As the popularity of new procedures increases in public awareness please be sure you see a medical doctor who specializes in vein disorder medicine. If you see a " Procedurist"(A physician who simply learned a new potentially income producing procedure like Endovenous Laser) then you may or may not be getting a physician who is fully trained and knowledgeable in the proper indications and alternatives to utilize these new technologies.


Elite Vein Specialists has been performing advanced procedures like Ultrasound Guided Foam Sclerotherapy and Endovenous Laser Ablation since 2001.

We have seen many patients previously treated elsewhere with inadequate diagnostic workups and poor outcomes. Patients who were told they were candidates for Endovenous laser over the phone without even having an ultrasound exam or full medical history should be a red flag to any potential patient. To assist patients hopefully find indicated and safe vein care we have generated the following
recommendations.
 

 

1)

Ask the Vein Clinic or Physician how long have they been performing a particular procedure and how many patients have they treated in the past year.
For example, how many endovenous laser procedures have they done in the past 12 months and is it possible to speak to a few patients and see how they have done in terms of their leg pain and cosmetic appearance of their legs. Also ask if the physician or ancillary staff performs the various treatments offered to patients. Ask if they offer follow-up ultrasound exams to confirm you had a successful procedure 6-12 months after your varicose veins were treated.

2)

Does the Vein Clinic have advanced diagnostic equipment like Duplex Colorflow ultrasound or Veinlites to properly diagnose whether you even are a candidate for a particular procedure? Does the physician discuss other alternative procedures or only the most expensive ones?
We see several patients each month with large varicose veins with surprisingly small incompetent greater or lesser saphenous veins who have done extremely well with ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy. It is also beneficial if the clinic has or is associated with a certified vascular ultrasound technologist to assist with workups and treatments.
 

3)

Is the physician a member in good standing in The American College of Phlebology or other similar organization? 

We have seen several patients who sought treatment from physicians who simply learned a new procedure but have no true foundation or formal training in vein disorder medicine. Complex issues like DVTs, incompetent perforators, dual greater saphenous veins, varicose vein recurrence and neovascularization after stripping and ligation, vein therapy during pregnancy,  RF Closure vs. EVLT, foam sclerotherapy with or without ultrasound guidance, and contraindications to vein treatment are all issues a well trained vein specialists should be comfortable discussing at length with you. Please don't be afraid to ask your physician as many questions as possible to help you decide is this physician experienced & knowledgeable in treating all my vein problems, from simple spiders to complex recurrent varicose veins! Good Luck
 

 


Dr. Nicholas H. Hyde, Bay Area Vein Specialists, is Medical Director of Elite Vein Specialists. At the Varicose Vein Center of Excellence they excel at complex recurrent vein problems, endovenous laser ablation, ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy, varicose vein treatment, spider vein removal and hand vein treatments. All treatments are nonsurgical, physician performed in a caring & attentive environment.

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