Vein Care & Treatment

Western Reserve Vein Center

The Western Reserve Vein Center offers sclerotherapy, compression stockings, and endovenous laser therapy treatments for varicose veins and spider veins at the offices of Western Reserve Heart Care. These minimally invasive procedures are performed right in our office, usually in less than an hour.

Types of Veins

Varicose veins are larger, often ¼” or larger in diameter. They grow larger over time, and can result in significant pain and complications if they are not treated. In comparison, spider veins are small, thread-like colored veins that are most often seen at the surface of the skin. While most patients seek treatment for spider veins for cosmetic reasons, if left untreated they can result in substantial discomfort.

Our Services & Treatments

While compression stockings can help provide minor relief, the center also offers sclerotherapy and endovenous laser therapy treatments when needed for varicose veins and spider veins.

Endovenous laser therapy is a one-hour, in-office alternative to the much more intrusive vein stripping procedures of the past. It uses a laser fiber to close the damaged vein, and patients are encouraged to walk after the procedure.

Sclerotherapy uses an injection to seal off diseased veins. It is performed in the office and does not require anesthesia.

You may want to download our varicose vein office examination questionnaire here, print it out and bring it with you when you come to our offices.

Treatment Options for Vein Disease

Depending on the type and stage of vein disease, there are many different treatments. The following are common treatments performed for vein disease:

Endovenous Laser Therapy In the last few years, the use of lasers has become an accepted alternative to surgical stripping to treat varicose veins. During endovenous laser therapy, a thin laser fiber is inserted into the diseased vein via a small catheter, similar to the way in which an intravenous line is inserted into an arm vein. To ensure patient comfort, a local anesthetic agent is administered during the procedure. The physician then delivers laser energy through the fiber which causes the vein to close as the fiber is gradually removed. Endovenous laser therapy can be performed in a physician's office in less than one hour, and the patient is encouraged to walk immediately following the procedure.

For minor pain from varicose veins, compression stockings may be beneficial. The compression stocking will assist the leg in the pumping of blood back to the heart. While the vein disease symptoms may be relieved, compression stockings will not make the varicose veins go away.

Sclerotherapy Used commonly for spider veins and small varicose veins, sclerotherapy involves injecting a small volume of a liquid into the diseased vein. The sclerosing liquid acts upon the lining of the vein to cause it to seal shut, eliminating the vein completely. Sclerotherapy is quickly performed in our physician's office and no anesthesia is required.

What can happen if varicose veins aren't treated?

Varicose veins generally worsen over time. Initially, slight pain and restlessness in the diseased leg will be felt. If untreated, this pain will increase and result in limitations in walking and cramps during sleeping. Eventually, varicose veins can lead to open sores on the foot, blood clots and tissue loss.

Will insurance cover the treatment?

Many insurance companies cover the treatment of vein disease that is associated with substantial pain and other complications, but individual insurance companies may limit the types of therapy that are covered. Western Reserve Vein Center will contact your insurance carrier to determine if your procedure is covered under your plan.