“DRA, in my experience, is superior to other imaging facilities in the area. All aspects of patient care and delivery of service are characterized by outstanding compassion.”
Vein Center
The Vein Center at DRA is dedicated to treating, healing and restoring your vein health. In recent years, new treatments have been able to relieve the pain, discomfort and the negative appearance of varicose veins and other vein problems with minimal bodily invasion. DRA Imaging is the Hudson Valley's leader in such treatments. In fact DRA is now a training site in these techniques for doctors from the entire northeast.
The EVLT procedure is performed in our Poughkeepsie office located at 1 Columbia Street.
Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT)
EVLT is a minimally invasive laser procedure that treats the pain and discomfort of varicose veins. EVLT leaves no scars and can be performed at DRA Imaging. The treatment takes about one hour. The laser energy damages the vein walls, shrinking them and closing the faulty vein so that the blood cannot flow through it. This eliminates vein bulging at its source.
How to Prepare for EVLT
Am I a candidate for an EVLT Treatment?
Some typical symptoms you might be experiencing can be:
- Pain, Aching, Throbbing
- Itching, Burning sensation, Cramping
- Fatigue, Swelling Leg, Ulcers
- Heaviness, Unsightly varicose veins
If you think you may be a candidate for EVLT, please contact our Vein Center. To make an appointment for a consult with one of our Interventional Radiologists, please call 845-790-5635.
How is EVLT performed?
The Radiologist (physician) will use ultrasound to view the varicose veins. A local anesthetic is then applied and under Ultrasound guidance, the physician will insert the small laser catheter through a tiny entry point, usually near the knee. Laser energy is then delivered to seal the faulty vein thus forcing the blood flow into healthy surrounding veins.
Walking immediately after the procedure is encouraged. You will be instructed to avoid rigorous activities, such as gym workouts, for 2 weeks.
Normal daily activity can then be resumed. The area may be tender. Localized bruising is normal. Any discomfort can be treated with over-the-counter non-aspirin pain relievers as needed. You may not fly for 7 days post EVLT procedure.
Sclerotherapy
This is one of the most popular ways to eliminate spider veins. A sclerosing solution is injected into the vein, which causes it to collapse. The vein then fades or disappears. You will need to speak to our vein center nurse if you are on blood thinners, birth control, hormones or vitamins.
How to prepare for a Sclerotherapy
- Tell your physician/DRA interventional nurse about any medications you are taking, including vitamins and herbal supplements.
- Tell your doctor about any antibiotic medications you may be taking and ask for safe guidelines for discontinuing these medications if necessary.
- Use no lotion before or after sclerotherapy.
- Wear loose-fittting comfortable clothing to your exam. You may want to bring a pair of shorts for the procedure or you will be given a disposable pair to wear during the procedure.
How is it performed?
- A sclerosing solution is injected into the vein(s) causing collapse.
- A cramping sensation is sometimes felt when larger varicose veins are injected.
- To compress the treated veins, you'll be asked to wear support hosiery or compression wraps.
- Some common side effects may occur:
- Bruising around the injection site that can last several days or weeks.
- Larger varicose veins may become lumpy or hard for several months before flattening.
- Raised red areas appearing at the injection sites should disappear within several days
- Brown lines or spots on skin may appear at injection sites. These should disappear within three to six months, but they can be permanent about five percent of the time.
This procedure is repeated into each of the affected areas. The number of treatments vary from patient to patient depending upon the extent of the problem.
Each treatment takes about 20 minutes and is spaced 30 days apart to allow the healing process to take place in the interim. You may not fly for 2 days after the procedure.
- Spider veins respond to scleotherapy in three to six weeks, larger veins in three to four months. Veins that respond to treatment will not reappear. New veins may appear over time and you may wish to return for more injections.