How common are varicose veins?
Varicose veins affect about half the population age 50 and older, and 15 – 25% of all adults.

What causes them?
Interestingly, the problem does not originate with the varicose vein itself. It actually results from a leaky valve in a vein – known as the saphenous vein – located elsewhere in the leg, usually between the knee and the groin. Normal veins transport blood in one direction, from the foot to the heart. This unidirectional flow of blood is possible because of valves in the veins that open to allow blood to pass through, and then close again to prevent blood from leaking back down. Varicose veins are caused by failure of the valves to close, resulting in leakage of blood towards the direction of the foot. As this leaking blood flows back down it accumulates in the veins, resulting in the bulging we refer to as varicose veins. Varicose veins can occur for a number of reasons. Some of the most common causes include age, pregnancy, obesity, heredity and standing on one’s feet for extended periods of time.

What is endovenous laser therapy?
Endovenous laser therapy is a FDA-approved, non-surgical procedure to treat varicose veins. With endovenous laser therapy, there is no need to remove the leaking saphenous vein. Instead, the vein is sealed closed with heat energy that is delivered via a thin laser catheter inserted through a small puncture in the thigh. All steps are performed under ultrasound guidance to assure perfect positioning of the catheter. Once the vein is closed, it then shrivels and is absorbed by the body. By closing the saphenous vein, blood is diverted to normal veins with competently functioning valves. The circulation is improved, and symptoms are alleviated.

Does the loss of the saphenous vein pose any problems to the circulatory system?
No. Blood that would have flowed through the closed vein is simply diverted through other, healthy veins.

Does endovenous laser therapy require any hospitalization?
No. Since it is minimally invasive, endovenous laser therapy can be safely performed in the comfort of The Miami Vein Center with only a local anesthetic.

How long does the procedure take?
The entire procedure takes less than one hour.

What is the recovery period?
Since endovenous laser therapy is minimally invasive, you will be able to walk out of our office after the procedure and return to work and other normal activities the very next day. Rigorous activity, such as swimming and gym workouts, should be avoided for two weeks following the surgery, as should hot baths and excessive exposure to sun. You will also be provided with a compression stocking or bandage to wear for at least two weeks. This will encourage blood to resume pumping normally through the leg. We will follow up with you in our office two days post-surgery to ensure that you are healing on schedule.

Is endovenous laser therapy as effective as traditional vein stripping?
As the name implies, vein stripping is a very invasive procedure. An incision is made at the groin and the calf and the leaky saphenous vein is traumatically removed – or “stripped” – from the body using a rod, by pulling it out from one incision to the other. Vein stripping is performed in a hospital under general anesthesia. It is painful and requires a considerable recovery time. Since endovenous laser therapy is a non-surgical, minimally invasive and virtually pain-free way to treat varicose veins, some people may question whether it is as effective as vein stripping. There are now four-year clinical studies which show that recurring incidences of varicose vein disease are actually less after endovenous laser therapy than the traditional – and much more traumatic – vein stripping procedure.

Who is not a good candidate for endovenous laser therapy?
Patients should not be treated for varicose vein disease within three months of surgery or pregnancy. Patients with deep vein thrombosis or those that cannot ambulate are also not good candidates for these procedures.

What happens if I need to undergo a bypass and my saphenous veins are no longer available?
There are other veins that can be used, such as the internal mammary artery for heart bypasses.

What are the potential complications associated with endovenous laser therapy?
Potential complications include numbness or tingling, skin burns, blood clots and temporary tenderness and tightness in the treated limb. These are extremely rare.

Will insurance cover my treatment?
Many insurance companies cover the treatment of vein disease that is associated with substantial pain and other complications, but it is up to individual insurance companies to approve and cover the treatment. If the procedure is deemed cosmetic, it is usually not covered by most insurance companies.

Why should I choose Dr. Jose I. Almeida and the Miami Vein Center to treat my varicose veins?
By choosing Dr. Jose I. Almeida and the Miami Vein Center, you can be certain that you will be in the hands of one of the most well-trained and experienced vascular surgeons practicing today. Dr. Almeida is internationally recognized for his expertise and groundbreaking work in vein care. Vein surgeons from all over the country attend medical conferences to hear Dr. Almeida lecture on the newest advancements and techniques in this area of medicine. They also travel from all over the country to attend in-office tutorials at the Miami Vein Center, where Dr. Almeida demonstrates his leading-edge techniques in endovenous laser therapy. Dr. Almeida is also the author of numerous published abstracts, articles and textbook chapters on vascular surgery. Dr. Almeida has dedicated his life to vein care, and the Miami Vein Center is the culmination of his efforts. Our office – a converted Mission-style home nestled in a quiet residential neighborhood – is a combination of the most state-of-the-art vein care technology in a soothing, spa-like atmosphere. Dr. Almeida and his staff will make sure that you feel comfortable, secure and well-cared for throughout your entire experience with our office. Dr. Almeida has performed more than 700 endovenous laser procedures with great success. His training, credentials, experience and track record – combined with his level of patient care – make him and the Miami Vein Center the unparalleled choice for superior vein care.