At Universal Vein Clinics in Dublin, our experienced staff provides compassionate and professional care using the latest and safest treatments available. Whether your problem is a simple cosmetic issue or medically necessary, Universal Vein Clinics can provide total vein care. The state-of-the-art treatment options are minimally invasive and require little down time. An individualized treatment plan is developed for each patient, based on their unique medical history, results from a physical examination with a vein specialist and goals of the patient.

Laser Vein Ablation (EVLT)

Laser Vein Ablation, also known as Endovenous Laser Treatment EVLT®, is a minimally-invasive procedure designed to treat superficial veins from the comfort of our clinic in Dublin. Using a laser, energy is applied inside the faulty vein to seal it shut. The blood will divert to healthy veins and the damaged vein will break up and dissolve.

The Laser Vein Ablation Procedure

Laser vein ablation is a quick, minimally invasive, outpatient procedure, performed utilizing imaging guidance. A small amount of anesthesia may be applied to the vein being treated. A thin catheter is inserted as a guide for the laser. Targeted laser energy is then delivered to heat and rapidly seal off the vein. Following laser vein ablation, there is no post-operative scarring and patients can return immediately to their normal activities after leaving our Dublin based clinic.

Benefits of Endovenous Laser Treatment

• No hospitalization required
• Treatment time is less than one hour
• Immediate relief from vein symptoms
• Normal activities can be resumed immediately following treatment
• Treatment is performed only under local anesthetic while patient is awake
• Minimal discomfort during the procedure, commonly compared to a rubber band snap

Pre-Treatment Instructions for EVLT:

• Remember to bring your 20-30mmHg, thigh high medical hose with you to your appointment.

Post-Treatment Instructions for EVLT:

• Wear compression hose for 48 continuous hours then for 14 days during waking hours.  Any gauze or tape may be removed after 48 hours.
• Walking is encouraged!  Aim for 20-30 minutes daily.
• Avoid Sun exposure for 10 days following treatment.
• No strenuous exercise or heavy lifting (>50lbs) for 10 days.
• Avoid hot baths, hot tubs for 1 week but showering is ok.
• Use Ibuprofen or Tylenol for any post operative discomfort.

What to expect following EVLT treatment:

• You may resume normal non-strenuous activity immediately following the treatment.
• It is normal to have bruising, tenderness and some discoloration during the healing process.
• Additional treatments including sclerotherapy may be necessary following ablation.
• If you develop chest pain, shortness of breath, or fevers over 101 degrees, call 911 immediately.

Ambulatory Phlebectomy

Ambulatory Phlebectomy is a minimally-invasive surgical technique that removes visible varicose veins through small, slit like incisions in the skin. Ambulatory phlebectomy treats surface veins and is commonly used in conjunction with other venous disease treatment methods.

The Ambulatory Phlebectomy Procedure

During an ambulatory phlebectomy procedure, a very small skin incision, generally less than 1 millimeter, is made adjacent to the visible vein. A phlebectomy hook is then used to extract the vein through the incision. Microphlebectomy is commonly done under local anesthesia and stitches are generally not required. Scarring from ambulatory phlebectomy is minimal or non-existent.

Benefits of Ambulatory Phlebectomy Treatment

• High success rate
• No hospitalization required
• Minimizes swelling and discomfort
• No pain during or following procedure
• Normal activities can be resumed next day
• Treatment is performed only under local anesthetic

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is a treatment for the removal of spider veins and small varicose veins. Damaged veins are injected with a sterile chemical, which irritates the vein’s lining, making it become inflamed, harden and eventually disappear. Blood circulation is rerouted through healthy veins. The unattractive appearance and pain associated with the veins are significantly reduced.

The Sclerotherapy Procedure

During sclerotherapy, a sclerosing agent is injected into the affected spider or varicose veins using a small needle. This solution creates an irritation of the inner lining of the vein causing it to become inflamed, resulting in closure of the vein. The vein will then harden and eventually fade away.

Depending upon the severity and number of spider or small varicose veins requiring treatment, the amount of treatments sessions will vary. Three to four treatments are required for most cases. Varicose and spider vein treatment sessions last approximately 30 minutes to one hour. During this time, multiple locations will be addressed. Treatment sessions are spaced with four week intervals.

Benefits Sclerotherapy Treatment

• Outpatient procedure
• Side effects uncommon
• No anesthesia required
• Multiple treatment sessions allow for optimum results
• Minimal discomfort, most patients compare it to an ant bite
• Patients are encouraged to return to activity following procedure

Pre-Treatment Instructions for Sclerotherapy:

• Do not shave the day of the treatment
• Remember to bring your 20-30mmHg, thigh high medical hose with you to your appointment.
• Wear or bring shorts that will help focus on your areas of concern.

Post-Treatment Instructions for Sclerotherapy:

• Wear compression hose for 24 continuous hours then one week during waking hours.  Any gauze and tape may be removed after 24 hours.
• Walking is encouraged!  Aim for 20-30 minutes daily.
• Avoid Sun exposure for 10 days following treatment.
• No strenuous exercise or heavy lifting (>50lbs) for 1 week.
• Avoid hot baths, hot tubs for 1 week but showering is ok.

What to expect following Sclerotherapy treatment:

• You may resume normal non-strenuous activity immediately following the treatment.
• It is normal to have bruising, tenderness and some discoloration during the healing process.  Rarely a small amount of blood may remain trapped in a treated vein; if so it may be removed at a follow up visit.
• Results may take 3 weeks to 3 months to be achieved.
• Additional treatments must be a minimum of 4 weeks apart.

Conservative Therapy

Conservative vein therapy refers to non-surgical methods of treatment which may be used instead of, or prior to surgical treatment. Conservative treatment methods may include anti-inflammatory medication or graduated compression stockings. Other conservative treatment options may include lifestyle changes such as weight loss and exercise.

Conservative therapy will not remove existing diseased veins; however it may significantly improve symptoms and slow the progression of venous disease. In most cases, insurance providers will require a trial period of conservative therapy prior to proceeding with any further treatment options to verify further vein treatment is medically necessary.

Benefits Conservative Therapy

• Lower treatment cost
• Alleviated swelling and pain
• No medical procedures required
• May significantly slow the progression of vein disease
• Compression stockings are easily sized and purchased
• Helps reduce risk of more dangerous vein related complications

When visiting Universal Vein Clinics, our board certified physicians will discuss which treatment option will be best for you, given your medical history, symptoms and their professional experience as vein specialists. Learn more about the services available at Universal Vein Clinics and contact us for your free initial consultation; available to all residents of Dublin, Westerville, Powell, Columbus and neighboring central Ohio communities.