Phone: (530) 543-5895
Fax: (530) 543-5574
Tim Gilliam
Medical Imaging Director
Michael Nussdorfer, M.D., Radiologist
Specially Trained in Interventional Radiology & Endovenous Laser Ablation
Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
What causes Spider Veins?
Spider veins are generally an inherited process that occurs when small capillaries dilate on the surface of the skin. Larger veins, called reticular or “feeder” veins, are the blood source for spider veins, which become dilated and do not function properly. Spider veins can worsen during times of hormonal shifts (pregnancy or menopause) and with injury, such as trauma or standing/sitting for long periods of time.
How do you treat Spider Veins?
Barton Memorial Hospital Medical Imaging Department uses state-of-the-art technology and research to treat spider veins. We use both laser therapy and sclerotherapy (described in detail inside this brochure). During your consultation, you will be given recommendations tailored for your specific condition, which may include one or both of these treatments.
What is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is treatment for veins in which a special solution is injected into the veins, causing them to seal shut. Sotradecol is the special solution used at Barton Hospital and is the only FDA approved sclerosing agent in the United States. The solution is injected into both the feeder veins and the spider veins.
How is Sotradecol different from Hypertonic Saline treatment?
To achieve the best results when treating spider veins, the “feeder” or reticular veins must be sclerosed (sealed shut). Sotradecol is used in foam form and at a slightly stronger concentration to seal the larger “feeder” veins. Hypertonic Saline generally becomes too diluted and is not able to seal these larger veins that cause spider veins. Also, Sotradecol is painless or nearly painless when injected, unlike hypertonic saline, which is quite painful.
For more information on our Medical Imaging Department, please call us at (530) 543-5850 or click on the brochure above. A majority of the procedures performed require a Physicians referral. Click here to see a full list of our physicians on staff, or call our Health Resource Center at (530) 543-5537 for a complete list.
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