- Home
- Conditions and Care
- Center
- Vein Institute of the Midwest
Vein Institute of the Midwest
The Vein Institute of the Midwest, located in Shawnee, Kansas, is among few facilities in the Kansas City region that is an accredited vein center as recognized by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC). Our physicians are board-certified vascular surgeons and registered physicians in vascular interpretation. We provide quality venous evaluation, management and treatment of venous disease including varicose veins.
We specialize in state-of-the-art technologies and techniques for the minimally invasive treatment of spider and varicose veins. The techniques are performed in an outpatient setting using local anesthesia and minimal sedation. We deliver excellence with courteous, convenient and cost-effective medical care using state-of-the-art technology.
What is venous disease?
Venous disease, also known as venous insufficiency, is a condition in which the veins have problems sending blood from the legs back to the heart.
A set of 3 non-invasive, early-detection screenings is often recommended for people over 55 who have not already been diagnosed with vascular disease. Learn more.
Causes
Normally, valves in your deeper leg veins keep blood moving forward toward the heart. With long-term (chronic) venous insufficiency, vein walls are weakened and valves are damaged. This causes the veins to stay filled with blood, especially when you are standing.
Chronic venous insufficiency is a long-term condition. It is most commonly due to malfunctioning valves in the veins. It may also occur as the result of a past blood clot in the legs.
Risk factors for venous insufficiency
- Age
- Family history of this condition
- Female gender (related to levels of the hormone progesterone)
- History of deep vein thrombosis in the legs
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Sitting or standing for long periods
- Smoking
Symptoms
- Dull aching, heaviness or cramping in the legs
- Itching or tingling
- Pain gets better when the legs are elevated
- Pain gets worse with prolonged standing
Skin changes in the legs
- Swelling of the legs
- Stasis dermatitis red crusted or draining of the skin
- Varicose veins on the surface
- Thickening or hardening of the skin on the legs and ankles
- Wounds or ulcers that are slow to heal on the legs or ankles
Treatment options
- ClosureFast™ and VenaSeal™ are 2 state-of-the-art endovenous ablation procedures available for the treatment of varicose veins.
- Microphlebectomy is used for removing protruding varicose vein clusters by making tiny incisions that heal without scars and are closed with tape.
- Sclerotherapy is the precise placement of a chemical solution that seals and destroys spider veins, causing them to disappear.
- Skin changes and leg venous ulcers are treated with perforator vein ablations.
- Most insurance companies will provide full coverage to patients who have worn compression stockings but continue to have symptoms such as pain, fullness, aching, swelling, phlebitis, venous stasis ulcers or restless legs.