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Hampden County
Physician Associates, LLC
Administrative Office
354 Birnie Avenue, Suite 202
Springfield, MA 01107
413 733-3470
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Frequently Asked Questions about Varicose Vein Treatment
Please visit the Advanced Vein Care Center website on the link below:
If you have been suffering quietly from…
…unattractive varicose veins…leg heaviness…leg pain …leg swelling…
leg discomfort at the end of the day
We offer a simple, highly effective, non-surgical treatment to help you—
Endovenous Laser Ablation Treatment
at the
Advanced Vein Care Center
2 Medical Center Drive STE 406
Springfield, MA 01107
Call 732-4242 for a consultation.
Covered by most insurances & Medicare
Frequently Asked Questions:
Why do I have varicose veins?
- It’s a common affliction affecting nearly 25% of women and 15% of men.
What causes varicose veins?
- Venous reflux. Normally, one-way valves in the leg veins facilitate blood return to the heart. Due to heredity, pregnancy, obesity or aging, veins become less elastic and dilated causing the valves to malfunction. This causes the blood returning to the heart to leak downward. The superficial veins in the leg become tortuous and rope-like.
What are the typical symptoms associated with varicose veins?
- When venous reflux is mild to moderate, symptoms usually are leg pain, swelling, heaviness, itchiness, cramps, & restlessness. When severe, you may develop leg swelling, discoloration, chronic dermatitis, chronic ulcer, or bleeding.
What can happen if varicose veins are left untreated?
- Eczema, dark pigmentation, severe leg swelling associated with skin ulcers, intermittent bleeding, & rarely, blood clots.
Do I have to have surgery?
- No. It hurts too much, can cause significant problems, and is not as effective as EVLT.
What is endovenous laser treatment (EVLT)?
- EVLT is a non-surgical alternative to vein stripping. Through a tiny puncture in the skin, a catheter is advanced to the problem vein segment in the leg, and laser energy is delivered through the catheter tip. The vein segment is simply sealed and closed.
What happens to blood flow when the diseased vein is closed by laser treatment ?
- The venous blood flow in the faulty vein system will simply divert to the normal veins and return to the heart. Blood flow is actually improved by closing the abnormal, refluxing veins.
How effective is EVLT?
- It is 95%-97% effective in closing the diseased vein.
Do I need to be hospitalized?
- No. This is an office procedure lasting 45 minutes to 1 1/2 hours using only a local anesthetic.
What happens during EVLT?
- Your leg will be treated with a topical anesthetic cream. After being cleansed with a sterile solution, additional local anesthetic will be administered in the skin puncture site, usually just above or below the knee. After the vein is located, a laser catheter will be inserted into the vein and advanced up to the top of the leg. More local anesthetic is administered along the length of the vein to make absolutely sure that you do not feel any pain. Laser energy is delivered to seal the vein as the catheter is withdrawn. Afterwards, your leg will be placed in a compression stocking. You will walk out of the office, as walking will be encouraged after the procedure.
Is the procedure painful?
EVLT itself is painless as the vein will be numbed. Sometimes local anesthetic injections may sting briefly even with topical anesthetic cream, but most patients do not seem to mind. There will be some pain, swelling and a bruise temporarily afterwards at the treatment site, but the discomfort is easily alleviated with Advil or Aleve.
What are the major risks of the procedure – is it safe?
- Yes, it is safe. Major risks are rare. The most important risk can be formation of blood clots after the procedure. This is extremely rare (less than 1%), but we confirm that it hasn’t happened by routinely obtaining an ultrasound examination within a week after the procedure. Minor risks are also uncommon but includes bruising, numbness, and minor skin burn.
What should I expect after the procedure?
- You will wear a compression stocking to help reduce pain and swelling associated with the procedure. Usually one to three days of rest from work is sufficient.
Is the laser treatment safe?
- Yes. Use of lasers inside the body has proven to be both safe and effective for a variety of surgical conditions and is commonly practiced every day. In the experienced hands of a qualified surgeon, it creates less trauma and complication than open surgical techniques.
Is this procedure covered by insurance?
- If you have symptoms of leg discomfort, pain, swelling or ulcer, the procedure is usually covered by most insurance policies and Medicare.
Dr. Lee is a general surgeon who has been practicing in the greater Springfield area for over ten years. He has board certification from the American Board of Surgery and a faculty appointment with the Tufts University School of Medicine. As a Fellow in good standing in the American College of Surgery and a member of the Society of Critical Care Medicine, he serves on a number of national educational Committees and Task Forces. He has written numerous original scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals, book chapters, and surgical books, all designed to educate and improve the quality of surgical care.
He has a special interest in the treatment of venous insufficiency. He is pleased to be able to offer this new technology to relieve pain and discomfort caused by varicose veins and venous ulcers.