Patient Presentation: Helen Jeannette Cox had been a nurse in the military for many years and was on her feet for 10-12 hours or more during her hospital shifts. Ms. Cox had a family history of varicose veins and recognized her symptoms early in their onset. The chronic swelling and pain, aching and throbbing, discoloration, and bulging veins were undeniable signs that it was time to seek treatment. She was referred to Virginia Interventional and Vascular Associates (VIVA), where the Board Certified, Fellowship Trained physicians are experts in evaluation and management of vascular conditions and minimally invasive treatment options. VIVA is owned and operated by Radiologic Associates of Fredericksburg, a nationally recognized top 100 radiology group.
Consultation and Diagnosis at VIVA: After a consultation with Dr. R. Donald Doherty, Jr. and subsequent ultrasound testing at VIVA, Jeannette was diagnosed with severe venous reflux in multiple stages and locations. As a Board Certified, Fellowship Trained Interventional Radiologist, Dr. Doherty analyzed the entire complex pattern of reflux and developed a total systematic approach to Jeanette’s condition.
“Ms. Cox’s case highlights the value of our extremely experienced, highly trained vascular technologists,” Dr. Doherty explained. “For patients who present with severe or unusual venous reflux, our collaboration is key in determining the treatment plan.”
Venous Reflux Treatment Plan: Dr. Doherty prescribed a multi-pronged approach to treat Ms. Cox’s severe case. “Every appropriate technique in the arsenal of vein treatments was utilized,” Dr. Doherty explained.
Bilateral vein treatment included:
● Endovenous Ablation. The majority of the reflux was addressed by cauterization of the veins through laser therapy to reduce pain and swelling.
● Microphlebectomy. A few enlarged surface veins were removed. Unlike vein stripping, this minimally invasive procedure is performed through pinhole punctures rather than incisions.
● Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy with Foam. Microinjections of sclerosing solution were injected into multiple veins to induce initial swelling and subsequent sealing of the vein walls.
● Cosmetic sclerotherapy. For the spider veins and less severe areas, a medical solution was injected to collapse the veins and reduce discoloration and pressure.
Positive Outcomes:
Optimal results were achieved, and the pain, swelling, and appearance of Ms. Cox’s legs underwent dramatic improvement. Most patients experience improvement in symptoms within 2-4 weeks following the procedures described above. Venous insufficiency can be a difficult condition to manage and may require periodic monitoring and treatment to address recurrent symptoms.
Ms. Cox has since returned to VIVA for ongoing monitoring and treatment as needed. She feels very grateful for the excellent care she has received. “Dr. Doherty is just a wonderful physician and I have full confidence in him. He’s compassionate, thorough, and efficient. I’ve been blessed.”
VIVA’s team of compassionate and skilled providers is committed to the chronic care management of vascular conditions. If you suffer from varicose veins and/or have had symptoms such as pain, achiness, swelling, or restless leg syndrome, you may benefit from treatment. Call Virginia Interventional and Vascular Associates (VIVA) at (540) 654-9118 to schedule an appointment.