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Varicose veins affect more than 30% of adults in the United States and are often more than just a cosmetic concern. While many cases are mild, bulging or painful leg veins can be a sign of underlying circulation problems such as chronic venous insufficiency (CVI).
At Desert Cardiovascular Consultants in Las Vegas, board-certified interventional cardiologist Dr. Zia Khan, MD, FACC, FSCAI, provides comprehensive vein evaluations using advanced vascular imaging to determine the cause of your symptoms. If treatment is needed, Dr. Khan offers minimally invasive options to relieve discomfort, improve circulation, and restore the appearance of your legs.
Call today or schedule your evaluation by clicking the online booking tool.
Varicose veins do not always cause symptoms, but many patients experience uncomfortable or progressive signs that may indicate underlying chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). Symptoms often worsen after prolonged standing or sitting and may improve with leg elevation.
Common symptoms of varicose veins include:
In more advanced cases, damaged veins can lead to inflammation or blood clots in superficial veins (superficial thrombophlebitis). Although less common, untreated vein disease may increase the risk of complications over time.
If you notice persistent leg discomfort, swelling, or visible bulging veins, a vascular evaluation with Dr. Zia Khan can determine whether your symptoms are cosmetic or a sign of a deeper circulation issue. As a Las Vegas vein specialist with advanced training in endovascular procedures, Dr. Khan focuses on treating the underlying cause of vein disease — not just the visible symptoms. Early diagnosis allows for simpler, minimally invasive treatment options and may help prevent long-term complications.
Treatment for varicose veins depends on the severity of your condition, your symptoms, and whether chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is present. At Desert Cardiovascular Consultants in Las Vegas, Dr. Zia Khan takes a personalized approach to vein care, using ultrasound-guided evaluation to identify the underlying source of vein dysfunction before recommending treatment.
Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA)
Endovenous laser ablation is a procedure that uses targeted laser energy to close damaged veins from the inside. Using advanced vascular imaging, a small catheter is inserted into the affected vein. Heat from the laser seals the vein shut, allowing blood to reroute naturally through healthy veins.
Benefits include:
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
Radiofrequency ablation is similar to laser treatment but uses controlled radiofrequency energy to gently heat and close the vein. This technique is precise and often associated with less post-procedure discomfort.
RFA is highly effective for treating larger varicose veins caused by venous reflux and is commonly performed in-office.
Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy involves injecting a specialized solution into smaller varicose or spider veins. The solution irritates the vein lining, causing it to collapse and eventually fade from view.
This treatment is often recommended for:
Phlebectomy
For larger surface veins that are close to the skin, a phlebectomy may be recommended. During this procedure, tiny micro-incisions are made to remove the vein directly. The incisions are so small they typically do not require stitches and leave minimal scarring.
This approach provides immediate removal of visible bulging veins and is often combined with other treatments for comprehensive results.
Varicose veins are often a visible sign of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a condition that occurs when the valves in the leg veins weaken and allow blood to flow backward and pool. This increased pressure causes veins to enlarge and become twisted or bulging beneath the skin. While some people experience only cosmetic concerns, others develop symptoms such as leg heaviness, swelling, aching, or skin changes — all of which may indicate underlying venous reflux.
Because CVI is a progressive circulation disorder, proper evaluation is important. A vascular (duplex) ultrasound allows your provider to assess blood flow, identify valve dysfunction, and determine whether deeper vein disease is present. If left untreated, CVI can worsen over time and may lead to persistent swelling, skin damage, or even venous ulcers. Early diagnosis and treatment can help relieve symptoms, improve circulation, and prevent long-term complications.
You don’t have to live with leg pain, swelling, or uncomfortable varicose veins. Whether your concerns are cosmetic or related to circulation, an early evaluation can help prevent complications and restore healthy blood flow. A comprehensive vascular assessment can also distinguish venous disease from other circulation conditions, such as Peripheral Artery Disease, ensuring you receive the most appropriate treatment.
At Desert Cardiovascular Consultants, board-certified interventional cardiologist Dr. Zia Khan, MD, FACC, FSCAI, performs advanced vascular ultrasound to identify the underlying cause of your symptoms. If treatment is recommended, you’ll receive a personalized plan using minimally invasive, image-guided techniques designed to provide long-term relief with minimal downtime.
Call today or use the online booking tool to schedule your evaluation.