.

Whether you simply want to improve the appearance of your legs, or remedy varicose veins, or both, Radiology Associates of Hartford, PC is uniquely staffed and equipped to provide you with the most advanced, minimally invasive, outpatient services. Choose RAH for your vein services and receive:

  • Licensed and Certified outpatient medical facility
  • Board Certified professionals and personable staff
  • Answers to all your Vein Treatment questions
  • Timely appointments
  • Little or no pain / discomfort
  • Follow up care
  • Satisfaction with results

Symptoms of varicose veins and venous insufficiency include:
Itchiness, aching, heaviness, exercise intolerance, Restless Leg Syndrome, leg pain, and/or swelling

Not all symptomatic patients will complain of pain as their symptoms may be subtle and gradual. After treatment, they are surprised to realize how much chronic discomfort they accepted as normal.

Untreated symptoms may lead to more serious problems. Over time, complaints may progress to rashes, discoloration, phlebitis, ulceration and bleeding.

Methods of Treatment

At Radiology Associates of Hartford, PC, our board certified physician, Dr. Freling or Dr. Stohr will:

  • thoroughly evaluate your condition
  • discuss the details of your situation so you feel comfortable
  • present you with a course of action that works best for you

Compression Therapy

The most conservative management for venous disease is wearing prescription strength, thigh-high compression stockings. A new generation of stylish compression socks and hosiery has been created to appeal to a broader consumer base. Compression products are available for men and women.

Note: Most insurance companies require patients to wear prescription strength stockings for 1 to 6 months before they will consider coverage for vein treatment.

By compressing the limb with graduated compression - strong at the ankle and decreasing going up the leg - the compression stocking helps the venous return, decreases venous pressure, prevents venous stasis and deterioration of venous walls, and efficiently relieves aching and heavy legs.

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is a safe, non-surgical procedure which has evolved over the past 20 years. Sclerotherapy is still largely preferred over laser for eliminating large spider veins and smaller varicose leg veins. Modern techniques now include use of ultrasound guidance with injection therapy.

Procedure: Under ultrasound guidance and using a very fine needle, a sclerosing solution is injected into the unwanted vein causing the target vein to immediately shrink, and then dissolve over a period of weeks as the body naturally absorbs the treated vein.

Unlike a laser, the sclerosant solution additionally closes the "feeder veins" under the skin that are causing the spider veins to form, which helps to prevent spider veins in the treated area from returning.

Post Treatment:

  • Reasonable activities may be resumed the day of treatment
  • Walking is encouraged during this time
  • No baths, hot tubs, or heavy lifting are allowed for one week
  • Compression stocking must be worn for 2 weeks after treatment, during the day, but can be removed at night for sleeping

How many treatments will you need?

Follow-up visits are scheduled to evaluate the efficacy of the procedures and to answer any question or concerns that you may have. The timing and frequency of follow-up visits will be determined by your personal vein treatment plan and desired results.

Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT)

Our radiologists are specialized in EVLT services. EVLT is FDA approved, and is the leading laser treatment for varicose veins. The procedure can take less than an hour, and is minimally invasive. You will experience immediate relief of symptoms and can return to normal activity with little or no pain. The treatment is performed in our Glastonbury and Avon outpatient centers.

98% of first-time EVLT treatments are successful.

During the Vein Treatment visit:

  • Personal Vein Treatment goals are established
  • The radiologist uses ultrasound to map out your vein
  • Local anesthetic is applied
  • A thin laser fiber is inserted through a tiny entry point, usually near the knee
  • Laser energy is delivered to seal the faulty vein

Loss of the vein is not a problem. After treatment the blood in the faulty veins will be diverted to the many normal veins in the leg.

Post Treatment:

  • Reasonable activities may be resumed the day of treatment
  • Walking is encouraged during this time
  • No baths, hot tubs, or heavy lifting are allowed for one week
  • Compression stocking must be worn for 2 weeks after treatment, during the day, but can be removed at night for sleeping

Complications and risks from EVLT services

  • a small number of cases of quickly passing numbness (Please make your physician aware of any numbness)
  • No risks, just a precaution against incidental firing of laser energy outside the body. (You will be given a pair of special glasses to protect your eyes)

To schedule a consultation for Vein Treatment at Radiology Associates of Hartford, PC, please choose our Avon or Glastonbury location.

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