Welcome to Southern Illinois Vein Center! 
Southern Illinois Vein Center is committed to treating vein disorders with the latest technology for best results. Whether your reason for vein treatment is to relieve painful symptoms or purely cosmetic, we have state of the art procedures that can help.
Vein treatments of the past involved invasive procedures known as "vein stripping". During these procedures, veins were actually removed from the leg, requiring general anesthesia and a long recovery process in most cases. Today's treatments use ultrasound to "see" the veins under the skin so they can be effectively treated without painful, invasive procedures. Many patients are back to work the day after their treatment and the cosmetic results are better as well.
The Southern Illinois Vein Center provides the following vein treatments:
Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA)
Endovenous laser ablation provides a noninvasive alternative to vein stripping for the treatment of varicose veins. The procedure uses a laser fiber and ultrasound technology to guide the fiber directly to the vein requiring treatment. The laser light delivered through the fiber causes the vein to collapse and seal shut. There is no need for an incision or subsequent stitches and scarring. The safety and effectiveness of the procedure has been proven through hundreds of EVLA procedures since the treatment was approved by the FDA in 2002.
Endovenous laser ablation is a procedure that involves little discomfort and is usually done under a local anesthesia. Patients are encouraged to get up and walk the day of the procedure, and many return to work a day or two later. Compression hose are used after the treatment to promote healing and reduce discomfort. During the first week after surgery, patients are encourage to avoid strenuous physical activity and standing for long periods of time. Post-procedure pain is usually minimal and controlled by medication.
Ultrasound guided sclerotherapy is another option for treating varicose veins. In this procedure, a solution is injected into the diseased veins, which causes them to contract and collapse. The Southern Illinois Vein Center uses a foaming sclerosant for this purpose, because the foaming in the solution allows us to use a less concentrated mixture and still produce stellar results. Ultrasound is used to guide the solution directly to the diseased vein, allowing greater precision and more accurate results.
Ultrasound guided sclerotherapy is often performed without the need for anesthesia of any kind. The sessions generally take 15 minutes to an hour to complete and repeat sessions may be necessary to achieve desired results. Most patients are up and about the day of the procedure and can return to work the next day. There are few risks involved with ultrasound guided sclerotherapy and the majority of patients are satisfied with the results.
Microphlebectomy
Microphlebectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that removes larger varicose veins. This treatment uses tiny incisions that rarely require stitches or leave much scarring. The veins are removed through these incisions using a very small, specially designed hook. The procedure is extremely effective and the recovery time is surprisingly short. Most sessions take one hour or less and some patients are ready to return to work the next day.
Before the microphlebectomy is performed, the patient is given a local anesthesia to numb the skin in and around the varicose veins. The medication allows for a painless procedure and a sufficient duration to get the patient home and comfortable afterward. Patients are encouraged to move about the day of treatment and any post-operative discomfort can effectively be managed through oral medication. Graduated compression stockings are worn after the procedure to promote healing and reduce discomfort.
Graduated compression stockings are used after many medical procedures to promote circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots. These stockings offer more pressure at the foot and ankle than they do at the knee or thigh to help superficial veins in the legs work against gravity and return blood to the heart. The stockings are generally worn directly after procedures and for a number of days afterward while the patient is sitting or lying down.
At the Southern Illinois Vein Center, we ask our patients to wear graduated compression hosiery for a short period of time (one to two weeks) after procedures. However, some insurance companies take a conservative approach in requiring patients to wear the stockings for six weeks to six months. Not all insurance companies will cover these costs, so we can provide a prescription if necessary. While we do have a variety of compression stockings available in our clinic, it is not required that you purchase them from us when you have your procedure done. Patients can choose from open or closed toe, knee or thigh-high and stockings with Velcro or zippers.