RECLAIM THE SPRING IN YOUR STEP
 
Varicose veins are a common problem, generally appearing as twisting, bulging rope-like cords under the skin, usually on the legs. Varicose veins can cause aching and feelings of fatigue as well as skin changes like rashes, redness, and sores. As many as 40 million Americans, most of them women, have varicose veins. From unsightly blemishes to more severe conditions causing phlebitis or unrelenting swelling and ulceration, our physicians provide patients with safe, high-quality care and are able to identify any underlying or additional health conditions that they may not otherwise be aware of.


Spider veins are mild varicose veins and look like a nest of red or blue lines just under your skin. Spider veins are not a serious medical problem. 


For some people varicose and spider veins are merely an aesthetic problem, while for others they can cause pain, cramping or itching. Varicose veins can develop into more serious problems if left untreated. 


The experts at Midwest Aortic and Vascular Institute can help determine the cause of your symptoms and the best treatment option for your varicose veins. We specialize in the latest minimally invasive, state-of-the-art techniques for the treatment of varicose and spider veins. Experience the new non-surgical solutions performed by our board certified vein specialists in a relaxing environment. Some patients with coagulation problems have been told they cannot have treatment or they are fearful. Our surgeons have experience with a safe, yet aggressive approach for these patients.


Patients are sometimes under the impression that treatment for varicose or spider veins won't be covered by insurance, but often there is a medical issue causing the issues and we can obtain authorization for the treatment. 
 
Call 816-842-5555 or email us to request an appointment.
 
 
The Midwest Aortic & Vascular Institute approach to vein treatment
 
What you should know about vein treatment, the MAVI way. 
 
There are many kinds of clinics that offer varicose vein screenings and treatments. Why should I consult with a vascular surgeon?
 
If you think about it, would you go to your family physician for a heart bypass? They may have general knowledge about heart disease, but eventually you’ll need the expertise of a cardiologist or cardiothoracic surgeon to address your issue. The vascular surgeons at Midwest Aortic & Vascular Institute are all board-certified. Board certification demonstrates a physician’s exceptional expertise in vascular disease and involves a rigorous process of testing and peer evaluation.  
 
A patient with varicose veins may have underlying medical issues. A vascular surgeon is best equipped to evaluate your veins and treat you appropriately and safely. We are there to manage the care of patients with varicose veins before, during and long after treatment is performed.  
 
What’s involved in an initial evaluation at Midwest Aortic & Vascular Institute?
A patient in our varicose vein clinic will be evaluated by a vascular surgeon right from the start. We begin with a physical exam and go beyond an initial ultrasound screening with a comprehensive medical approach, including questions about your general health, medical history, and any symptoms you might be having, to rule out other potential disorders.
 
In some cases, varicose veins can cause complications, such as pain, blood clots, or skin ulcers. If your condition is more severe, we may recommend one or more medical procedures. Some people choose to have these procedures to improve the appearance of their varicose veins or to relieve pain.
 
If your veins cause skin ulcers, the doctors at Midwest Aortic and Vascular Institute offer special expertise in wound care. Midwest Aortic and Vascular Institute surgeons have experience as medical directors at area hospital wound care centers and in the treatment and management of venous ulcers.
 
A number of treatments are available for varicose veins that are quick and easy and don't require a long recovery time.
 
What is the benefit of compression stockings?
Compression stockings should always be a first course of treatment for venous disease. In fact, many insurance companies require them. They have a bad reputation because some people find them unappealing, but they offer many advantages. They are safe and non-invasive. Compression stockings won’t cure varicose veins, but the pressure can help keep the blood from pooling in the veins and decrease swelling in the legs. They’re often used in combination with other medical treatments. 
 
What kind of varicose vein treatments are offered at Midwest Aortic & Vascular Institute?
The experts at Midwest Aortic and Vascular Institute can help determine the cause of your symptoms and the best treatment option for your varicose veins. We are skilled in minimally invasive, state-of-the-art techniques for the treatment of varicose and spider veins, most of which are performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia. 
 
Surgical treatments include:
Radiofrequency ablation (RF) uses a thin, flexible tube called a catheter inserted into a vein in the leg. Tiny electrodes at the tip of the catheter heat the walls of the vein and destroy it.  
 
Laser treatment uses a tiny fiber that is placed in the vein through a catheter. The fiber sends out laser energy that kills the diseased portion of the vein, and the vein closes off. 
 
Microphlebectomy involves the removal of a large or medium sized varicose vein through a tiny incision in the leg. The incisions are less than 1/4 inch in length–just enough to get the vein out with a cosmetically acceptable result.
 
Injection sclerotherapy involves the surgeon injecting a chemical into your varicose veins. The chemical irritates and scars your veins from the inside out so your abnormal veins can then no longer fill with blood. Blood that would normally return to the heart through these veins returns to the heart through other veins. Your body will eventually absorb the veins that received the injection.
 
While we continually evaluate the latest techniques, we pride ourselves on offering our patients safe, proven, effective treatment options backed by the expertise only skilled vascular surgeons can deliver. The doctors at Midwest Aortic & Vascular Institute can advise you regarding which procedure is best for your particular situation. 
 
What kind of risk is involved in the treatment of varicose veins?
These minimally-invasive procedures are low-risk, safe, effective therapies. While very rare, some complications could include an infection at the site, allergic reaction to local anesthesia, nerve damage, bleeding, bruising or scarring, or blood clots.  
 
Some people with coagulation (blood clot) issues have been told they cannot have treatment, or they are concerned about complications. Our surgeons are equipped to evaluate coagulation conditions and can offer a safe, yet aggressive varicose vein treatment approach for these patients. 
 
It’s important to discuss all the possible advantages before any treatment is decided on. 
 
Does insurance cover varicose vein treatment?
It’s a myth that venous insufficiency and associated varicose veins are nothing more than a cosmetic issue. Our first course of treatment at Midwest Aortic and Vascular Institute is always to proceed with compression stockings and conservative management. In situations where patients do not experience relief and surgical intervention is warranted, insurance companies will cover the majority of these cases. 

Learn more about varicose and spider veins from the Society for Vascular Surgery.