Laser Varicose Vein Treatments by Dr. Rosenfield
Varicose veins are a common medical problem affecting both men and women. They are characterized by a blue, bulging, rope-like appearance and can cause swelling in the legs and feet, pain, burning and tenderness. They occur in the superficial venous system and are mostly commonly related to problems in the greater saphenous vein. Left untreated some patients experience complications like skin ulcers, sores, superficial blood clots and even bleeding. A number of factors influence the development varicose veins. These include heredity, obesity, hormone levels, aging, physical trauma or an occupation that involves being on your feet all day.
Varicose veins are generally the result of a condition called venous reflux disease or venous insufficiency. When the heart pumps blood through our arteries to our extremities, our leg veins work with our calf muscles and diaphragm to return that blood to the heart to be re-circulated. In a healthy leg, this happens with the aid of small, one-way valves within the leg veins. They open to allow blood to flow up to the heart and close to stop it from flowing backward. Venous reflux disease occurs when these veins malfunction. The blood that should be flowing upwards flows backward instead and pools in the veins causing them to enlarge and become varicose.
Confirming Venous Reflux Disease
Prior to treatment of varicose veins, it is essential to have a thorough clinical evaluation by Dr. Richard Rosenfield and an ultrasound. Ultrasound is a safe, painless diagnostic imaging procedure that uses sound waves to capture real-time images of internal anatomy. The ultrasound is conducted by a certified vascular technologist who maps the blood flow in the leg and documents any backward blood flow to confirm the presence of venous reflux disease.
Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT) for Varicose Veins
Minimally invasive EVLT is the treatment of choice for varicose veins. It offers relief of symptoms and a beautiful cosmetic result with minimal downtime and discomfort. There is no scarring and a very quick recovery. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis by Dr. Richard Rosenfield. A tiny incision is made and a thin laser fiber is inserted into the abnormal vein under ultrasound guidance. A local anesthetic is used for your comfort. The laser’s energy source is discharged as it is slowly extracted causing the diseased vein to be sealed so that blood can no longer pool in it. The body responds to the loss of the diseased vein by naturally redirecting blood flow to other healthy leg veins. Circulation is improved and symptoms are relieved. Normal physical activity can be resumed within 24 hours.
It is important to understand that varicose veins are a chronic condition. Endovenous laser therapy is a highly effective treatment for existing varicose veins but no treatment can prevent the development of new varicose veins. Dr. Rosenfield may recommend some lifestyle modifications that have been shown to reduce the incidence of new varicosities. These include maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly and avoiding prolonged standing.
Insurance Reimbursement
Varicose veins are a medical condition and treatment is generally covered by health insurance when a patient has documented venous insufficiency and is symptomatic. Qualifying symptoms include pain, swelling in the legs and feet, a feeling of heaviness in the legs, burning and tenderness. Some insurance carriers also require that a patient undergo more conservative management for a period of time to see if symptoms resolve. This generally involves the use of special elastic stockings called compression hose. Dr. Rosenfield will prescribe these if necessary. Our billing experts are available to check your benefits and assist with preauthorizing your procedure with your insurance company.
