VEIN CLINIC

What Is Venous Insufficiency?

Venous insufficiency occurs when your veins have trouble sending blood from your limbs back to your heart. Symptoms of venous insufficiency may include varicose veins, spider veins, burning or itching in the legs, and ankle swelling and ulceration.

It is estimated that 25% of women and 15% of men suffer from venous insufficiency. This can result in:

  • Painful legs
  • Bulging veins
  • Swelling
  • Aching
  • Spider veins
  • Tingling
  • Burning
  • Throbbing
  • Cramping
  • Itchiness
  • Leg fatigue
  • Leg heaviness
  • Restless legs
  • Discoloration
  • Inflammation
  • Ulceration

Chinook Vascular currently offers the following therapeutic options for venous insufficiency:

  • Endovenous laser ablation
  • Liquid sclerotherapy
  • Compression stockings

SPECIAL ALERT

IF UNDERGOING A VEIN PROCEDURE, PLEASE ARRANGE FOR TRANSPORTATION FOLLOWING YOUR APPOINTMENT AS YOU WILL BE RECEIVING A LOCAL ANAESTHETIC/ORAL SEDATIVE AND WILL NOT BE ABLE TO DRIVE. ALSO, BE ADVISED THAT LONG TRIPS ARE NOT PERMITTED 4 TO 7 DAYS FOLLOWING YOUR SURGERY. IF TRIPS ARE UNAVOIDABLE, GET OUT AND WALK HOURLY.

Chinook Vascular is a subgroup of Radiology Associates which focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of venous insufficiency. Diagnosis is made through patient history, physical exam and ultrasound evaluation. A variety of therapeutic options are offered such as compression stockings, injections, endovenous laser ablation, and referral for surgery. Procedures are performed onsite in an accredited non-hospital surgical suite.

Chinook Vascular is located at the Radiology Associates clinic in Lethbridge. Please come to the main reception desk when you arrive.

An ultrasound map of the venous system may be ordered by your physician. Subsequently, an appointment may be made to see a nurse for simple cosmetic injections. For more serious complaints, a consultation may be ordered by your physician. At that time you will watch a video, meet with one of our radiologists, have a history taken and undergo a physical exam. Therapeutic options and their risks will be discussed.

An initial vein mapping ultrasound will take around 60 minutes. A second appointment will be made for consultation to discuss the ultrasound results and your treatment options. This will also take approximately 60 minutes.

Wear loose clothing without metal or buttons (e.g. sweatpants, track pants, or yoga pants.) Please do not wear jewelry. Refrain from wearing perfume or cologne. Examination gowns provided as necessary.

For the vein mapping ultrasound appointment, no preparation is required. For the consultation appointment, please bring your list of current medications and allergies. If undergoing a treatment, do not use any products containing aspirin 4 days prior to the procedure, and eat a small meal 1 to 2 hours prior to arriving at the clinic.