Varicose Veins
Approximately 20-25 million Americans have varicose veins
At UF Health Vein Center at Halifax Health, we treat varicose veins. Varicose veins, or the smaller “spider veins,” are protruding or visible veins in the lower legs which can be embarrassing to some people. These occur when the valves inside your veins, usually in the leg or ankle, malfunction. Instead of helping blood flow toward the heart, these faulty valves allow blood to collect in the veins and they become twisted, weakened and elevated above the skin.
Varicose veins can be a sign of a serious medical problem. Venous reflux, or “leaky valves,” is often the underlying cause of varicose veins. Many patients experience leg pain, swelling, fatigue and sometimes skin ulcers.
Our qualified ultrasonographer will use non-invasive, ultrasound diagnostic imaging and conduct a thorough evaluation of your body’s venous system to determine the extent of your problem and the most appropriate treatment.
Compression stockings may be used to try to resolve your ”leaky valves.” If more extensive treatment is required, our specialists will use one of the following non-surgical or surgical treatments, based on your individual situation:
- VNUS Closure™ system
A new, minimally invasive option that uses radiofrequency to close off abnormal veins. - Ambulatory phlebectomy
Outpatient procedure where small, slit-like incisions are cut and the affected veins are removed. - Open surgical vein ligation and stripping
Small incisions are cut near the vein and a plastic wire is thread in, tied to the vein and pulled out (most conventional procedure). - Radiofrequency ablation therapy
Heat is inserted through a very thin tube to damage the wall inside the vein which closes it off.
About UF Health Heart and Vascular Surgery at Halifax Health
Halifax Health has collaborated with University of Florida Health (UF Health) to bring advanced thoracic, cardiovascular and vascular surgical care to Volusia, Flagler and Brevard Counties. Board-certified and fellowship-trained cardiothoracic and vascular surgeons from UF Health lead the program and are located at the main campus of Halifax Health in Daytona Beach, Florida.
Halifax Health serves as the areas only Level II Trauma Center and through this partnership with UF Health we can now expand on the services available to our community.