The Venous Ablation Department
at Cardiology Associates of Altoona

Peripheral Artery Disease, Spider and
Varicose Vein Treatments of the Lower Extremities

The Venous Ablation Department at Cardiology Associates of Altoona offers a variety of treatments for diseases and conditions of the legs including:

• Peripheral Artery/Vascular Disease (PAD)
• Spider Veins
• Varicose Veins

Spider Veins (telangiectasias) are small, dilated blood vessels on the surface of the skin (most commonly on the legs, face, and chest). Their appearance typically is red, purple, or blue, and may look like fine, short lines, or web-like clusters.

Varicose Veins are puffy, twisted, and/or swollen veins located just below the skin’s surface. These veins develop their appearance as a result of blood pooling within the veins due to weakness or damage to the one-way valves that control blood flow back toward the heart. They occur most commonly on the legs. They may be the same color as the overlying skin, or appear blue or red in color.

Compression Stockings, Sclerotherapy, and Endovenous Treatment of the lower Extremities

Our physicians provide effective treatments that offer relief for a variety of vein conditions that affect the quality of life of our patients. In many cases, we are able to complete your therapy at our facility for your convenience.

Sclerotherapy is a common treatment to eliminate spider and varicose veins. We perform this procedure in the Venous Ablation Department of our office to eliminate and fade defective and unsightly veins. Treatment consists of injection of a small quantity of chemical into the affected vein, which causes the inner vein walls to swell and adhere together permanently. Without blood flow, the vein is obliterated and will become scar tissue. Typically, the vein will fade within a few weeks. For deeper veins, ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy is an option to locate and eliminate ineffective veins that cannot be visualized at the surface of your skin. No anesthesia is required and you may return to all normal activities immediately.

Endovenous Laser Treatment delivers a precisely controlled amount of energy via laser (a highly concentrated light beam) through a tiny fiber that is pulled through a vein to seal the interior of damaged vein without disturbing nearby tissues. These superficial veins handle a minute fraction of the blood flow of the body. When closed, the body automatically re-routes blood flow to healthier veins.

Endovenous Radio Frequency Ablation is a minimally invasive procedure for treating chronic venous insufficiency (leaking valves) and varicose veins. This procedure uses a thin laser fiber or radio frequency (RF) catheter, which is inserted into the vein to apply heat energy to close the vein. Endovenous Ablation is performed in our office under ultrasound guidance, takes less than one hour, and has virtually no recovery period. Following the procedure, blood will be unable to flow backwards, leading to marked improvement of swelling, leg pain, and varicose veins.

If you would like to learn more about our venous ablation services, refer a patient, or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact Cardiology Associates of Altoona at: (814) 942- 2411.