Frequently Asked Questions

Q.  Is endovenous laser therapy and radiofrequency closure therapy FDA approved?

A.  They are both FDA approved as a non-surgical procedure to treat varicose veins. 

These modalities are rapidly replacing traditional vein stripping as the treatment of choice for varicose veins.  The endovenous ablation procedure is much better than traditional vein stripping because it is more precise, is minimally invasive, and does not require general anesthesia or a hospitalization.
 

Vein centers that are dedicated to treatment of varicose veins and lower extremity venous disease are becoming more common throughout the country.  Fortunately, Dr. Schiro is bringing this concept of a dedicated center to Sarasota.

Q.  Does the loss of the saphenous vein pose any problems to the circulatory system?

A.  No.  Veins are not responsible for blood flow to the muscles but away from the muscles back to the heart.  When a varicose vein is ablated or removed the blood flow will simply be diverted through other healthy veins.

Q.  How long do the ablation procedures take and is there any anesthesia involved? 

A.  The entire procedure takes about an hour.  There is local anesthesia involved.  We call it tumescent anesthesia.  This involves a dilute Novocain type of solution injected directly around the vein that we ablate.  It is done as part of the procedure and will numb the area up so that the patient feels nothing as the vein is being ablated with the catheter. 

Q.  What is the recovery time?

A.  We suggest that you refrain from vigorous activity including workouts in the gym and swimming for approximately two weeks following the surgery.  Since the procedure is minimally invasive you can go about your usual non-strenuous activities later that day or, at the latest, the next day.  After the procedure is complete we dress your leg with a compression bandage for 48 hours.  Following this, we recommend that you wear compression hose for approximately two weeks. 

Q.  I know that sometimes a great saphenous vein is needed for coronary bypass surgery, what happens if I undergo ablation of this vein?

A.  That’s a great question.  Since Dr. Schiro has been a heart surgeon for 25 years, he has used tens of thousands of great saphenous veins to do coronary bypass procedures.  He can assure you that he will not ablate a vein that could potentially be used for coronary artery bypass grafting.  The veins involved in varicose veins are usually dilated and lumpy and not good conduits for bypass surgery.
 

What’s more, there are conduits that can be used such as the internal mammary artery, the radial arteries of the arm, and even other veins in the legs.

Q.  What are the potential complications associated with endovenous ablative therapy?

A.  Potential complications include numbness and tingling, skin burns, blood clots, and temporary tenderness or bruising.  Complications are extremely rare.

Q.  Will insurance cover my treatment?

A.  Dr. Schiro always tells patients that spider vein treatments are mostly cosmetic and usually not covered by insurance companies but endovenous ablations and ambulatory phlebectomies are almost always covered.  We have billing experts in our office to navigate through the insurance maze on behalf of the patient.

Q.  Why should I choose Dr. Schiro at The Vein Center of Sarasota to treat my varicose veins? 

A.  The Vein Center of Sarasota has everything going for it.  Dr. Schiro has a vast amount of experience and is a well seasoned cardiac surgeon.  The office staff is excellent, the technology in the office is state of the art, and the office setting is in a beautiful brick building just adjacent to the South Side Shopping District in Sarasota. 

Our mission at The Vein Center of Sarasota is to be at the forefront of the diagnosis and treatment of lower extremity venous disease.  Dr. Schiro is dedicated to keeping up with all the latest techniques.  The future of venous therapy is at The Vein Center of Sarasota.