Venous Insufficiency & Varicose Vein Treatment Denver
What is Venous Insufficiency?
Venous insufficiency is a chronic medical condition in which the veins in the legs have difficulty returning blood back to the heart. This occurs when the valves inside the leg veins—whose job is to keep blood flowing upward—become weakened or damaged. As a result, blood can pool or flow backward (a condition known as reflux), leading to increased pressure within the veins.
Venous insufficiency often leads to symptoms like leg swelling, aching, cramping, heaviness, and visible varicose veins. Over time, the condition can cause skin discoloration, thickening, or even open sores near the ankles known as venous ulcers. These symptoms not only impact comfort and mobility but can also signal worsening circulation and increased risk of infection. Left untreated, venous insufficiency can become a progressive and debilitating condition—making early diagnosis and proper management essential for long-term vascular health and quality of life.
Symptoms
Venous Insufficiency manifests in many way, some of the most common symptoms are:
- Varicose Veins
- Leg Swelling that gets worse throughout the day
- Leg Pain that gets worse throughout the day
- Slow Healing Wounds in your legs
- Muscle Cramping in legs
- Skin Discoloration of the lower legs
Causes and Risk Factors of Venous Insufficiency
- Prolonged standing or sitting
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Smoking
- Family history of venous disorders
- History of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Varicose Vein Treatment: Help for a Common Symptom of Venous Insufficiency
- Vein Ablations
- Phlebectomy
- Foam Sclerotherapy
Varicose Vein Treatments in Denver
At ECCO Medical, we offer effective varicose vein treatments right here in our Denver office. These treatments go beyond surface-level care, targeting the root cause of symptoms to restore both comfort and confidence.
Every treatment journey begins with a thorough evaluation, including a clinical consultation and detailed ultrasound imaging. This non-invasive diagnostic process allows us to assess blood flow and identify any vein reflux or valve dysfunction contributing to varicose veins and related symptoms. Once we understand the underlying issue, our team will walk you through your personalized treatment plan, tailored to the severity of your condition, lifestyle needs, and long-term goals.
Treatments
Foam Sclerotherapy
Sclerosant is an injectable solution used in the treatment of venous insufficiency that can be injected as a foam or a liquid, and is typically performed after vein ablation. Foam Sclerotherapy is also an important part of venous wound care.
After a local anesthetic is applied, a tiny needle is positioned within the poorly functioning vein under ultrasound guidance. Through this needle, liquid sclerosant or foam (a combination of air and sclerosant) is injected into the veins. The injection is watched with real-time ultrasound guidance.
Foam Sclerotherapy is a minimally-invasive procedure done at our facility and recovery consists of compression socks post treatment.
Phlebectomy
Also known as a “microphlebectomy,” this technique is used to remove bulging, large varicose veins by utilizing a series of tiny puncture sites and the varicose veins are pulled through the skin. This procedure is usually performed the same day as the venous ablation.
Phlebectomy is a minimally-invasive procedure done at our facility under mild sedation and recovery consists of compression socks post treatment.
Vein Ablation
“Ablation” means to terminate or reroute a faulty pathway, in this case referring to your superficial veins. At ECCO, we have two techniques to cauterize the faulty veins so that the blood will be re-routed into the larger, intramuscular deep veins and allow decompression of the superficial veins.
EVLT Treatment
One procedure to treat venous insufficiency is called Endovenous Laser Therapy, or EVLT. This is a procedure in which a tiny catheter is introduced directly into the veins via a pinprick, and is guided to the proper location. Then a tiny laser fiber is inserted and heat is used to seal the veins permanently. Blood flow is re-routed to healthier veins in the area.
EVLT is a minimally-invasive procedure done with or without sedation at our facility and recovery time is minimal.
Venaseal Treatment
VenaSeal is an FDA-approved treatment for venous insufficiency and varicose veins that promises minimal invasiveness with outstanding results. Unique in its approach, this technique uses medical-grade glue to close off the affected veins. This innovative technique is a type of sclerotherapy, which traditionally involves injecting a solution into the veins to shrink them.
How Does It Work?
During the VenaSeal procedure, a small amount of specially formulated medical adhesive is delivered into the varicose vein through a tiny catheter (usually inserted at the wrist or groin). This glue seals the vein wall within seconds, effectively closing off the problematic venous areas. The body then naturally reroutes blood to healthier veins.
Why Choose VenaSeal?
Here are a few key reasons why VenaSeal stands out:
- Minimally Invasive: Unlike traditional vein treatments, VenaSeal requires no heat, reducing the risk of nerve damage. It also means less discomfort during the procedure with a shorter recovery period compared to traditional surgery.
- Effective Results: VenaSeal has shown promising results in treating varicose veins – just check out this case study that reports successful treatment using the VenaSeal system for a large saphenous (leg) vein!
- No Anesthesia Required: Since VenaSeal does not use heat, there is no need for general anesthesia during the procedure, making it a more comfortable experience for patients. In some cases, we may recommend moderate-light sedation to enhance patient comfort.
- Fewer Side Effects: With VenaSeal, the risk of side effects such as bruising and discomfort is significantly reduced compared to other treatment options.
- Covered by Insurance: Many insurance companies cover the cost of VenaSeal treatment, making it an accessible option for patients looking to improve their venous health.
- Quick and Simple: The procedure is straightforward and fast, allowing patients to return to their normal activities with very little downtime.
From pre-op preparations to post-treatment care, our team of endovascular experts will guide you through every step, ensuring a smooth and comfortable experience.
FAQ's
Are there any side effects that come with EVLT treatment?
Am I a Good Candidate for EVLT?
Contact us today to schedule a consultation at our clinic located conveniently near Denver and find out if you are a candidate for EVLT. During the consultation with your doctor, factors such as your health, medical history, and your overall vascular condition will be evaluated to determine if EVLT is right for you.
What are the early signs of venous insufficiency?
Early signs of venous insufficiency often begin subtly and may be mistaken for general leg fatigue. Symptoms can include aching, heaviness, or tiredness in the legs—especially after standing for long periods—along with swelling around the ankles or lower legs, visible varicose or spider veins, nighttime leg cramping or restlessness, and skin changes such as discoloration or dryness near the ankles.
