Varicose Veins: Health Impact & Treatment Options

What are varicose veins and how do you get rid of them?
Varicose veins are lumpy, enlarged veins that are usually found in the legs and feet. With the legs and feet supporting the weight of the body, these veins are under a lot of pressure.

Varicose veins are often just a cosmetic issue for people. In most cases, the blood can still make its way back to the heart through these twisted cords. However, some varicose veins come with serious medical consequences.

There are new treatments for varicose veins that avoid painful and invasive vein stripping. Minimally invasive VenaSeal uses a medical adhesive to close the diseased vein. This a more appealing alternative to surgery for many.

Listen in as Dr. Jennifer Watson shares what varicose veins are and what you can do about them.

Additional Info

  • Segment Number: 3
  • Audio File: ER_101/1614er5c.mp3
  • Featured Speaker: Jennifer Watson, MD, RPVI
  • Guest Twitter Account: @SpectrumHealth @MedtronicAPV
  • Guest Bio: Dr. Jennifer WatsonJennifer Watson, MD, RPVI, is a vascular surgeon at Spectrum Health Medical Group Vein Center, the first program of its kind in West Michigan to be accredited by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC) Vein Center Program. Dr. Watson earned her medical degree from University of Vermont College of Medicine in Burlington. She completed her general surgery residency through Brown University at Rhode Island Hospital in Providence and completed her vascular surgery fellowship through Grand Rapids Medical Education Partners in affiliation with Michigan State University College of Human Medicine in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
  • Length (mins): 10
  • Waiver Received: No
  • Host: Leigh Vinocur, MD