Schedule your appointment with Charlotte Radiology Appointments are scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Actual appointments are held from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. In order to allow time for patient registration, we ask that you arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled exam time. If you would like to schedule a consultation, please call 704.333.3794, ext. 2220. Confirmation and comfort from the area’s imaging experts The Charlotte Radiology Vein & Vascular team includes Interventional Radiologists and a Vascular Physician Assistant who have specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of vascular disease, as well as a vein services coordinator. Our staff includes: O. Sami Aassar, M.D., Interventional Radiologist & Co-Director Vittorio P. Antonacci, M.D., Interventional Radiology & Co-Director Jeffrey P. Stein, M.D., Interventional Radiologist Eric A. Wang, M.D., Interventional Radiologist Kelly Blankenship, P.A. For more information If you have questions about any of our procedures or for directions, please visit our comprehensive website: The Charlotte Radiology Vein & Vascular Center is located off Fairview Road, across from Phillips Place, at CMC-Morrocroft: www.charlotteradiology.com 4525 Cameron Valley Parkway, Suite 1000 Charlotte, NC 28211 May we also suggest: www.radiologyinfo.org www.sirweb.org To schedule a consultation with one of our Interventional Radiologists please call 704-333-3794 ext. 2220. Varicose and Spider Vein Treatments EVLT-INSIDE.pdf 11/20/08 12:22:23 PM Varicose and spider veins can be unsightly and unpleasant. A common problem, varicose veins affect approximately 40% of women and 25% of men. Spider veins affect approximately half of the female population. Charlotte Radiology Vein & Vascular Center offers Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT), Sclerotherapy and the revolutionary new technology—Syneron powered by elos to treat the entire range of varicose vein disease. Spider Veins & Treatment Options What can I expect after a Sclerotherapy procedure? Spider veins are very thin veins located close to the skin’s surface and not essential to the larger venous system. These bluish, discolored veins often appear on the thighs, calves or ankles in one of three basic patterns: a true spider shape, branching like a tree’s limb, or linear and unconnected. You will be able to drive and resume regular activities after the treatment and you will be encouraged to walk. Compression wraps or hosiery should be worn for 24 hours and then for another 2 weeks during the day. Mild pain, bruising, cramping and swelling may occur for the first 24 hours. Varicose Veins & Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT) At Charlotte Radiology, we offer two types of spider vein treatment options: Sclerotherapy and elos cutaneous laser. Because these treatments are cosmetic, they are not covered by insurance. EVLT is a minimally invasive laser procedure used to treat more serious and painful varicose veins at the source. Varicose veins are enlarged superficial veins that develop due to venous reflux, a condition caused when the blood that normally flows up the leg travels down the leg causing veins to enlarge, twist and bulge. Varicose veins can lead to other health complications, such as skin discoloration or ulcerations. If untreated, varicose veins usually worsen over time. What is Sclerotherapy? Smaller spider veins may take 3 to 6 weeks to respond, while larger veins can take as long as 3 to 4 months. Some veins may also require more than one treatment to achieve optimal results. Successfully treated veins will not reappear, but the treatment does not prevent new veins from appearing. If necessary, over -the-counter medication (such as Tylenol) may be taken for relief. TM How EVLT works: Sclerotherapy, or injection therapy, is a non-surgical procedure in which a tiny needle is used to deliver sodium tetradecyl into the vein. The vein transitions through a period of swelling and fullness to eventually fade. The in-office procedure only takes 30-45 minutes to complete. The number of veins treated per session depends on your medical condition, tolerance to the medication, and the size and location of the veins. What is elos cutaneous laser? TM Syneron powered by elos is a non-invasive superficial laser treatment that can safely and effectively reduce the appearance of problem veins such as blue-green veins on the legs. After numbing the skin, a tiny incision is made and a thin laser fiber is used to seal the vein. The treatment usually takes less than 45 minutes and is often covered by many insurance and health plans. How do I know if I need EVLT? If you have painful, bulging veins or are experiencing burning sensations in your legs, you may be a candidate for EVLT. When you consult with one of our Interventional Radiologists, a full Doppler ultrasound exam will be done to look for other forms of venous disease. How does elos cutaneous vein laser treatment work? What can I expect after the EVLT procedure? Am I a candidate for Sclerotherapy? There is minimal postoperative pain and almost immediate relief from symptoms. With the exception of rigorous activities, you may resume normal activities immediately. In fact, walking is encouraged. You will be asked to wear compression stockings for two weeks. In the event of soreness, over-the-counter pain relievers may be used. During a consultation, our Interventional Radiologist will carefully examine your medical history and veins, map out the problem areas, and may even recommend an ultrasound to rule out any deeper issues. If a more serious vein problem is found, we may recommend another treatment. Sclerotherapy is usually not effective unless deeper issues, like those resolved in EVLT procedures, are treated first. Combined bi-polar radio frequency and light energies precisely target and heat the unwanted vein while protecting the surrounding skin. Treatment may be uncomfortable for some patients, however it can be managed with external cooling or a topical anesthetic cream. When can I expect to see the results? Although the total number of treatments sessions depends on the extent and depth of the vascular lesions, most patients achieve success within 1-3 sessions. Most patients return to normal activities immediately after treatment.