Cooper Vein Center
State-of-the-art evaluation and treatment of varicose and spider veins
As many as 80 million Americans suffer from spider veins and / or varicose veins. Veins are the blood vessels that return blood to the heart. Although deep veins are the main route for blood return, smaller veins are located just beneath the surface of the skin. Normal veins have one-way valves that only permit the blood to flow back to the heart. However, if there is a problem with these valves, the blood may pool, causing the veins to dilate. This causes the discoloration, bulging, and pain symptomatic of spider veins and varicose veins.
Women of childbearing age or older are more likely to develop these venous conditions. However, spider veins and varicose veins can also afflict men. Hereditary influences, hormonal factors, and aging tend to increase the risk of both these conditions.
Spider veins and varicose veins
Spider veins are most often found on the legs. They are usually red, blue, or purple and have a web or sunburst pattern. Spider veins are caused by the dilation of a small group of blood vessels near the skin’s surface. For many people, spider veins are a cosmetic problem. However, they can be associated with larger, underlying varicose veins. Spider veins may also cause symptoms such as aching, heaviness, and itching.
Varicose veins are deeper than spider veins. Their gnarled and enlarged appearance is caused by swollen blood vessels. This is the result of a weakening of the vein’s walls or valves. Although the most common complaint is their unsightly appearance, varicose veins may frequently be accompanied by pain, throbbing, and heaviness. These symptoms can be worse when standing. In some cases, varicose veins may lead to more serious conditions such as:
- Phlebitis: inflammation of the vein
- Thrombosis: the formation of blood clots that enlarge the vein
- Venous stasis ulcers: formed by improper drainage of enlarged veins
Expert Diagnosis by Cooper Vascular Surgeons
The board-certified surgeons of The Cooper Vein Center, located in Marlton, New Jersey, are experts in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of spider veins and varicose veins. Located just minutes from Philadelphia, these outstanding physicians serve on the faculty of the prestigious University of Medicine and Dentistry, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. In addition to being leading educators and experts in their field, they have the most advanced diagnostic technology available. This includes color-duplex ultrasound, a way of precisely mapping the patient’s venous system. This non-invasive procedure lets Cooper physicians determine the location and extent of blood pooling in the superficial veins. In this way, they can better recommend the best treatment for the patient.
Numerous Varicose and Spider Vein Treatment Options Available
Doctors at The Cooper Vein Center base their treatment recommendation on several factors. These include the seriousness of the condition, the patient’s general health, age, and the ability to tolerate specific treatments. Among the options available for treating spider veins and varicose veins are the following:
Sclerotherapy. This is an outpatient procedure and does not require anesthesia. It involves the injection of a concentrated saline or specially developed solution into the vein. The solution causes the vein to close up or collapse. Healthier blood vessels then absorb the blood flow of the treated vein. Several treatment sessions may be needed.
- Endovenous laser treatment. These are newer, minimally invasive alternatives to vein stripping. Rather than removing the vein, the surgeon uses ultrasound with laser energy to treat the inner vein lining. This causes the vein to contract and close. This outpatient procedure is performed under local anesthesia and takes 30 to 40 minutes. No surgical incisions are made, and patients can usually resume normal activities within 48 hours.
- Transilluminated powered phlebectomy (Trivex). This new procedure uses technology that lights up the area under the skin so the vein is clearly visible. This allows the surgeon to quickly and accurately target and remove the vein and then visually confirm its complete extraction.
- Vein stripping. This approach is often used for the treatment of large varicose veins. A surgical incision is made in the skin, and the veins are removed under general or spinal anesthesia. Although there may be significant bruising or swelling, this generally clears up within six weeks.
The vascular surgeons of The Cooper Vein Center are certified by the American Board of Surgery. They have the special training and expertise to provide these state-of-the-art procedures.
Insurance Coverage for Varicose and Spider Vein Treatment
Health insurance usually covers only those procedures regarded as “medically necessary.” In many cases, this includes treatment for symptomatic veins that fail to respond to compression therapy. However, most insurers will not cover treatments they regard as primarily cosmetic.
The physicians and staff of The Cooper Vein Center will help by providing appropriate documentation for patients to submit to their insurance companies to treat varicose and/or spider veins.
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To schedule an appointment with a Cooper University Physician, please call 1-800-8-COOPER (1-800-826-6737) to speak with a member of our physician referral and information service. |
Our Offices
Marlton
127 Church Road, Suite 400
Marlton, New Jersey 08053
Appointments (856) 817-3000
Our Physicians