Category Archives: Veins

05.01.18
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Could it be May Thurner Syndrome?

may thurner syndrome

may thurner syndromeAre you experiencing symptoms?

Lower left leg edema and pain are the two classic symptoms. It is primarily seen in younger women twenty to forty following pregnancy or immobilization. May Thurner Syndrome is chronic. Because of this patients also tend to present pigmentation changes, varicose veins, chronic leg pain, phlebitis and skin ulcers.

It can be described in three stages:

1 – Asymptomatic iliac vein compression

2 – Development of a venous spur

3 – Development of the left iliac vein DVT

What is May Thurner?

Compression Syndrome (also called May Thurner Syndrome or Crockett Syndrome) is an affliction that is fairly rare. It consists of an anatomical variant where the left iliac artery is compressed by the right iliac artery.

May Thurner Syndrome is known by several names – iliocaval compression syndrome, Cockett syndrome or iliac vein compression syndrome. This affliction is an anatomical variant where the right lilac artery compressed the left iliac vein against the fifth lumbar vertebra.  Because of this deformity, it causes left side vein compression leading to deep vein thrombosis in the left iliofemoral.

How is it diagnosed?

Diagnosis is not always straightforward. Radiological evidence of compression combined with symptoms presented is key. Doppler ultrasound can detect a deep vein thrombosis in the iliac vessels. CT and magnetic imaging may also be used. Seeing a vein specialist is vital if you suspect you may have a vein issue including May Thurner Syndrome.

Is it treatable?

Yes. Treatment clears the thrombus to print post-thrombotic syndrome and to correct the initial compression of the left iliac vein. Several different surgical procedures may be used.

If left untreated a significant number of patients will develop post-thrombotic syndrome which can be debilitating.

Management of May-Thurner syndrome has evolved over the years.  Endovascular therapy has become the primary treatment. With early recognition and aggressive treatment, May-Thurner syndrome is a manageable disease.

If you live in the Tampa bay area and feel you may have vein issues please call us at 813-975-2800 or schedule an evaluation through our online form.

www.tampacardio.com

04.04.18
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Could your RLS Be Caused by Underlying Vein Issues?

RLS

RLSIt’s late. You are exhausted. You want nothing more than a good nights rest.

If you deal with Restless Leg Syndrome you know trying to get to sleep at night can be nearly impossible.

In RLS your legs move on their own accord. It may feel like small electrical pulses as if you are hooked up to a TENS unit. Restless Leg Syndrome is a neurological disorder where the person has a consistent uncontrollable urge in which their limbs twitch.

RLS symptoms can either become worse over time or better, depending on the patient, and the severity of symptoms also varies strongly from patient to patient. While RLS can appear in a person at any age, it is considered both a progressive disease and a spectrum disease.  RLS can also be classified as either a primary condition – one that appears independent of other conditions – or a secondary condition – one that appears as a result of another condition or disorder that is already present.

Has a cause been determined?

While the most common cause of RLS remains an iron deficiency many cases occur as a result of varicose veins or venous reflux.

Varicose veins are not only physically unattractive, but they can also cause severe discomfort and pain in the afflicted area, a discomfort that, like in RLS, can only be alleviated by activity and movement. Fortunately, as more is becoming known about the correlation between RLS and vein disorders, many patients are finding relief for their RLS symptoms through treatments of their veins.

One such treatment for varicose veins is endovenous ablation therapy, a procedure that uses heat in either lasers or radio frequencies to seal off and close affected veins. Many patients report immediate relief in their symptoms, and, because the procedure is minimally invasive and relatively painless, most patients are able to resume their normal activities almost immediately and experience no interruption in their work or home life as a result.

RLS itself cannot be prevented except by attempting to uncover and heal its root cause. In terms of varicose veins and venous insufficiency, the best things that someone can do to help prevent this neurological disorders is to remain active, exercise frequently, maintain a healthy diet and weight, not smoke cigarettes, and to elevate the legs when sitting or laying down. While these actions cannot prevent all the underlying causes of RLS, they can at least help to prevent those instances where RLS is caused by venous insufficiency.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome, seeing a physician that specializes in vein disorders could be the most important step you take towards alleviating your symptoms. While there is no cure for RLS, no one should have to suffer through daily and nightly discomfort, and treatments are available through most insurance policies. Dr. Magnant of Vein Specialists is always available for a consultation and diagnosis and is here to help whether your RLS is simply a minor annoyance or a major disruption in your quality of life.

If you are living with RLS visit www.eveinscreening.com and start today with a FREE online screening and talk with a professional Vein Specialist.

03.08.18
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What Exactly IS a Vein Specialist?

The only credentialing body for the treatment of veins in the office setting is the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission or the IAC.

IAC - Vein specialist

You may have heard that if you are dealing with venous insufficiency you will need to consult with a Vein Specialist. 

Are all Vein Specialists created equal? Unfortunately, the answer is No. This is where you need to look for an accredited office and physician.

 

The IAC is made up of representatives from 9 medical societies including:

  • Society for Vascular Surgery
  • Society for Clinical Vascular Surgery
  • American College of Surgeons
  • American Venous Forum
  • American Academy of Dermatology
  • American College of Phlebology
  • Society for Vascular Ultrasound
  • Society for Vascular Medicine
  • Society of Interventional Radiology

These societies have joined forces to stop the dangerous practice of treating veins by unqualified doctors thereby establishing national standards of patient safety.

For your own protection and peace of mind, please only choose a vein doctor with this national certification. There are many “med spas” that pop up around the country and tend to be fly by night operations. Though, yes they are actual doctors who run them, they are not specialists in the true nature of the word and may have only taken a weekend class certification in venous issues.  It takes years to master the art. You do not want to be someone’s practice piece.

Magnant
While there are now several routes to becoming a “Certified Vein Specialist” if you want your health entrusted to the best, choose a doctor, such as Vein Specialists very own Dr. Joseph Magnant, who is a Vascular Surgeon with over 26 years of experience. They are the only specialists who have focused their practice solely to vascular disease.

True excellence comes from experience and this proficiency develops from treating damaged veins day after day, year after year, one patient, one case at a time.

Vein Specialists www.weknowveins.com holds the IAC seal as it is displayed right on the website itself.

If you are in the Fort Myers | Bonita Springs, Florida area we would love to work with you to get you on your way to the best vein health possible. The first step can be taken right now, right here online by going to www.weknowveins.com and clicking the Confidential FREE vein screening button at the top the page or by calling 239-694-VEIN (8346).

03.06.18
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Are You Delaying Vein Treatment Simply Because of Price?

varicose-veins

varicose-veinsSticker Shock may hold many patients back from getting the medical help they so desperately need. The thing is, vein treatment isn’t a cosmetic procedure. It is deemed by most insurance companies as medically necessary. Because of this, it is generally paid for under most policy inclusions.

Before writing it off as an expense your budget simply can’t withstand take the time to talk to a Vein Specialist and make that call to your insurance provider.

Nothing is more important than your health. What do insurance companies look for in order to deem your condition as medically necessary?

There are 11 standard symptoms that must fit in order for it to be considered non-elective.

  1. Aching legs
  2. Leg heaviness
  3. Painful legs
  4. Burning sensations
  5. Cramping
  6. Itching legs
  7. Throbbing sensations
  8. RLS (Restless Leg Syndrome) Your legs twitch involuntarily at night as you are trying to fall asleep.
  9. Leg swelling and edema
  10. Darkening of the skin and discoloration
  11. Ulcerations on the legs caused by venous insufficiency

Vein issues start with a smaller onset and gradually over time progress. 

Over time vein disease spreads because the weakened veins cannot contain the blood due to pressure and they are unable to help pump it back up to the heart normally. As the blood pools, the veins stretch and weaken, even occasionally bursting leading to blood bruises and ulcerations and yes, more varicose veins and more associated health risks which can even lead up to blood clots and DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) – this can put you at risk for pulmonary embolism, stroke, and heart attack.

While varicose veins are generally covered, spider veins are often not. It is best to check with your insurance provider before scheduling treatment to confirm specific coverages.

Let West Florida Vein Center help. We work with many major insurance providers and can do the legwork for you, no pun intended. Give The West Florida Vein Center a call today (727) 712-3233 or visit online by going to www.westfloridaveincenter.com.

 

02.09.18
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Venefit™Targeted Endovenous Therapy

Venefit

VenefitDon’t resign yourself to a life of leg pain with unsightly varicose veins.

Consult a Vein Specialist. While there is a myriad of treatments available one of the most popular today is the Venefit™ procedure. Venefit™ is minimally invasive and designed for varicose veins as well as Chronic Venous Insufficiency.

A Covidien ClosureFast™ endovenous radiofrequency ablation catheter will be inserted during the procedure. This will close enlarged damaged leg veins. When damaged areas of veins are sealed shut, the blood then naturally is forced to reroute itself to the surrounding healthy veins.

When compared to traditional laser treatment

  • Up to four times faster improvement and healing
  • Less pain
  • Less bruising
  • Fewer complications

Studies have shown that patients undergoing the Venefit™ procedure returned to work much faster than those who had vein stripping done.

The procedure

A catheter is inserted into the vein through a small incision just below the knee. The catheter is guided through the use of ultrasound imaging. During the procedure, the doctor treats each 7 cm segment of vein with a quick 20-second blast of radiofrequency energy. This causes the vessel to shrink around the catheter. This is repeated and continued along the vein for the length of the damage. The treatment is quite fast.

This procedure can be performed in a clinic setting and does not require hospitalization.  This method of catheterization delivers a consistent source of heat to each area. The result is less bruising and rapid patient recovery. Venefit™ is minimally invasive and eliminates the need for general anesthesia. It leaves little to no scarring.

The Results Speak for Themselves

The Venefit™ procedure is performed only as a medical necessity as diagnosed by a trained vein specialist. While it is not intended to fix cosmetic issues the successful treatment of CVI using the Venefit™ procedure can produce improvements visually.

As with any medical procedure, you should consult your vein specialist and review all safety information associated with any procedure.

If you are interested in learning more about this procedure we invite you to speak with our specialists at The West Florida Vein Clinic in Tampa, Florida. 727-712-3233 or visit online at www.westfloridaveincenter.com

02.08.18
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My Legs Hurt, Why?

legs hurt

legs hurtThe aches and pains of daily life seem to increase as we age.

We feel a little less spry and a little stiffer when we wake up. It may take us longer than it used to in to get going about your day, but if your legs actually hurt and you are in pain that is not attributable to the normal aging process.

If you have ongoing leg pain, achy legs, feelings of heaviness, feeling like your legs are fatigued without much activity and even swelling (edema), experience restless leg syndrome or visible varicose or spider veins these are all potential signs of venous insufficiency/vein disease.

If left undiagnosed and untreated it can progress and lead to the onset of changes in the skin such a thickening, discoloration and ulcerations. Legs may become discolored and red as well as splotchy. The good news is that this is mostly reversible with proper treatment. The sooner you seek medical treatment, the faster and more successful your recovery can be.

Treatments offered:

• Diagnostic Evaluations

• Conservative Therapy

• Injection Sclerotherapy

• Foam Sclerotherapy

• Laser Sclerotherapy

• Microphlebectomy

• Endovenous Ablation

• Vein Gogh

All of which can be performed by finding a Vein Specialist through www.eveinscreening.com‘s online search. You can also reach them by phone by dialing (239) 288-6203.  At eveinscreening.com, their goal is to educate you regarding venues disease and empower you by offering a confidential venous evaluation form the comfort and privacy of your home.

Once treated, the risk of bleeding and ulceration is lessened significantly. The most dramatic changes can be seen in patients who have chronic venous insufficiency which is secondary to superficial venous dysfunction. Once the underlying problem has been treated the skin changes can be stopped in their progression and even reversed in some patients allowing healing to occur.

Thanks to the technology of today’s medical field there are many safe options which your Vein Specialist can help you decide what is the best course of treatment for your specific case.

Let eveinscreening.com  YOUR on-ramp to finding the solution to your vein problems.

01.16.18
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Massage & Varicose Veins

massage

massageWhen we are in pain, we look for any and all possible solutions to get to a place of feeling well again. When your muscles get tight a therapeutic massage can help to work the tension out. It only makes logical sense that you may wonder if massage would be a viable solution for the pain of varicose veins. The answer is, unfortunately, no.

Why is massage not a good option to relieve leg pain caused by weak or damaged veins?

Even though your legs are experiencing swelling and pain similar to what you might feel with overworked muscles, the root cause of the pain is entirely different.

The uncomfortable sensations in your legs are due to venous insufficiency which created by veins that have sustained damage.

The valves inside of these veins are no longer working and functioning fully. This can cause blood to pool inside of the veins, creating that heavy, achy, painful feeling. The increase in the volume of blood causes the vein walls weak due to increased pressure. Massage does not fix this problem like it does with tight muscles.

It is imperative that if you still choose to get a massage, that you inform the therapist of your condition.  Some therapists are specifically trained on venous and lymphatic diseases and may offer you a different sort of massage that may better offer you some relief. Its also not a great idea to apply too much pressure on damaged areas of veins so letting them know is beneficial all around.

If you are in pain due to varicose veins, the best solution is to contact a vein doctor such as the ones here at Tampa Cardiovascular Associates.

Their specialists can advise you on tips to alleviate pain at home, and also guide you as far as what your options may be in getting rid of the damaged veins. New technology has given way to easy, minimally invasive procedures that require no recovery time and are performed in the doctor’s office.

If you live in the Tampa bay area, please call us at 813-975-2800 or schedule an evaluation through our online form. Patient comfort and care are a priority here at Tampa Cardiovascular Associates.

01.08.18
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If My Mother Had Spider Veins, Will I?

spider veins

spider veinsWe are hearing an awful lot about genetics and health in the news these days. It may be causing you to wonder if your mother, aunt or grandmother had spider veins  – you are destined to get them as well?

Spider veins are often thought of as just a cosmetic problem. The truth is they are a very real health issue.  They can appear anywhere on the leg and even arms and tiny veins of the face.

While the direct answer is yes, heredity does predispose you to develop them there are a number of other factors that come in to play. Your genes alone won’t guarantee the onset of vein issues.

How Genes Play a Role

There does appear to be a hereditary link. If you do have spider veins in your family, you can take precautionary steps to prevent them before they start. This means that if your predecessors had significant spider veins, you are also more likely to have them. Weaker veins are the link and as a weak cellular structure, they are more likely to be damaged. 

What Causes Spider Veins?

Spider veins are tiny surface veins that have an excess of blood flowing through them resulting in enlarged vessels which eventually reach a breaking point and leak. That leakage then becomes visible. Spider veins can be singular or a conglomerate of veins forming the spider web type shape that they are named for.

Additional Factors That Come Into Play

Even if no one in your family has ever shown symptoms of venous insufficiency you can still develop spider veins.

-Weight – The greater the weight, the more pressure on your veins.

-Trauma – When struck directly, damage can occur leaving varicose and spider veins visible. 

-Hormones – menopause, and pregnancy often can cause fluctuations leaving visible vein damage. 

-Birth control pill use – creates hormonal fluctuations much like pregnancy and can have an effect.

-Age – spider veins are much more common over age 50.

-Lack of movement – Make sure you get regular exercise and stretch every couple of hours if working at a desk.

-Standing – standing long hours puts you at higher risk.

Prevention Tips

-Walk daily to keep your calf muscles and your veins in top shape

-Elevate your legs

-Maintain your weight

-If you sit or stand most of the day, take frequent breaks.

-Wear compression stockings to help the blood flow properly

If you do develop spider or varicose veins there are highly effective treatment options available.

Consult with your Vein Specialist at West Florida Vein Center www.westfloridaveincenter.com or call 727-712-3233 and schedule your appointment for a vein screening to get started. 

01.02.18
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Chemoablation in Tampa Florida

chemoablation

chemoablationIf you are dealing with varicose veins you will want to see a qualified Vein Specialist for a proper diagnosis in order to know what your best options are for treatment.

When it has been determined that the traditional method of thermal ablation will not work for a patient, endogenous chemoablation becomes a consideration.

Sometimes referred to as ECA, Endovenous chemoablation is an outpatient procedure with no sedation required. How it works is that a chemical solution is injected into the damaged veins. That chemical destroys and breaks down the damaged veins allowing them to eventually reabsorb naturally into the body. The osmotic agent Hypertonic Saline has been used for decades to treat smaller varicose veins. It is now being used to treat larger veins as well.

The benefit of using chemoablation is that foam sclerosants give a visual mapped image allowing the doctor to stay the course easily with ultrasound guidance.

ECA is best utilized for veins that are inaccessible by laser or radiofrequency ablation.ECA is often the only option for patients who have formerly undergone vein stripping and still have areas where the vein is too gnarled and twisted to use heat ablation.

Let’s Talk Results

Treated veins begin to show fading within a few weeks though it may take a few months to see final results. Chemoablation can also improve related symptoms like aching, burning, cramping, swelling and more.

After Chemoablation

Get up, get active, and move. The more exercise you can do and the healthier you can eat – the better your results. Drink lots of water to keep your veins hydrated and the blood flow moving smoothly.

If you are interested in learning more we invite you to visit us online at www.tampacardio.com or call (813) 975-2800

12.04.17
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Are Your Legs Ashy?

ashy

ashyMost people will just assume that they are getting dehydrated and need to up the water intake or shop for a better quality moisturizing lotion. The thing is if found in conjunction with other signs and symptoms ashy itchy legs may indicate an underlying venous deficiency.

Dry Skin or Venous Insufficiency?

If this problem only rears its ugly head in the drier fall and winter seasons as the temperatures drop and the humidity leaves the air you may just be experiencing dry winter skin. It is recommended to raise your water intake as well as eat healthy fats daily. Lotion should be used right out of the shower to retain as much moisture as possible.

On the flip side, if you also find your legs to be achy, swollen, itchy, red, or you can visibly see bluish or purple veins through the surface layer of your skin you may need to consult with a vein specialist such as those at The West Floria Vein Center. 

Screening procedures allow the specialists to tell if you have vein issues and to what extent. Once properly diagnosed recommendations can be made as to the best course of treatment will help you the most.

Ashy skin may be unsightly, but it also can indicate an underlying issue and it is important to have yourself checked. Stop leg pain, varicose and spider veins in their tracks before it is too late. Life is meant to be lived in health and with mobility. Living in pain isn’t necessary.

Most procedures that help alleviate the pain and appearance of varicose and spider veins are done in an outpatient setting under local anesthesia. Patients report very little discomfort and have a very high level of satisfaction with many remarking that they only wish they had done it sooner.

If you are in the Tampa, Florida area please consult with The West Florida Vein Center (727) 712-3233 www.westlforidaveincenter.com