When the one-way check valves in the saphenous veins of the legs fail, the venous blood may reverse or reflux causing pooling and, development of varicose veins. Prior to 2000, vein stripping and liquid sclerotherapy were the only treatment options for saphenous vein reflux. Neither option had great long-term results.
In 2000, the endovenous revolution changed the way saphenous reflux was treated. Dr. Harper immediately recognized the life-changing nature of the impact endovenous ablation would have for patients. Radiofrequency Closure (RF), a thermal-based treatment, was approved by the FDA in late 1999. Dr. Harper performed the first endovenous RF procedure in Georgia in early 2000.
About 18 months later, another thermal-based treatment, Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT), was approved by the FDA. Both techniques were widely accepted and successful (with 90% plus success rates) which led to ‘vein stripping’ becoming obsolete except in rare circumstances.
In 2017, Varithena®, a long-awaited addition for treating Saphenous Vein reflux became available. Vein Specialists of the South was pleased to bring Varithena®, the first FDA-approved injectable foam treatment for varicose veins to the Middle Georgia region. Now there is a ‘safe’ solution to treat difficult forms of Saphenous Vein reflux.
Specifically indicated for use in the great saphenous vein (GSV) and surrounding veins, a non-surgical vein treatment, Varithena® is a foam sclerosant that’s injected into the unhealthy vein through a small catheter. Using ultrasound guidance, your doctor will channel Varithena® through the vein until it collapses, which redirects blood flow to healthier surrounding veins.
You don’t have to live with painful symptoms like heaviness, burning, throbbing, aching, itching, or restless legs anymore. If you’re ready to take care of your varicose veins once and for all, you may be a good candidate for Varithena® treatments. A comprehensive consultation will determine if Varithena® is ideal for you.
Varithena is a short procedure, taking around an hour or even less depending on how many veins you’re having treated. Your doctor will numb the insertion point, an area the size of a thumbnail, and use the ultrasound to guide Varithena® foam through your troubled veins, causing their collapse as the sclerosant scars the vein shut over time.
Results are relatively quick once the pressure on your veins is relieved, and bulging varicose veins begin to diminish. The varicose veins may fade away over the next weeks to months. There may be some tenderness over the injected veins that resolves over time. Symptoms should subside during that time as the vein heals.
Adherence to post-treatment care is vital to the healing process. You may return to light activity the same day while avoiding heavy exertion. A light bandage will be placed at the injection site. Keep this area dry for 36-48 hours, and if it becomes wet, change it.
Compression stockings must be worn for at least 14 days to prevent blood flow through the treated vein. The length of the stockings varies with the location of the injection site. Walking 10 minutes or more a day is ideal for the first month following treatment. Be sure to attend all follow-up appointments so your physician can ensure the treatment is healing as expected.
Vein Specialists of the South is the area’s first and only IAC Accredited Vein Center, and our staff are considered vein experts. We take pride in bringing you the latest treatments with all the passion we have for our patients. Since our vein clinic opened (1997), we have treated over 22,000 patients. Our founder, Dr. Kenneth Harper, was the first to bring Endovenous Therapy to Georgia (2000) and Venaseal (2017) and Varithena (2017) to Central Georgia. You could not find a better partner on your journey to Better Veins. Better Life.®
Since 1997, Vein Specialists of the South has helped thousands of patients like you with varicose veins, spider veins, and leg swelling. Dr. Kenneth Harper is a leader in vein health is a Diplomat of the American Board of Surgery and the American Vein and Lymphatic Medicine. Terri Harper, MSN, FNP-C, is a renowned educator in the field of cosmetic sclerotherapy. Our dedicated nurse injectors have been trained by the best.
At Vein Specialists of the South, we have a passion for veins – big and small. We’ve helped over 30,000 people get Better Veins for Life®. Call today to schedule an appointment with the VSS team, where ‘Veins Aren’t Just One Thing We Do, They Are the Only Thing We Do.®’
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