What is Phlebology?
Phlebology is a new medical specialty, recognized by the American Medical Association in 2007, for advanced treatment of vein disorders. It emerged as a result of developing technology that has dramatically transformed approaches to vein treatment, eliminating the need for major surgery and hospitalization. Dr. Roy Taylor is the first surgeon in northwest Washington to become board-certified in phlebology. His previous credentials include board-certification in surgery and a vascular surgery fellowship.
Dr. Taylor has been a leader in bringing the newest technology to patients in the Pacific Northwest by developing Bayside Vein and Laser Center in Bellingham, the most highly credentialed phlebology center north of Seattle. He is an active member of the American College of Phlebology, the premier association of health professionals setting the standards in this new medical specialty.
Bayside Vein & Laser Center's Advanced Treatment Options
Optimum treatment selection varies from patient to patient. We offer a full range of the most comfortable and effective treatments. All of these procedures can be performed in the fully equipped Procedure Room in our office using local anesthesia.
Endovenous Laser Therapy (ELT or EVLT™)
Endovenous Laser Therapy (ELT) is a generic term for a laser procedure designed to treat the great saphenous vein. It is sometimes referred to by registered trademark names, such as CoolTouch™ or EVLT™. During this procedure, the doctor anesthetizes the skin inside the knee and inserts a thin laser fiber optic directly into the vein. When the laser is pulsed, the energy heats the vein wall, causing it to collapse and seal shut. As the fiber optic is gradually withdrawn, the vein is sealed along its full length, thus removing the underlying cause of the varicosities. The closed vein shrinks and fades away over the next few weeks. The blood flow gets re-routed through other veins. The complete procedure takes about 30 - 45 minutes and does not require general anesthesia. A compression stocking is placed over the surgery site. Patients can walk immediately after the procedure and can return to most normal activities the next day.
Phlebectomy (Vein Removal Through Tiny Incisions)
Phlebectomy is a method of surgically removing varicose surface veins without requiring major surgery. Under local anesthesia, tiny puncture-like incisions are made in the skin, along the treated vein. The incisions are so small that stitches are not required and there is usually no visible scarring. The varicose veins are removed in small fragments with an instrument resembling a crochet hook. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and is typically free of complications. It can take from thirty minutes to two hours, depending on how many veins are being removed. Following the procedure, the patient can walk immediately, but generally wears a compression stocking for two weeks and is required to limit activity somewhat for a few weeks to facilitate healing. This procedure often requires closure (elimination) of the saphenous vein with the EVLT™ procedure, which can usually be done in the same session. For some patients, phlebectomy is recommended in conjunction with sclerotherapy.Sclerotherapy (Vein Injections)
This method is popular for eliminating uncomplicated spider veins (less than 1 mm in diameter) and uncomplicated reticular veins (1-3 mm in diameter). It is especially effective for treating veins at an early stage, helping to prevent further complications. A micro-needle is used to inject a solution into the veins. It feels similar to a mosquito bite. The sclerosing solution damages the lining of the vein so that the vein ceases to function. The vein shrinks and gradually disappears as the body absorbs the tissue over the next few weeks. The body automatically re-routes the blood through other veins, actually improving circulation. The physician may use ultrasound to guide the needle to incompetent veins that are not visible on the surface. It is important to eliminate "feeder" veins that could create future varicosities or spider veins. A session can take as little as fifteen minutes or up to an hour, depending on how many veinsa re being treted. A patient may require one or several sclerotherapy sessions for a given vein area. Normal activities can be resumed right away. This procedure is sometimes used in combination with other treatments for optimum results.
How do I know which procedure is best for me?
Schedule a consultation with our office. In your initial visit we will review your complete medical history to determine how long you have had the problem with your veins and conduct a vascular diagnostic ultrasound workup. Our ultrasound lab is accredited, providing you with the most expertise available in Northwest Washington. Our equipment is mobile, so we can do the ultrasound venous duplex scan or the Doppler exam right in your exam room on the first visit, saving you time. Dr. Taylor will read those imaging results immediately and they will help him determine the extent of your venous insufficiency and which procedure is best for your condition. Dr. Taylor and his staff will take time in your first visit to explain the recommended treatment options and answer your questions.Treatment Advantages
- No hospitalization
- Local anesthesia
- Minimal discomfort
- Rapid relief
- Early return to activity
- Minimal or no scarring
What results can I expect from varicose vein treatment?
With the evaluation and treatment methods available today, varicose veins can be treated at a level of effectiveness, safety, and convenience previously unattainable. After Dr. Taylor performs varicose vein treatments, most patients see results and experience relief immediately. With some procedures, the visible results improve over a period of weeks, as the treated veins are absorbed and gradually disappear. Bayside Vein & Laser Center has the latest technology available, assuring the patient of the most comfort available and the least downtime possible.
How will my blood get back to the heart after the abnormal veins are removed?
The varicose condition of your damaged veins was actually causing backward flow of the blood and interfering with the normal return of blood to the heart. By removing the varicose veins, we actually improve your circulation because the body automatically re-routes the blood through other veins, unhindered by the backflow problem. This improvement in your circulation improves your symptoms. You should no longer feel the tiredness, heaviness, and aching.
What if I choose not to treat my varicose veins?
The degree of consequences will vary from patient to patient. The most certain consequence will be a continuation or worsening of the symptoms, which might include aching, fatigue, and swelling. Without realizing it, many patients become less active as their symptoms increase, and the inactivity can contribute to other health issues.
Other advanced medical conditions that may arise from a failure to treat varicose veins include the following: hyperpigmentation, lipodermosclerosis, leg ulcers, spontaneous bleeding, superficial thrombophlebitis, and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). For explanations of these conditions, click here.
Insurance Coverage
Medical insurance usually covers the first consultation appointment, as well as the diagnostic vascular lab procedures. Most insurance also covers vein treatment when it alleviates leg pain, heaviness, aching, swelling, or breakdown of the skin. We are contracted with most major insurance companies. Some plans require a referral from your primary care physician and most plans will require you to wear compression stockings for a period of weeks prior to their approval for the procedure.
Testimonials
"My veins shrank a lot immediately and I had no pain. The quick recovery was amazing. My veins continued to shrink more, as Dr. Taylor had predicted. I went from having finger-sized ropey bulges to basically nothing." - MS
"There were no surprises, Dr. Taylor was thorough in his diagnosis and frank and realistic in his expectation. He didn’t oversell the procedure. Everything was handled so professionally." - Retired deliveryman, mid-50s
“I was very impressed with the ease of the EVLT procedure. Having had multiple vein procedures in the past, this was the easiest surgery I have ever had.” - Waitress, age 30
“Doing EVLT as day surgery was very convenient and the procedure was much less invasive than I thought.” - Tracey