by Lexington Vein Institute | Jul 26, 2020 | Blog, EVLT
Endovenous laser ablation therapy (EVLT) is used to treat varicose veins. It uses lasers, catheters, and ultrasound to help diminish the unsightly veins. This is usually used on veins that are still fairly straight and not all twisted as some veins can get.
Veins run throughout our bodies and deliver the much-needed nutrients and oxygen that we need to live. All veins are equipped with valves to ensure that the blood is traveling in the right direction. As we move, stand up and lay down, these valves are in control to ensure that our bodies are balanced. When these valves are malfunctioning you will see the results as varicose veins.
Varicose veins are quite common among people. These are typically the veins that you see on people’s legs, or in areas furthest from the heart. Typically they are blue and purple and bulging from the skin. Not only are some patients bothered by the looks of the varicose veins, but they can hurt and itch as well. While most varicose veins are not harmful, if they are bleeding often or you notice that they are hardened and have ulcers, this could be an indication of vascular disease. In this case, the patient should seek medical help immediately.
Get rid of unsightly veins today!
There are a couple of different ways to treat varicose veins. Endovenous laser ablation therapy is one way to treat varicose veins. An interventional radiologist performs this procedure. The radiologist will insert a small catheter into the vein that has a laser on end. With the help of ultrasound, the doctor will guide the catheter to just the right area.
Moreover, when in the right spot, the laser will be used to heat that area and close down that portion of the vein. This will cause the blood to stop flowing or using that particular vein section, and it will eventually be absorbed by the body.
People choose EVLT as it is a very fast and effective procedure. In fact, it only takes about an hour and there is no downtime. Some doctors recommend patients wearing compression socks in order to aid with the healing. You are able to resume activities as normal. This is a simple procedure that requires no long time in the hospital. In fact, it is an outpatient procedure that is very simple but has huge results. If you are struggling with varicose veins, EVLT might be just what the doctor ordered.
There are several ways to deal with varicose veins. Dr. Fadi Bacha can go over these different ways, and together you can come up with a treatment plan. Therefore, don’t live with them, especially if they are causing pain and itchiness. There are great solutions that are easy to perform and have amazing effects. Take the time to educate yourself on the various treatments offered by Lexington Vein Institute here in Lexington, KY. You can always contact us at (859) 687-0023 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Bacha. Moreover, it’s time to get rid of varicose veins and enjoy summertime.
by Lexington Vein Institute | Jul 23, 2020 | Blog, Sclerotherapy
If you are looking to eliminate spider veins and varicose veins there is hope. Sclerotherapy is a medical procedure that will help do just that. It is a minimally invasive procedure that eliminates these unsightly veins with a simple injection. This solution will irritate the inside of the veins, which will cause the vein to collapse. This collapse is what will force the body to absorb the vein and reroute the blood. This is a very simple and safe procedure that has been done since the 1930s.
In contrast to the old sclerotherapy using concentrated saline solution or acid , this procedure is almost painless. You might experience some itching during the procedure. The solution is inserted with a very fine needle. This procedure will last approx. 15-30 minutes. During the procedure, more than one vein can be injected. There is a limit on how mush medication can be injected safely in one session, Dr Bacha and his staff at the Lexington Vein Institute will always have your safety as the number one goal.
Prior to any treatment we perform a thorough venous system evaluation including doppler ultrasound to determine if there is an underlying venous insufficiency and detemine whether the problem is medical, cosmetic or both.
Things You Should expect From Your Sclerotherapy
Once you have decided that Sclerotherapy is right for you, you should set up an appointment to discuss it further. Your first visit is usually a consultation with Dr. Fadi Bacha and it involve venous system assessment and doppler ultrasound.,
Side effects from having this procedure are usually rare. The most common one is itching and mild bruising which only lasts a few days. If you have had this done on larger veins, the area may become hardened and you might feels some knot along treated vein. You might find that the site where the vein was becomes darker overtime for sometime after the procedure that is referred to as Hyperpigmentation, those darker spots usually resolve in few weeks, however in certain patients it might takes them longer depending on how active their melanin cells and the amout of iron released from the red blood cells.There may even be some smaller veins that start to appear, don’t worry, this is normal and typically they too will fade with a bit of time. Phlebitis can occur in few cases, Phlebitis is not dangerous but can be uncomfortable, it is usually treated with anti-inflammatory and occasionally short course of antibiotics.
Allergic reaction to the medication can occurs although very uncommon.
Other rare side effect are blood clots or DVT, ulceration at the sire of the injection. Scaring, Venous matting or permanent hyperpigmentation.
After each sclerotherapy session all patients are asked to use thigh high compression stocking for one week and to refrain from heavy lifting for at least one week.
At the Lexington vein Institute, Dr Bacha performed several thousands of sclerotherapy on varieties of spider, reticular and varicose vein large and smalls.
we thrive on addressing our patients need from medical or cosmetic aspects.
by Lexington Vein Institute | Jun 29, 2020 | Blog, Edema
There are several things that can cause edemata such as medications, infections, pregnancy, and more. Edema can happen just about anywhere in the body and is caused by the blood vessels leaking fluid. It can be signs that there is an underlying problem in your circulatory system, kidneys, or lymph nodes. Edema happens quite often in pregnant women and should be monitored by your doctor.
There are several types of edema as well. These types are:
- Peripheral edema
- Pedal edema
- Lymphedema
- Pulmonary edema
- Cerebral Edema
- Macular Edema
If you have fluid build-up in your legs, ankles, and feet, this is usually called Peripheral edema. This is a good sign that you might have a problem with your kidneys, circulatory system, or lymph nodes. Pedal edema occurs mostly in your feet. This is very common as we age or in pregnant women.
Reasons for Edema.
Damage to your lymph nodes could cause swelling in your arms and legs. Lymph nodes are used to filter out waste and germs in your body. Cancer could be another reason your lymph nodes are not working properly. If you see fluid building up in your arms and legs, you should see a doctor to ensure there aren’t other problems you need to address.
A dangerous one is a pulmonary edema. This is where your lungs fill with fluid and it becomes hard to breathe. This will get worse as you lay down and will make you feel suffocated, have an increased heart rate or cough with mucus. If you have these signs, call 911 right away.
Another very serious edema is cerebral edema, which is fluid building up on the brain. This typically happens when you have an allergic reaction to something, your blood vessel gets blocked or you have a tumor of some kind.
If you have eye site problems, then you might have macular edema, which is where fluid builds up on the eye. This is typically caused by blocked blood vessels.
There are several causes for various edema such as:
- Allergic Reactions
- Low albumin
- Critical Illness
- Obstruction of flow
- Congestive heart failure
- Head trauma
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Pregnancy
- Medications
Some medications can cause this unwanted fluid build-up such as Pramipexole, Calcium channel blockers, NSAIDs, Proglitzaone, Pramipexole and Rosiglitazone. While there are many other reasons for your fluid build-up and if you are experiencing it, you should see a doctor.
Eating too much salt can cause temporary edema to affect your entire body. Most of us have experienced this “bloat” like feeling a time or two. That gives you an idea of what fluid build-up feels like and means. You might be more “puffy” than normal. Maybe it is hard to make a fist. All of these are reasons to see your doctor about edema.
Insect bites are another way to get edema. While some edema is normal to have, you shouldn’t see it on a daily basis. Bee stings will cause one to have an entire limb swell up for example. However, if it goes beyond that, you might want to contact a doctor. Food allergies are another common reason for edema issues. If you have fluid build-up without a real reason, you should contact your doctor.
by Lexington Vein Institute | Jun 29, 2020 | Blog, Deep Vein Thrombosis
If you are experiencing leg pain, you might be experiencing deep vein thrombosis. This can happen without any signs or warnings. However, there are signs at times as well. What is happening is a clot has formed deep inside your leg. This typically doesn’t happen to a healthy person but to a person that doesn’t move and has been confined to a bed for whatever reason. Whether you have been in a car accident or maybe had a surgery, you find yourself laying around more than walking around. Keeping your body moving will help prevent it from happening to you.
While having a clot in your leg can cause damage to the veins and arteries in your leg. This will then lead to leg ulcers and other leg health issues. However, it could also lead to damage in your heart and lungs and even death if it were to break loose.
While it can go without any signs or symptoms, there are times when there are warnings. This could be swelling or pain in your leg. There is a cramping feeling or red and discolored skin. The leg could have an unusual warm feeling to the touch as well. If you have any of these symptoms you should see your doctor right away.
While having a blood clot in your leg might seem like something that isn’t alarming, it very much is. If that blood clot were to dislodge it will be in your bloodstream and headed right for your heart and lungs. If it were to hit your lungs this is called a “pulmonary embolism” and it will cause serious complications or death. Pulmonary embolisms signs are:
- Rapid pulse
- Sudden shortness of breath
- Chest pain which worsens when you take a deep breathe
- Coughing up blood
- Feeling lightheaded or dizzy, even fainting.
The causes:
There are many reasons that someone would get a deep vein thrombosis issue. Some of these include:
- Injury to the vein
- limited motion and movement.
- Certain medications
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Prolonged bed rest or paralysis
- Pregnancy
- Cancer
- Birth Control Pills or hormone replacement therapy.
- Family history
- Age
- Sitting for large periods of time while driving, flying.
It is important that if you are experiencing leg pain that you seek medical help. Leg pain is a good sign that there is something more going on with your leg. Deep vein thrombosis can damage your veins as well as throw the clot to your lungs and is a very serious matter. Many of us, especially while we age, will have pains that we tend to ignore. However, this shouldn’t be one of them.
Things to prevent deep vein thrombosis.
If you are in the serious risk group for getting deep vein thrombosis, there are some things that you can do about it. You can:
- Get up and move. Avoid sitting still for long periods of time.
- Lose Weight and exercise more. Watch what you eat and be sure to eat a healthy diet.
- Quit smoking.
- Keep moving! If you are in a plane or other places that are restrictive, you can tighten up your calf and release. Go up on your tiptoes while seated to get the blood flowing in the lower leg.
Staying active and eating right while maintaining a healthy weight is key to avoiding all kinds of medical issues. If you are not sure where to start on this, ask your doctor!
by Lexington Vein Institute | Jun 24, 2020 | Blog, Leg Ulcers
Leg ulcers happen when there is a break in the skin and bacteria move in. In most people, if you have a break in the skin, it heals up on its own without an issue. However, if you are a patient that has a venous disease, arterial disease, or other diseases such as diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, you might have a problem. These are the people that typically see an issue with leg ulcers.
Venous disease is a disease that doesn’t allow your veins to work properly. Many people lump veins and arteries into one category, but they are not the same thing. Veins are what carries your blood from your foot back to your heart. They are there to carry blood from where the arteries delivered it. Your veins are equipped with valves that ensure the blood flows up the leg without issues and doesn’t fall back down. Sometimes these valves don’t work properly or are damaged by a clot or something. That’s when you will endure issues with leg ulcers. While standing this can create high-pressure build up in the veins that run up the legs. This pressure can cause ruptures and leg ulcer issues.
Who gets leg ulcers?
There is a very small percentage of people in the US that get these ulcers, about 1%. They are more common in older people and women. People that are most likely to get them are:
- People with varicose veins.
- Those that have previous leg injuries.
- People that are obese.
- Those that smoke.
- People that have vein issues or blood clot issues.
If you notice a sore on your leg and it simply isn’t healing, you should certainly take note and call a doctor. Leg ulcers are not to be left alone untreated as they will simply get worse on their own. If you have an open wound that is seeping and burning, this might be a sign that you have a more serious problem as well. If you haven’t seen a doctor for vein issues, now might be a good time.
Most leg ulcers will form between your knee and ankle. Typically they are large areas but are quite shallow and may weep fluid. Being overweight, smoking, and even pregnancy can put pressure on your veins and cause them to not work as they should. There are many reasons as to why your veins are having issues and you should discuss this with your doctor as well.
How to avoid getting leg ulcers.
To avoid getting leg ulcers you should be active and eating healthy. Taking care of your body is always a plus, however, many people don’t in the US. Obesity is on the rise around the world. It is time to take back your health. Discuss options with your doctor on what would help you become more fit and healthy. Stop smoking is another great step toward a more healthy lifestyle. Some things such as Cancer also are a reason to get a leg ulcer, which in that case, you cannot help it. Discuss your options for treatment with your doctor as well. There are many different treatment options but they will depend on various things such as severity, age, and what medications you can tolerate.
