Vein Ablations

Heart Care Center of Northwest Houston

Cardiologists located in Houston, TX & Cypress, TX

The viewpoint on varicose veins is often that they are more of a cosmetic concern than a health issue. However, your varicose veins may be signs of circulation issues in your veins that may affect cardiac health. At the Heart Care Center of Northwest Houston, with offices in Houston and North Cypress, Texas, the experienced cardiologists perform vein ablations to get rid of varicose veins and improve blood circulation. To learn more about vein ablations, call the office nearest you or book an appointment online today.

Vein Ablations Q & A

What are varicose veins?

Varicose veins are the swollen, gnarled veins that most often appear on the legs. Though viewed as more of a cosmetic concern, varicose veins may be signs of circulation problems in your veins.

Your veins push blood back to your heart and lungs for re-oxygenation. Tiny valves in your veins open and close as your blood moves through to prevent the blood from falling backward and pooling.

Damage to the valves or walls of your veins affects the normal flow of blood, and it may fall backward and pool, creating enlarged varicose veins. You can develop varicose veins anywhere on your body, but they most often occur on the legs.

What are vein ablations?

Vein ablations are a treatment for varicose veins. During vein ablation, your provider at Heart Care Center of Northwest Houston inserts a catheter into your damaged vein and uses heat energy to ablate, or destroy, the vein.

Once destroyed, your body reroutes your blood through a healthy vein, and the varicose vein fades away over time.

Heart Care Center of Northwest Houston performs vein ablations for patients experiencing symptoms of circulation issues that may have cardiac repercussions. These symptoms include:

Leg or arm pain
Numbness or weakness in a leg or arm
Extremities feel cooler
Leg swelling

If you have varicose veins and are experiencing these symptoms, the cardiologists at Heart Care Center of Northwest Houston can help.

What happens during vein ablations?

Your provider at Heart Care Center of Northwest Houston reviews the details of your vein ablation at your consultation. They insert a catheter into your damaged vein and deliver heat energy that causes the vein to close.

Your provider gives you an anesthetic prior to the vein ablation to minimize discomfort and anxiety. The procedure usually takes about an hour at the office.

After vein ablation, your provider covers the insertion sites with bandages, and you go home. Your provider recommends you modify your usual activities for about a week following vein ablation.

You may need more than one vein ablation treatment to get the best results.

To learn more about vein ablations and how they may help you, call the Heart Care Center of Northwest Houston, or book an appointment online today.