Varicose Vein Treatments

Varicose veins are a common condition characterized by blue, bulging, or twisted veins, usually in the legs.  Aside from the cosmetic issues associated with varicose veins, they can be painful and sometimes lead to more serious health issues. Veins have one-way valves that help keep blood flowing up the legs and to the heart. When these valves weaken or stop functioning, blood naturally flows towards the feet, eventually pooling in the veins and causing them to dilate. Spider veins, which resemble a spider or spider web, are a mild variation of varicose veins. 

Women are more prone to varicose veins than men, as are people with a family history of varicose veins, older people, people with excess weight, and people who spend a large part of their day on their feet.

Consult Our Interventional Radiologists About Your Veins

A consultation with an interventional radiologist will help you understand both the health risks associated with your varicose veins and your options for treatment. We will look at your veins, ask you questions about symptoms or concerns, and we may use a hand-held ultrasound to get images of the veins inside your legs. You will get detailed information about treatment options and receive guidance as to which treatment we recommend for your veins. 

Sometimes varicose veins are managed by wearing compression stockings, elevating legs regularly, losing weight, and exercising. In other cases, the veins can be eliminated with minimally-invasive procedures. We will make recommendations based on your individual health and cosmetic needs.

Varicose Vein Treatments at Columbia Interventional Radiology

Treating your varicose veins improves your appearance and your health. Treatments are painless and short, with little or no recovery time. Treatments aim to close off the weakened vein, so that blood flows through other veins instead.

Columbia's interventional radiologists are experts in both imaging and minimally invasive procedures. Using ultrasound guidance, our interventional radiologists perform hundreds of procedures each year to treat varicose veins.

Will my insurance cover varicose vein treatment?

Most health insurance companies cover treatment for symptomatic varicose veins after several weeks of "compression therapy” during which you will be required to wear prescription-strength compression stockings. If the compression stockings fail to address the symptoms associated with your varicose veins, treatment is covered.  Treatment solely for cosmetic purposes is not covered by insurance.

Your interventional radiologist will review your symptoms and make recommendations for treatments, including compression therapy.

Are there any risks?

Complications from ELVT, sclerotherapy, and radiofrequency ablation are extremely rare. Your interventional radiologist will discuss the possible side effects or complications from the treatment you choose.