Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are large, bulging veins often associated with tired, painful or achy legs.

Sometimes varicose veins are deeper under the skin surface and not visible, however, the symptoms tend to be the same. Varicose veins are caused by faulty valves in the veins, which allows some blood circulation to fall backward instead of on course to the heart. These veins are best treated with a surgical procedure.

When the faulty vein is removed, there is a marked improvement in how the legs feel, not to mention their improved appearance. The adverse affects of surgery is the same as for any procedure (bleeding and infection) but they are minimized by a few adjustments Dr. Richardson has added to his operative procedure regimen.

One procedure is called a High Ligation and Stripping. The second is called an Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT).The third is a Needle Phlebectomy or Micro-incision phlebectomy (MIP) or Phlebectomy and is used on winding or tortuous large veins. Each procedure is 100% effective in removing or ablating the vein.

High Ligation and Stripping is the oldest procedure to remove varicose veins but I have improved the method enormously and now am performing it much differently than the older procedure required.

Endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) is the newest treatment method used to eradicate the long saphenous vein and has been used by Dr. Richardson since the summer of 2001. It is equally effective as the stripping procedure with fewer side effects. For more information about this procedure go to: www.evlt.com

Micro-incision phlebectomy (MIP) or Needle Phlebectomy or Phlebectomy removes curving veins that are not possible to remove with the other procedures and yet makes very small incisions that are barely visible when completely healed. This procedure was initially performed by Dr. Richardson in Kansas City in 1996.

The Ambulatory Surgery Center or KC Inc. is a free standing facility that is associated with The Vein Treatment and Aesthetic Center and is out of network with most insurance companies. Dr. Richardson may recommend its use. It is licensed by the state and certified by Medicare. Anesthesia is provided by a CRNA. The cost of using the ASC varies depending upon the length of time that the procedure takes.