The Venous Institute of Buffalo
Frequently Asked Questions
1- Varicose Veins, Spider Veins and other Venous Deficiencies
What are varicose veins, and what causes them?
Can my varicose veins be cured?
What treatment options are available for my varicose veins?
What are compression hose, and how to graduated compression hose work?
Is the use of a hot tub good for my veins?
What treatment options are available for my spider veins?
Does The Venous Institute of Buffalo treat other venous deficiencies?
2- The VNUS® Closure Procedure
What is the VNUS® Closure Procedure, and how well does it work?
How long does the VNUS® Closure Procedure take?
How is the VNUS® Closure Procedure different from vein stripping?
Are there any potential risks and complications associated with the VNUS® Closure Procedure?
3- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Pulmonary Embolism (PE)
What is Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)?
What is a Pulmonary Embolism (PE)?
Where can I learn more about Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Pulmonary Embolism (PE)?
4- Patient Resources
I am a new patient, what can I expect at my first appointment?
Where can I learn more about venous deficiencies?
5- Insurance
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
1- Varicose Veins, Spider Veins and other Venous Deficiencies
What are varicose veins, and what causes them?
Varicose veins are caused by faulty or inefficient vein valves that don't close properly. By not closing properly, these vein valves allow blood to leak past and pool in the vein.
Ultimately this causes the veins to bulge and stretch which can cause symptoms such as aching and throbbing pain, heavy and tired legs and poor circulation.
There are several common causes for varicose veins. Circulating hormones that relax the muscle of the vein wall are most common, such as high levels of the hormone progesterone in females. Other common causes include genetic deficiencies (inherited weakness of the vein wall), pregnancy, obesity, hormone replacement therapy, female oral contraceptives as well as occupations that require long periods of standing.
Can my varicose veins be cured?
While there are several successful treatment options for varicose veins, such as compression hose, VNUS Closure, Microphlebectomy and Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy, the disorder cannot be permanently cured. The underlying tendency of patients who develop varicose veins is not removed when abnormal veins are treated, which means that many patients need to return for periodic maintenance treatments.
Unfortunately varicose veins cannot be completely prevented, however there are many ways to improve vein health.
Physical activity such as walking, cycling, jogging and swimming are great ways to improve circulation, by pumping blood up the leg against gravity.
Graduated compression hose also help to improve circulation by preventing blood from pooling in the leg veins.
What treatment options are available for my varicose veins?
The treatment of varicose veins starts with a professional consultation with one of the vein treatment experts at The Venous Institute of Buffalo.
A determination will be made as to whether your veins require treatment, and if so a formal treatment plan will be prepared.
There are two distinct types of treatment for varicose veins, conservative measures such as compression stockings as well as corrective measures such as VNUS Closure, Microphlebectomy and Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy.
In some cases a combination of treatment methods works best.
What are compression hose, and how to graduated compression hose work?
Many vein specialists consider graduated compression hose to be one of the most important advances in the treatment of venous disease. Compression hose are proven to be effective when used during treatment, for long-term therapy after treatment as well as for preventative care.
Graduated compression hose are designed to prevent blood from pooling in the leg veins, which helps overall circulation. The amount of compression is greatest at the ankle, and gradually decreases up the leg.
Is the use of a hot tub good for my veins?
After a soak in a hot tub or after a bath you are more likely to feel uncomfortable rather than relieved. Exposure to heat causes veins to dilate (become larger) which can aggravate your symptoms.
Spider veins are very similar to varicose veins, with the difference being that they are much smaller and typically occur in the capillaries. Spider veins are most commonly found in the face and legs, and are often red or blue in color. They usually appear in a pattern similar to a spider web.
Unlike varicose veins, spider veins are not usually indicative of a serious underlying health concern, but a thorough evaluation by a medical professional is advised to rule out a more serious underlying venous disease.
What treatment options are available for my spider veins?
The treatment of spider veins starts with a professional consultation with one of the vein treatment experts at The Venous Institute of Buffalo.
An evaluation will be performed to determine if your spider veins are an indication of a more serious underlying venous deficiency.
Cosmetic treatment of spider veins and reticular veins is performed by the MIVAS Aesthetic Center using either the topical laser or other treatments such as Visual or Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy.
Does The Venous Institute of Buffalo treat other venous deficiencies?
The Venous Institute of Buffalo specializes in all aspects of venous disease treatment, particularly in minimally invasive techniques for vascular and general surgery.
With focus on providing compassionate and comprehensive care, Dr. Vasquez is nationally and internationally recognized for his expertise, teaching and research in treatment of venous insufficiency.
Whether you're suffering from painful varicose veins, are embarrassed by unsightly spider veins, are at risk for developing deep vein thrombosis, or are in need of care for other venous deficiencies, contact The Venous Institute of Buffalo and let Dr. Vasquez and staff put their experience and expertise to work for you.
2- The VNUS® Closure Procedure
What is the VNUS® Closure Procedure, and how well does it work?
The VNUS® Closure Procedure is a minimally-invasive surgical procedure for the treatment of venous reflux, or leaking vein valves.
Heat created by radiofrequency energy is directed into the vein wall by the VNUS Closure catheter, and as the catheter is withdrawn the vein wall shrinks.
Watch a short video to learn more.
Extensive clinical tests involving hundreds of patients throughout the United States and Europe and demonstrated that the VNUS Closure Procedure is effective at occluding (closing) veins and reducing patient symptoms.
Published studies have shown that at 12 and 24 months following the VNUS Closure Procedure, over 90% of treated veins remained reflux free.
Did you Know?
Dr. Vasquez of The Venous Institute of Buffalo is recognized as one of the foremost experts on endovenous radiofrequency saphenous ablation (the VNUS Closure procedure).
Having performed well over 3,000 of these procedures to date, Dr. Vasquez is also recognized as the first to perform the VNUS Closure procedure in WNY and has taught his techniques to many physicians and fellows locally and nationally.
Dr. Vasquez has followed his outcomes of the Closure Procedure using the Venous Clinical Severity Score and had his results published in the Journal of Vascular Surgery.
How long does the VNUS® Closure Procedure take?
The procedure is performed in an outpatient setting, and typically takes about 30 minutes. Local anesthesia is used. Patients can drive themselves home afterward and start to resume normal activities later in the day.
How is the VNUS® Closure Procedure different from vein stripping?
Vein stripping is an invasive surgical procedure. The surgeon makes an incision in your groin and ties off the vein, and then a stripper tool is threaded through the vein and used to pull the vein out of your leg through a second incision just about your calf. Vein stripping is typically performed in the operating room under full anesthesia.
The VNUS Closure Procedure, on the other hand, doesn't require groin surgery nor the removal of the vein. Instead, the vein is left in place and is closed using a special catheter inserted through a very small puncture.
Because the VNUS Closure procedure is less invasive, recovery time is shortened from a week on average for vein stripping to about one day for the VNUS Closure Procedure. Additionally, the VNUS Closure Procedure is performed on an outpatient basis using local or regional anesthesia.
Are there any potential risks and complications associated with the VNUS® Closure Procedure?
As with any medical procedure, potential risks and complications exist with the VNUS Closure Procedure. Patients should consult their doctors to determine if they are at any special risk. The staff at The Venous Institute of Buffalo will review potential complications at your consultation. Potential complications can include vessel perforation, thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, phlebitis, hematoma, infection, numbness or tingling and/or skin burn.
3- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Pulmonary Embolism (PE)
What is Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)?
Deep Vein Thrombosis, also known as "DVT" occurs when a blood clot develops within a deep vein, usually of the leg or pelvis. These are not the superficial veins that can be visible beneath the skin, as is the case with varicose veins. Deep veins are larger and located within the muscles. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is usually the result of an underlying condition or risk factor that causes poor blood circulation, rapid blood clotting, or irritation or inflammation of the inner vein lining.
Regardless of the cause, Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) can be particularly dangerous if left untreated. There is a risk of the clot breaking free and traveling elsewhere in the body.
What is a Pulmonary Embolism (PE)?
A clot that breaks free and moves to a new area is called an embolus, and can cause serious complications.
If the embolus lodges in an artery of the lung, it can become a potentially fatal Pulmonary Embolism (PE). Although not as common as a pulmonary embolism, the embolus can cause a heart attack, stroke, or renal vein thrombosis if lodged in the heart, brain, or kidneys, respectively.
Where can I learn more about Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Pulmonary Embolism (PE)?
For more information about Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Pulmonary Embolism (PE), start with our clinical information section about Deep Vein Thrombosis.
Download a free pamphlet to learn about spotting clots, from the Venous Disease Coalition: "Spot a Clot. Blood Clots: What You Need to Know".
Download a brochure to learn about the mission and purpose of the Venous Disease Coalition.
Download a pamphlet to learn the Ten Reasons why the Venous Disease Coalition wants the general public to know about Venous Disease.
Visit the Venous Disease Coalition website to learn more.
4- Patient Resources
I am a new patient, what can I expect at my first appointment?
Your first appointment at The Venous Institute of Buffalo will start with a fact-finding mission, where your history and symptoms will be reviewed.
You will be asked to complete several health questionnaires that will be referenced during your comprehensive evaluation.
Depending on your condition and diagnosis, one or more conservative or corrective treatment options will be recommended.
Where can I learn more about venous deficiencies?
Please see the Links and Resources section for more information.
5- Insurance
Will insurance cover my treatment?
Typically insurance will reimburse a percentage of the treatment cost if there is a documented problem of venous insufficiency.
This is generally not true for cosmetic treatment.
Patients with a documented medical problem or a positive result from an ultrasound scan will usually receive reimbursement from insurance.
The Venous Institute of Buffalo is on par with many insurance providers and HMO's, and will work with you to ensure you receive the most reimbursement possible.
