Resources

For patients, professionalism and compassion are the bedrock of the quality care we provide. We’ve created a comfortable atmosphere where patients are valued and respected. We encourage patients to be active participants in their care and have provided the following resources to assist in this process.

Links

The Minneapolis Vein Center suggests the following sites as resources for patients as you continue to learn more about your health and the treatment of venous disease.

Interventional and Vascular Resources

General Health Sites

Professional Organization

Click here to read about the Frequently Asked Questions

Note: Minneapolis Vein Center presents the above list as a resource for site visitors, not as an endorsement of these sties and/or the information contained in those sites.

Varicose Veins

Figure 1. Before and After Venous Ablation.
  • Varicose veins:
    • Affect half of those 50 years of age and older and 15-25% of all adults.
    • Affect nearly 50% of all women.
    • Typically worsen with age—so timely treatment is necessary to avoid debilitating complications.
  • Typical symptoms of varicose vein include:
    • Aching
    • Burning
    • Cramping
    • Heaviness
    • Itching
    • Restless Legs
    • Throbbing
    • Skin Ulcerations

Your legs are made up of a network of veins. A healthy vein contains valves (Figure 2) which open and close to assist the return of blood to the heart. Varicose veins are caused by damaged or diseased valves which result in backward flow of blood in your legs, a condition known as superficial venous reflux.

Figure 2. Normal versus Dilated Veins.

Dilated veins with leaky valves can cause blood to pool in your legs. Pooled blood can lead to symptoms such as leg pain, swelling, fatigue and itching. Heredity, pregnancy, age, obesity and standing occupations all contribute to the risk of developing varicose veins.

Click here to read about the Frequently Asked Questions

Spider Veins

Spider veins are small purple, blue or red blood vessels that appear as connected lines, resembling a spider web pattern. Though typically confined to a small area, they may also cover larger areas of skin for some people and be more noticeable. For some, these veins can also be symptomatic.

While the causes of spider veins and varicose veins are not fully known, some families seem to have a predisposition toward the condition. More women than men develop this condition, possibly due to pregnancies or hormones. Some experts believe support hose, weight control and exercise may help the condition.

Expectations and Results

Thousands of people who were self-conscious or embarrassed by unsightly veins are delighted with the results of their Sclerotherapy treatment (Figure 3 and Figure 4).

Figure 3. Sclerotherapy Before and After--1.

Figure 4. Sclerotherapy Before and After--2.

Click here to read about the Frequently Asked Questions