James W Schlotter is a General and Vascular Surgeon who is well trained in the latest techniques for restoring legs to a healthier and cosmetically better appearance. All new patients see Dr. Schlotter for their evaluation, which may include Doppler ultrasound and ultrasonic imaging to get a clearer picture of the problem. During your visit he will outline an course of treatment customized for you; the patient. Varicose vein surgical treatments may be covered under your insurance benefits if you meet their criteria for “medical necessity”.
Sclerotherapy
A simple injection may be all you need to be rid of unsightly or uncomfortable veins. This procedure, called sclerotherapy, can be used to treat spider veins and larger veins.
If sclerotherapy is right for you, the procedure should cause your veins to disappear or become much smaller Sclerotherapy may also be recommended for the treatment of larger reticular veins. Many different techniques and solutions are available, and the recommendations will be discussed with you at the time of your initial consultation
Miniphlebectomy
Miniphlebectomy is a procedure that can be used on small and large veins In this procedure, tiny pinpoint holes are made with a small needle. Using specialized instruments, segments of the vein can be removed through these openings. The tiny openings heal with nearly invisible scars that are quite cosmetically acceptable. You won’t even have to wear stockings for an extended period of time with this procedure, which is done under local anesthetic with minimal down time.
LASE Procedure
Since 2004, we have used lasers for ablating large veins. This procedure LASE uses laser energy to obliterate the interior portion of the vein. This procedure is completed in the clinic, with local anesthesia and minimal discomfort and downtime. Most patients can drive themselves home and return to normal activity in a few days.
Venefit (formally known as the VNUS Closure procedure)
The Venefit procedure is a minimally invasive procedure that treats varicose veins and their underlying cause, venous reflux, with little or no pain and is also performed in the office. Venefit uses radiofrequency (RF) energy to deliver delivers controlled heat to the vein wall causing the collagen in the wall to shrink and the vein to close. Once the diseased vein is closed, blood will re-route itself to healthly veins. The average patient typically resumes normal activities within a few days.
Ligation
Some problems, such as large varicose veins, may call for ligation, a procedure in which the connections between the damaged veins and the normal vein systems are interrupted. Ligation is usually done under local anesthesia in an outpatient setting, often in combination with other procedures. Your initial consultation will give you and your physician an opportunity to discuss which treatment program may be best for you.
