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What are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are irregular vessels of the calf and thigh that are abnormally dilated (enlarged), become swollen and rise above the surface of the skin. These dilated veins are often painful and can result in leg swelling or non-healing leg wounds.
Veins have valves that act as one-way flaps. These valves prevent the blood from flowing backwards as it moves up the legs. However, if the one-way valves become weak (incompetent), blood can leak back into the vein and collect there. Pooled blood enlarges the vein and it becomes varicose.
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Causes
Varicose veins affect one out of two people age 50 and older. Factors that increase a person’s chance to develop these veins include:
• Increasing age
• Family history of vein problems or being born with weak vein valves
• Hormonal changes
• Pregnancy
• Obesity
• Leg injury
How the Vascular Institute treats Varicose Veins
The Vascular Institute treats painful varicose veins using endovenous laser and/or radiofrequency ablation. These are convenient, outpatient techniques, each with a 99 percent complication-free outcome. The Institute was the first in the region to replace invasive, old-fashioned vein “stripping” surgery with these new technologies.
Click here to see How Endovenous Laser Treatment Works
Endovenous Laser Treatment Video
Results: One Week After Treatment
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Patient 1
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Patient 2
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