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What are varicose veins?

Arteries deliver blood to all extremities, and veins channel blood back to the heart using one-way valves. When these valves don't open and close properly, blood can gather in the veins. The veins become enlarged and are called varicose (a medical term meaning enlarged). Varicose veins can be unsightly, and can worsen over time. It is estimated that 25% of women and 15% of men have varicose veins.

Spider veins are smaller veins that enlarge and appear as red, blue or purple on the surface of the skin.

There are several ways to manage varicose veins. At False Creek Surgical Center, we offer a range of procedures from non-surgical to minimally invasive state-of-the-art vein surgeries.

For spider veins and simple varicose vein cases, sclerotherapy may be recommended. This is the use of a tiny needle to inject the vein with a medication that irritates the lining of the vein and serves to collapse the vein which is then reabsorbed. During any one procedure, the surgeon may inject a vein region several times.

Surgical procedures range from vein stripping and phlebectomy to the advanced TriVex™ procedure. First used in the United States in July, 2000, False Creek Surgical Centre is the first in British Columbia to offer this procedure. TriVex may offer the advantages fewer incisions, less time, and less pain.

During your initial consultation, our board certified vascular surgeons will evaluate which procedures may offer you the best results