(model)

We treat:

• Spider Veins
• Blue Reticular Veins
• Bulging Varicose Veins
• Facial Spider Veins
• Leg swelling / edema
• Venous ulcers
• Unwanted hair

Varicose veins 

A varicose vein is an abnormal vein and includes three types: spider veins, blue reticular veins and bulging venous varicosities. These veins become abnormal because their one way valves degenerate and wear out allowing the flow of blood to reflux or flow backward down the leg. This often is a genetic tendency. Contributing factors can include pregnancy, extreme obesity, prolonged standing or sitting, and hormones.

Sclerotherapy

A sclerosing solution is injected into abnormal veins which closes the vein. The vein then gradually and permanently disappears. Microfine needles are used meticulously so that there is only minimal pain. Compression microfiber hose are then worn. Although this procedure has been available for over sixty years, advances and refinements have led to dramatic results with minimal inconvenience. Patients are usually able to return to their usual activities on the day of their treatment. Graduated compression stockings are utilized following sclerotherapy. Cooler microfiber stockings are available.

Spider Vein Sclerotherapy

Before	After

Spider vein laser treatments

Laser treatment is used primarily on facial spider veins and is very effective. It involves use of a very specific wave length of light that is amplified and targets a specific red pigment in spider veins.

Before	After

Blue reticular veins

These bluish surface veins often feed spider vein clusters and are treated with sclerotherapy.

Before	After

Bulging varicose veins

A careful and thorough evaluation is first performed on examination and subsequent computerized color flow duplex ultrasound to find the sources of reflux. Bulging varicose veins can then be treated with either Radiofrequency Ablation Therapy (VNUS Closure), Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy (UGS) or  Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT). All treatments are performed in our office utilizing state of the art equipment and the services of an ultrasound technician with over 25 years of experience. Dr. Montague has performed over 6000 of these procedures with a success rate in approaching 99%. Surgical vein stripping procedures are no longer necessary.

Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy (UGS)

Color-flow computerized duplex ultrasound guided sclerotherapy has forever changed the treatment of varicose veins. This state-of-the-art procedure allows office treatment of varicosities that previously required hospitalization and surgical stripping. Patients may return to their usual activities following treatment. As with any procedure, results depend on the experience, training and dedication of the professionals performing it. California Vein & Laser Center is fortunate to have an exclusive association with Michael Gardner, the most experienced venous ultrasound technician in the Western United States who has performed over 35,000 venous ultrasound examinations and procedures. Dr. Montague has performed thousands of ultrasound guided procedures with Michael Gardner’s expertise and ultrasound guidance since 1997.

Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT)

This innovative treatment was FDA approved in 2001 and is an office treatment performed for selected patients with bulging varicose veins. Under local anesthesia, a thin laser catheter is introduced into a varicose vein under duplex ultrasound guidance. Laser thermal energy then seals shut the abnormal vein which will then gradually reabsorb. Dr. Montague’s experience with this procedure is consistent with national studies that reveal a greater than 98% success rate. Current success rates and Dr. Montague’s experience with EVLT as well as patient satisfaction have made this procedure one of the two most commonly performed procedures in our office.

Before(Actual patient)	After(Same patient)

Radiofrequency Ablation (VNUS Closure)

The Closure procedure is performed on an outpatient basis.  Using ultrasound, your physician will position the Closure catheter into the diseased vein through a small opening in the skin.  The tiny catheter powered by radio-frquency (RF) energy delivers heat to the vein wall.  As the thermal enery is delivered, the vein wall shrinks and the vein is sealed closed.  Once the diseased vein is closed, blood is re-routed to other healthy veins.  Patients who undergo the Closure procedure typically resume normal activities within a day.