What are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are a common problem affecting millions of women and men. Varicose veins are dilated vessels just below the skin that can cause unsightly conditions, inflammation, pain and ulceration. Normal veins carry blood from the foot to the upper leg and body, but if the veins are not functioning properly, blood backs up causing the vessels to enlarge and cause the symptoms noted above. When one or more of the valves fails to close properly, the veins conduct blood back into the leg instead of up to the heart.

While patients often try to ignore varicose veins, treatment is important to prevent dilated, twisted veins, episodes of aching pain and leg ulcers on the surface of the skin. If left untreated, varicose veins can lead to more serious complications.

What procedures are available for the treatment of varicose and spider veins?

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.

What is the TriVex™ System?

The TriVex™ System is designed for use during a patented, clinically tested surgical technique for varicose vein removal called transilluminated powered phlebectomy. While traditional varicose vein surgery is a "blind procedure," meaning that surgeons cannot always see the vein or confirm removal, the TriVex™ System's unique illumination feature allows the surgeon to quickly and accurately target and remove the vein and then visually confirm its complete extraction.

In one study comparing results from minimally-invasive TriVex™ surgery to those obtained with the older technique of hook phlebectomy, the minimally-invasive procedure cut operating time in half, reduced the number of incisions by 50 to 75 percent, required less anesthesia and caused less post-operative pain than the older surgery. Studies suggest that this method not only reduces the pain associated with varicose vein removal but also reduces the potential post-operative infection.

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.