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Venous Insufficiency and Varicose Vein Treatment in Spokane

Minimally Invasive Solutions for Venous Disease

Chronic venous insufficiency and varicose veins develop when valves inside the leg veins become weak or damaged and no longer move blood efficiently back toward the heart. Blood can begin to pool in the legs, increasing pressure inside the veins and contributing to swelling, aching, heaviness, skin changes, and enlarged or twisted veins.

Peak IR provides diagnosis and treatment for venous insufficiency using advanced imaging and minimally invasive techniques. Treatment is designed to address abnormal veins at their source, redirect blood through healthier veins, and relieve symptoms without traditional vein surgery.

Patients looking for varicose veins treatment in Spokane can receive evaluation, treatment, and follow-up care at the Spokane Valley center.

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Understanding Venous Insufficiency and Varicose Veins

Healthy leg veins contain one-way valves that help blood travel upward toward the heart. When these valves do not close properly, some blood flows backward and collects in the vein. This condition is known as venous reflux and can lead to chronic venous insufficiency. Chronic venous insufficiency can occur when valves do not function properly or after damage associated with a previous blood clot. As pressure builds inside affected veins, they may enlarge and become visible beneath the skin. Varicose veins are often raised, twisted, or bulging, while smaller spider veins tend to appear as thin red, blue, or purple lines. Common symptoms of venous insufficiency include:
  • Aching, heaviness, or throbbing in the legs.
  • Swelling around the ankles or calves.
  • Leg fatigue, especially later in the day.
  • Burning, itching, or irritation.
  • Visible varicose or spider veins.
  • Skin discoloration around the lower legs or ankles.
  • Thickened or irritated skin.
  • Restless or uncomfortable legs.
  • Slow-healing sores or venous leg ulcers in more advanced cases.
Symptoms may worsen after long periods of standing or sitting and may improve when the legs are elevated.

What Causes Chronic Venous Insufficiency?

Several factors can contribute to weakened vein valves or increase pressure within the veins.
  • Family history of varicose veins or venous disease.
  • Increasing age.
  • Pregnancy.
  • A history of deep vein thrombosis.
  • Prolonged periods of sitting or standing.
  • Excess body weight.
  • Previous leg injury.
  • Limited physical activity.
Having one or more risk factors does not necessarily mean you will develop venous insufficiency. Evaluation is important because leg pain and swelling can also have causes unrelated to the veins.

Visible veins alone do not always require treatment. However, a vein evaluation may be appropriate when symptoms become persistent or begin affecting daily activities.

Consider talking with a specialist if you experience ongoing leg swelling, aching, heaviness, skin changes, troublesome varicose veins, or symptoms that worsen after standing for extended periods.

Changes such as persistent lower-leg discoloration, skin thickening, inflammation, or an open sore near the ankle should also be evaluated. Chronic venous insufficiency can progress over time, and treating significant venous reflux may help reduce symptoms and prevent additional complications.

Diagnosis begins with understanding your symptoms, medical history, and previous vein problems. Your physician may also examine your legs for swelling, visible veins, skin changes, or other signs of venous disease. At Peak IR, duplex ultrasound is used to evaluate the veins and determine how blood is flowing through them. A venous ultrasound can help identify:
  • Veins with abnormal backward blood flow.
  • Valves that are not closing properly.
  • The size and location of affected veins.
  • Veins that may be appropriate for treatment.
  • Evidence of other problems that could influence the treatment plan.
Peak IR, Spokane Washington – Minimally Invasive Vascular Treatments

Minimally Invasive Vein Treatments at Peak IR

Treatment depends on which veins are affected, the severity of reflux, symptoms, previous treatment, and ultrasound findings. Some patients may benefit from more than one technique.

Endovenous Ablation

Endovenous ablation is commonly used to treat larger superficial veins affected by venous reflux. A thin catheter is inserted into the abnormal vein through a small puncture. Ultrasound imaging guides the catheter into the correct position. Heat energy is then delivered inside the vein, causing the treated vein to close. Blood naturally redirects through functioning veins while the closed vein is gradually absorbed by the body. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and does not require a large surgical incision. Mayo Clinic’s overview of endovenous thermal ablation further explains how radiofrequency or laser energy can be delivered through a catheter to close an enlarged vein.

Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy can be used for certain smaller varicose veins, spider veins, or residual veins that remain after treatment of a larger source vein. A medication is injected directly into the targeted vein, causing the vein walls to close. Blood then redirects through healthier vessels, and the treated vein gradually becomes less visible. Ultrasound guidance may be used when the vein cannot be adequately seen from the surface. Mayo Clinic’s sclerotherapy guide notes that treated veins typically fade gradually and that some veins may require more than one treatment.

Phlebectomy & Other Image-Guided Techniques

Some bulging surface varicose veins may be treated through very small skin openings using phlebectomy. The problematic segment of vein is removed while the surrounding healthy veins continue carrying blood normally.

Other image-guided techniques may be appropriate depending on the location and cause of abnormal venous flow.

Your treatment plan is based on ultrasound findings rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

Medical illustration showing endovenous ablation, a minimally invasive treatment used by Peak IR Spokane to close diseased veins and improve leg circulation.

Photo Provided by The Interventional Initiative

Comparing Your Vein Treatment Options

Feature
Endovenous Ablation
SclerotherapyVein Stripping SurgeryCompression Therapy
Approach
Image-guided, heat-based closure of diseased veins
Injection of medicated solution to close smaller veinsSurgical removal of damaged veinsExternal compression to improve circulation
Hospital Stay
Outpatient
OutpatientHospital or surgical centerNone
Recovery Time
1–2 days
1–2 days2–4 weeksOngoing
Effectiveness
Long-term symptom relief and restored circulation
Best for smaller veinsEffective but more invasiveTemporary symptom management
Anesthesia
Local
LocalGeneral or spinalNone
Ideal Candidates
Chronic venous insufficiency, varicose veins
Spider or small varicose veinsSevere or recurrent varicose veinsMild swelling or symptom control

What to Expect During Vein Treatment

Most minimally invasive vein treatments at Peak IR are performed through a small puncture or injection rather than a large incision. Local anesthesia is used when appropriate, and ultrasound provides real-time guidance throughout catheter-based procedures. Patients generally go home the same day. Your specific treatment may involve:
  • Reviewing your ultrasound findings and treatment plan.
  • Preparing and numbing the treatment area.
  • Accessing or injecting the affected vein.
  • Using ultrasound to confirm accurate treatment.
  • Applying a small dressing or compression when appropriate.
  • Receiving instructions for activity and follow-up
Treatment length varies depending on the number and type of veins being addressed.

Recovery from minimally invasive vein treatment is generally much shorter than recovery from traditional vein surgery.

Walking is often encouraged shortly after treatment. Some patients experience temporary tenderness, tightness, bruising, or mild swelling around the treated vein.

Depending on the procedure, your physician may recommend compression stockings for a period after treatment. You will also receive guidance about exercise, prolonged standing, travel, and other activities.

Many patients can return to routine activities quickly, although recovery varies according to the procedure and individual health factors.

People with persistent symptoms such as aching, heaviness, swelling, skin changes, or symptomatic varicose veins may benefit from an evaluation.

However, symptoms alone do not determine whether a procedure is appropriate.

Duplex ultrasound helps determine whether venous reflux is present, which veins are responsible, and whether treatment is likely to improve the patient’s symptoms.

Peak IR develops an individualized treatment plan based on symptoms, ultrasound findings, medical history, previous treatments, and health goals.

When an abnormal vein is successfully closed through ablation or sclerotherapy, blood is redirected into functioning veins.

The treated vein does not need to carry blood again. However, venous disease can progress, and other veins may become abnormal in the future.

Maintaining an active lifestyle, following your physician’s recommendations, managing weight when appropriate, and attending follow-up visits can support long-term vein health.

Many health insurance plans, including Medicare, may provide coverage when treatment for venous insufficiency is considered medically necessary.

Coverage requirements vary. Insurance companies may require documentation of symptoms, ultrasound-confirmed reflux, conservative treatment, or other criteria before authorizing a procedure.

Peak IR can help verify benefits and determine whether authorization requirements apply before treatment. Contact the team if you have questions about insurance coverage or referrals.

Peak IR provides advanced interventional radiology care locally in Spokane Valley. The physicians use image guidance and minimally invasive techniques to diagnose and treat venous disease with an emphasis on precision, comfort, and individualized care.

From consultation and ultrasound imaging through treatment and follow-up, patients can receive coordinated care in one outpatient setting.

If aching, swelling, heaviness, visible varicose veins, or other symptoms are affecting your daily life, contact Peak IR to schedule an evaluation and learn whether minimally invasive vein treatment may be appropriate for you.

Peak IR, Spokane Washington – Minimally Invasive Vascular Treatments

Comprehensive Diagnosis and Imaging

Our team uses duplex ultrasound to precisely identify which veins are not functioning properly. This allows us to tailor treatment to your unique vein anatomy for optimal results.

Why Choose Vein Treatment

Effective Relief with Long-Term Results

By closing or rerouting blood flow from diseased veins, these treatments reduce symptoms, improve circulation, and prevent the condition from worsening, helping you feel better.

Minimally Invasive, In-Office Procedures

Venous treatments at Peak IR are performed through a tiny puncture under local anesthesia. There are no large incisions, no general anesthesia, and minimal downtime. Patients typically return to normal activity within a day.

Experienced, Specialized Care

Our interventional radiologists are experts in venous disease management. Each treatment plan is customized to address your specific symptoms, lifestyle, and health goals with precision and compassion.

Our Team

At the heart of Peak IR is a team of physicians who combine interventional radiology expertise with a local commitment to care.
Peak IR, Spokane Washington – Minimally Invasive Vascular Treatments

Dr. Jacob Underwood

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Peak IR, Spokane Washington – Minimally Invasive Vascular Treatments

Dr. Andrew Perez

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Peak IR, Spokane Washington – Minimally Invasive Vascular Treatments

Dr. Mark Wilson

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Peak IR, Spokane Washington – Minimally Invasive Vascular Treatments

Dr. Justin Smith

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Frequently Asked Questions

Treatment is generally performed using local anesthesia when needed. Patients may notice brief pressure, warmth, pinching, or mild discomfort depending on the procedure, but large surgical incisions are not typically required for endovenous ablation or sclerotherapy.
Treatments target veins that are already functioning abnormally. Once an affected superficial vein is closed, blood redirects through healthy veins that continue moving blood back toward the heart.
Ultrasound is especially important when symptoms suggest underlying venous insufficiency. It can identify reflux, evaluate valve function, and help determine which veins are contributing to symptoms.
A successfully treated vein is intended to remain closed. However, treatment does not prevent every other vein from developing problems in the future. Follow-up evaluation may be appropriate if new symptoms or veins appear.
Peak IR, Spokane Washington – Minimally Invasive Vascular Treatments

Take the First Step Toward Healthier Legs

Venous insufficiency can cause more than visible veins. Persistent swelling, aching, heaviness, skin changes, and discomfort can interfere with work, exercise, sleep, and everyday activities.

At Peak IR, interventional radiologists use advanced ultrasound and minimally invasive treatment techniques to identify the source of venous reflux and develop a treatment plan based on individual needs.

Schedule a consultation at the Spokane Valley location to learn more about your options for venous insufficiency and varicose vein treatment.

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