Dr. April Boyd (MD, Ph.D., and Specialist in Vascular Surgery) brings her expertise to the Western Surgery Centre. With the use of laser technology, Dr. Boyd will be offering treatments for both spider veins and varicose veins.
In North America, more than 50% of the adult population suffers from a type of vein disorder. The most common types are varicose and spider veins, which are superficial and vary in color and appearance. Varicose veins are often enlarged and, over time, appear ropy under the skin. This enlargement is caused by incompetent or leaking valves known as venous reflux disease, which can also lead to symptoms including pain, swelling, aching in the legs, and skin disorders.
Spider veins are small blue or red vessels that appear near the surface of the skin. These vessels mainly appear on the legs and face.
Treatment methods vary based on the type of vein and the presence of venous reflux disease. Diagnosis is based upon an ultrasound scan and visual inspection. Your physician will determine if you are a candidate for treatment with the D940 laser, based upon the severity of the symptoms and the diagnosis.
Varicose Vein Treatment
The endovenous laser treatment with the D940 laser is used to correct venous reflux. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis at the Western Surgery Centre. Using ultrasound guidance, a catheter is inserted through a small incision into the saphenous vein. A laser fiber is then inserted into the catheter and used to deliver energy, while the fiber is being withdrawn from the leg, to close the diseased vein.
Once the procedure is complete, the blood is re-routed to healthy veins. A small bandage is placed over the insertion site and a compression dressing is placed over the area treated. Walking is encouraged immediately following the procedure and patients can return to work the next day.
The endovenous laser procedure has proven to be highly effective for the treatment of venous reflux disease with a reported 95-97% success rate at a 12-month follow-up.
Spider Vein Treatment
There are a number of different methods used to treat spider veins. One method utilizes a laser that applies energy to the surface of the skin using a special handpiece. The laser energy is absorbed into the vessel through the skin, eliminating blood flow through the vein. Immediately following treatment, veins will be similar in appearance to a scratch. The length and number of treatments vary based on your condition; however, most sessions last between 15 and 30 minutes each.
Other treatments include sclerotherapy, which involves injecting a solution into the vein or a combined laser and sclerotherapy treatment. Talk to Dr. Boyd about which method is right for you.
Spider veins are not a definitive indicator of venous reflux disease and may appear on a patient with healthy vein valves. Only an ultrasound diagnosis can determine the presence of venous reflux disease. If it exists, Dr. Boyd may choose to treat this condition prior to the treatment of spider veins.
The advantages of Laser Vein Treatment include:
- In-office procedure
- No hospitalization
- Resume activities the next day
- Minimal discomfort
- Proven treatment
- Little or no side effects
If you feel ready to discuss your options with us, we would love to speak with you. To request a consultation, feel free to contact us via this website or call 204-947-9322.