What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins are twisted, enlarged veins which often become visible. Healthy leg veins have valves that open and close to assist blood flow back to the heart. Varicose veins develop when those valves no longer function properly. As a result, the blood partially flows back into the legs following gravity and pools in the lower part of the legs, increasing venous pressure. Varicose veins are the result of the malfunctioning of those valves which is also called “venous reflux” or “vein insufficiency”. Varicose veins in legs affect about 30 million people worldwide. Echotherapy treats varicose veins with ultrasound only.
To use ultrasound for therapy multiple intersecting beams of ultrasound are concentrated on a target area. The resulting focused ultrasound beam is highly energetic and generates a temperature rise at the focus point. This technology resembles the use of a magnifying glass when beams of sunlight are focused to generate heat to burn a hole in a leaf. Main advantage is that each of the individual beams are not causing any harm to the surrounding tissue and can pass the skin easily. Only at the focal point where all ultrasound beam comes together the wanted therapeutic effect is taking place.
Echotherapy for varicose veins
Prior to treatment the physician will confirm the diagnosis using various diagnostic tools which will include talking about your symptoms and disease history as well as examining your legs with visual ultrasound. Once test results have confirmed your eligibility for echotherapy the treatment session can be scheduled. At the treatment day the physician will conduct a final check by making the ultrasound before starting therapy. For the treatment there is an initial planning phase in which the physician decides upon the exact vein segment he wants to treat to get ideal results. If you are nervous the physician may decide to offer local anesthesia and some medication to reduce anxiety and pain.
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The treatment itself consists of a pulse and pause scheme: A pulse of therapeutic ultrasound is delivered for a few seconds followed by a several seconds long pause in which the skin gets to rest and cool down a bit. Pulses are provided until the complete target area is treated as planned initially. At the end of the treatment, the physician will make a final check with visual ultrasound. Immediately after treatment patients can go back home and resume regular daily activities.
If you would like to receive further information about centers close to you which provide echotherapy for the treatment of varicose veins have a look at our center map or reach out to us through the contact form.