Treatments

Venous and Vein Disease Program

Minimally Invasive and Surgical Treatments

Medical College of Wisconsin specialists in vascular medicine, vascular and interventional radiology and vascular surgery perform a wide range of minimally invasive, image-guided procedures to diagnose and treat conditions throughout the body. Most procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, offering patients an alternative to surgery, where appropriate, for many conditions. Treatments are based on the latest research available.

Our Medical College of Wisconsin physicians perform a high volume of complex venous and vein disease procedures, which means better outcomes for patients. Our specialists collaborate to ensure integrated care for each patient, and we offer procedures here that are not readily available in the rest of the community.

Treatment for Spider and Varicose Veins

Our Comprehensive Vein Clinic offers all types of treatments for spider and varicose veins, including:

Endovenous ablation (laser ablation)
Ambulatory phlebectomy (microphlebectomy)
Injection Sclerotherapy

Compression

Compression stockings can be used to help treat some vein disease by applying gentle pressure to help improve blood flow.

Medication

Blood thinners (anticoagulants) are among the medications that may be used to treat some types of venous disease, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism. Certain medications can help prevent new clots from forming.

Thrombolysis and Catheter-based Thrombolysis

Thrombolysis is the use of clot-dissolving medications to break up blood clots. The medications may be injected into a blood vessel, or a catheter may be used to send the medication directly to the clot. Mechanical thrombolysis breaks up a blood clot using various mechanical devices to help reduce the risk of bleeding.

Vena Cava Filter

The vena cava is the large vein that carries blood from the body back to the heart. Some patients may benefit from a retrievable inferior vena cava (IVC) filter or loose wire “net” inserted into the vena cava. The filter can catch clots as they travel from the body to the lungs to prevent a pulmonary embolism. It can be removed later using a non-invasive procedure.

Other procedures that may be used to treat to venous disease include:

Date: June 5, 2012

Online Editor(s): Richard Petre