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About...Spider Vein Sclerotherapy

September 7, 2016

Sclerotherapy is a procedure used to treat varicose veins and spider veins, involving an injection of a solution directly into the vein using a very fine needle. The solution irritates the lining of the vessel, causing it to swell and stick together. Over time, the vessel turns into scar tissue that fades from view. Many different solutions are available for use in sclerotherapy, and Dr. Thomas will select the best one for your particular needs.



The number of veins injected in one session varies, depending on the size and location of the veins, and the patient’s overall medical condition. Mild discomfort may occur, and a cramping sensation may be felt for one to two minutes when larger varicose veins are injected.



The sclerotherapy procedure itself takes about 30 to 45 minutes. Sclerotherapy works well for most patients with varicose veins. We estimate that as many as 50 percent to 80 percent of injected varicose veins may be eliminated with each injection session.



A few (less than 10 percent) of the people who have sclerotherapy on their varicose veins do not respond to the injections at all. In these instances, different solutions or a different method, such as laser therapy, may be tried. Spider veins respond to sclerotherapy in three to six weeks, and larger veins respond in three to four months. If the veins respond to the treatment, they will not reappear. However, new veins may appear over time, and additional sclerotherapy sessions may be needed.



Before your appointment, shower and wash your legs thoroughly. Avoid shaving and moisturizers the day of and the day after the procedure. Your legs should not be tan at the time of your treatment. Avoid sun exposure on your legs and do not use a self-tanner before your procedure. We’ll provide you with a pair of disposable exam shorts to wear for the procedure. Please wear loose fitting pants or shorts to your appointment, as your leg will be bandaged after the procedure. In addition, please wear a cool, comfortable top as the room will be heated during your treatment.



You may experience certain side effects after your sclerotherapy. Larger injected varicose veins may become lumpy and hard for several months before resolving. Raised red areas may appear at the injection sites and should disappear within a few days. Brown lines or spots on the skin may be noted at the site of the injection, possibly caused by a form of iron that escapes from the injected veins. In most cases, they disappear within three to six months, but can be permanent about five percent of the time. Bruising may occur around the injection site and can last several days or weeks.



Other side effects rarely develop after sclerotherapy. However, if you have any of these side effects, please contact your physician immediately:


  • Inflammation within five inches of the groin
  • Sudden onset of a swollen leg
  • Formation of small ulcers at the injection site
  • Red streaking, especially in the groin area
  • Allergic reactions to the sclerosing agent (may occur at the time of the injection and are rarely serious).


We want to encourage you to call Dr. Thomas with any concerns or questions you may have before or after your sclerotherapy procedure. You’ll also want to discuss any medications you’re taking with the doctor to ensure there are no interactions. Please let us know if you have any allergies or sensitivities to adhesives or latex, a history of asthma, or if you may be pregnant.



After the treatment you’ll be able to drive yourself home. You may resume your regular activities and are encouraged to walk. You’ll be instructed to wear support hosiery or compression wraps to “compress” the treated vessels for a few days after your treatment. Support stockings purchased from a retail store may not be adequate if a heavier compression stocking is prescribed.



After the procedure, avoid alcohol, aspirin, ibuprofen and other anti-inflammatory medications for at least 48 hours. Tylenol may be taken, and ice may be used for swelling. Avoid hot water (use warm water to shower) tub baths for 24 hours. Your legs may feel tender and sore. You are encouraged to walk. Treated veins may appear discolored and firm to the touch and will fade over time.



If additional treatments are necessary, they may be performed at four to six week intervals.



If you live in the Murfreesboro area, please contact Dr. Thomas for a consultation!

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Interventional Radiology (IR) is a rapidly growing medical specialty that uses advanced imaging techniques to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions in a minimally invasive way. At Murfreesboro Vascular and Interventional, we are proud to offer cutting-edge interventional radiology treatments, providing patients with effective, targeted care that often eliminates the need for traditional surgery. But what exactly is interventional radiology, and how does it benefit patients? What is Interventional Radiology? Interventional Radiology involves the use of medical imaging technologies—such as X-rays, CT scans, ultrasound, and Fluoroscopy—to guide small instruments, like catheters and needles, through the body to treat disease. This enables physicians to perform precise procedures with minimal disruption to surrounding tissues, offering a safer, quicker, and less painful alternative to conventional surgery. IR procedures can be used to treat a wide range of conditions, including: Vascular diseases like peripheral artery disease (PAD) and varicose veins Cancer treatments, including targeted therapies like tumor ablation Non-surgical treatment for uterine fibroids, such as Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) Treatments for liver and kidney issues, such as bile duct blockages or kidney stones Minimally invasive biopsies and drainage procedures How Interventional Radiology Works IR specialists are highly trained to use imaging techniques to see inside the body and perform procedures through tiny incisions—often no larger than a pinhole. Here's an overview of the process: Imaging Guidance: Using real-time imaging, the interventional radiologist pinpoints the exact area needing treatment. This high level of precision ensures that only the targeted area is addressed, while healthy tissue remains unaffected. Minimally Invasive Access: A small incision is made to introduce the catheter or needle into the body. Through this access point, tiny instruments can be guided directly to the problem area, whether it’s a blood vessel, organ, or other tissue. Treatment Delivery: Once in place, the interventional radiologist performs the procedure, which could involve inserting stents to open up blood vessels, embolizing (blocking) blood flow to shrink fibroids or tumors, or ablating cancerous tissue using extreme heat or cold. The Benefits of Interventional Radiology Interventional Radiology offers numerous benefits to patients, making it an attractive alternative to traditional surgery in many cases. 1. Minimally Invasive One of the most significant advantages of IR is that it is minimally invasive. The procedures are performed through tiny incisions, which means: Less pain: Smaller incisions cause less trauma to the body, resulting in less postoperative pain. Lower risk of complications: With fewer cuts and less exposure of internal tissues, the risk of infections and other complications is reduced. Faster recovery: Most patients can return to normal activities much sooner than they would after traditional surgery. Many IR procedures are outpatient, so you can go home the same day. 2. Reduced Need for General Anesthesia Many interventional radiology procedures only require local anesthesia and mild sedation, which reduces the risks associated with general anesthesia. This makes IR an excellent option for patients who may not be good candidates for surgery due to age, pre-existing conditions, or other risk factors. 3. High Precision By using real-time imaging guidance, interventional radiologists can pinpoint exactly where the issue lies and treat it with unparalleled accuracy. This precision means better outcomes, particularly for conditions like cancer, where targeted therapies can minimize damage to surrounding healthy tissue. 4. Effective Results Interventional radiology treatments have been shown to be highly effective for many conditions. For example: Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE): Offers relief from symptoms like heavy bleeding and pelvic pain without the need for a hysterectomy. Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) treatment: Opens up blocked arteries, restoring blood flow and reducing pain. Cancer treatments: Procedures like radiofrequency ablation or chemoembolization target tumors directly, providing powerful cancer-killing effects with fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy or surgery. 5. Outpatient and Same-Day Procedures Many IR procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, meaning patients can often return home the same day. With no need for lengthy hospital stays, you can recover in the comfort of your own home while getting back to your routine faster. Common Interventional Radiology Procedures Here are just a few of the many procedures performed by interventional radiologists: Angioplasty and Stenting: Used to open blocked or narrowed blood vessels, helping to restore proper blood flow and reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke. Varicose Vein Treatment: Procedures like sclerotherapy or laser vein ablation can treat unsightly and painful varicose veins, improving both health and appearance. Chemoembolization: A targeted cancer treatment that delivers chemotherapy directly to a tumor, while cutting off its blood supply. Radiofrequency Ablation: A minimally invasive technique that uses heat to destroy cancer cells or shrink tumors in areas like the liver, kidneys, or lungs. Biliary Drainage: Helps clear blocked bile ducts in patients with liver disease or cancer. Is Interventional Radiology Right for You? Interventional radiology offers a wide range of solutions for patients with various medical conditions. If you are facing a health issue and are seeking a minimally invasive alternative to surgery, IR may be the right option for you. At Murfreesboro Vascular and Interventional, our team is here to help you explore your options and provide personalized, compassionate care using the latest advancements in IR technology. Conclusion Interventional radiology is revolutionizing the way medical procedures are performed, offering patients safer, quicker, and more effective treatment options. With its focus on precision, minimal invasiveness, and faster recovery times, IR is a powerful tool in modern medicine. If you’re interested in learning more about how interventional radiology could benefit you, call us at  615-849-7490  to schedule a consultation. Let us help you discover how these innovative treatments can improve your health and quality of life.
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