Facharzt für Dermatologie in A 1010 Wien

Vein function status using color-coded duplex sonography

Every vein treatment should start with proper diagnosis. Using modern, painless ultrasound technology, the venous vascular system of the leg is examined prior to any vein or spider vein treatment to identify any potential underlying problem.

Often spider veins and superficial varicose veins are a sign of venous valve incompetence of the truncal veins. Unless this is corrected, superficial therapy of visible veins and spider veins is not effective, as no lasting results can be expected. Long-term success can only be garnered through targeted therapy of the underlying problem.

Minimally invasive vein surgery with radiofrequency ablation of veins

For patients with extensive incompetence of the superficial truncal veins, a surgical procedure is the best option. Here, the insufficient vein is punctured and closed from the inside by laser or radiofrequency, acrylate glue or other treatment modalities.

Endoluminal thermal ablation (closing of the vein with heat)  has been shown to be equivalent to the classic stripping surgery of veins in several studies and is recommended as a first-choice method in several guidelines.

Dr Holzer offers endoluminal thermal ablation of varicose veins (closing of the vein with heat) using the Closure Fast® radiofrequency method, which has been a mainstay for varicose vein treatment  for decades.

This operation is performed under local anaesthesia (tumescence anaesthesia). If desired, this procedure can also be performed under sedation. This operation is often supplemented by other procedures such as an ambulatory phlebotomy or sclerotherapy of smaller varicose veins.

Common side effects of the treatment include pain from needle punctures (only with local anaesthesia) as well as bruising and redness after the operation. Postoperative pain is extremely rare, as is thrombosis of the deep veins caused by the operation. This risk can be significantly reduced by anticoagulants, ample fluid intake and sufficient walking after the operation. A compression stocking should be worn for about 4 weeks after the procedure.

In a proportion of patients, the regular wearing of compression stockings and the intake or local application of venous-active drugs can provide some relief from typical venous complaints such as swelling and heavy legs

However, not every patient is willing and able to put on the tight compression stockings and wear them during the day. Here, too, the individual needs and desires of the patient have to be taken into account.