Common symptoms
- Heavy, tired legs
- Pain or aching in the legs
- Ankle swelling at the end of the day
- Cramps
- Itching
- Bulging veins visible when standing
Centro Médico Teknon · Barcelona
Varicose vein treatment in Barcelona
We find the cause of your varicose veins with Doppler ultrasound and choose the minimally invasive technique that suits you best: radiofrequency, endovenous laser, sclerotherapy, microfoam or phlebectomy.
Angiology and Vascular Surgery Unit led by Dr Kerbi Alejandro Guevara Noriega at Centro Médico Teknon.
Venous DopplerAssessment in clinic
Berkelium GroupSurgical Group
Opening hours
Wednesdays and Fridays
09:00–14:00 · 15:00–20:00
Address
Marquesa de Vilallonga 12, floor -1
08017 Barcelona
Phone
935 951 710 · Teknon
930 115 874 · Sagrada Familia
What varicose veins are
Enlarged veins that often point to venous insufficiency
Varicose veins are leg veins that have widened and look twisted under the skin. Many are caused by faulty vein valves: blood that should travel up towards the heart flows backwards, pressure builds and the vein gradually stretches.
That is why not every varicose vein is just a cosmetic issue. Some cause heaviness, pain or swelling and, if venous disease progresses, skin changes or ulcers can develop.
Contributing factors
- Family predisposition
- Age
- Hormonal factors
- Pregnancy
- Long hours standing
- Excess weight
Symptoms
Do your varicose veins need a check-up?
Discomfort tends to get worse at the end of the day or after long hours on your feet.
When to see a specialist soon
A vascular assessment is advisable if, as well as varicose veins, you notice:
- Skin discolouration or hardening
- A leg wound that will not heal
- Persistent swelling
- Previous thrombosis or phlebitis
CEAP classification
Which stage are your legs at?
Specialists use the CEAP scale to describe venous disease, from C0 (no signs) to C6 (active ulcer). Varicose veins are stage C2. Slide to see each stage.
CEAP clinical classification
C0
No visible signs
No visible or palpable signs of venous disease.
CEAP describes the clinical severity of venous disease. It does not represent an inevitable progression.
Diagnosis
First, a venous Doppler ultrasound
Treating varicose veins properly starts with understanding how blood flows in your legs. In clinic we carry out an examination and, when indicated, a venous Doppler ultrasound: a painless scan that shows which veins are failing and whether there is reflux.
This information lets us plan a tailored treatment instead of treating only what is visible on the surface.
What the scan tells us
- Where your varicose veins come from
- Whether a saphenous vein is incompetent
- Whether there is reflux or a blockage
- Which vein should be treated first
- Which technique suits you best
Treatments
Minimally invasive techniques, no conventional surgery
The technique depends on the size and location of the vein, the degree of insufficiency and your anatomy. Several are often combined.
Endovenous radiofrequency
A catheter delivers controlled heat inside the incompetent saphenous vein to close it.
Learn moreEndovenous laser
Closes the vein causing the reflux from the inside, without removing it.
Learn moreSclerotherapy
Fine-needle injection for small varicose veins, reticular veins and spider veins. May need several sessions.
Learn moreUltrasound-guided microfoam
Foam sclerosant guided by ultrasound for veins that are hard to reach.
Learn moreAmbulatory phlebectomy
Removes surface varicose veins through tiny incisions under local anaesthetic, with minimal or no stitches.
Learn moreCombined plan
First the main vein (radiofrequency or laser), then the remaining varicose veins (sclerotherapy or phlebectomy).
Learn moreWhich treatment is best?
There is no one-size-fits-all technique. Sometimes sclerotherapy is enough; in other cases a saphenous vein must be closed first and the remaining varicose veins treated afterwards.
The decision is made with you after the Doppler scan.
Can they come back?
Treatment closes or removes the diseased veins, but it cannot stop new ones from appearing over the years: predisposition, age, hormones and the course of venous insufficiency all play a part.
That is why we suggest follow-up visits and preventive measures when they help.
Medical team
Vascular surgeons who look after you from start to finish
Head of department
Dr. Kerbi Alejandro Guevara Noriega
Angiology and Vascular Surgery
Dr. Diego Enrique Sisa Elizeche
Arterial and aortic disease
Dra. Raquel Chavez Abiega
Venous disease
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about varicose veins
Are varicose veins just a cosmetic problem?
Not always. Some are, but many are caused by venous insufficiency and can lead to heaviness, pain, swelling, skin changes or ulcers. A vascular assessment tells you which.
Do I need a Doppler scan before treatment?
When indicated, yes. A venous Doppler ultrasound identifies the affected veins, reflux and any blockage, and shows which vein should be treated first.
Can varicose veins be treated without surgery?
In many cases, yes, using minimally invasive techniques such as radiofrequency, endovenous laser, sclerotherapy, microfoam or ambulatory phlebectomy under local anaesthetic.
Which is better, laser or radiofrequency?
Both close the vein from the inside using a catheter. The choice depends on the venous anatomy, the characteristics of the vein and the team's experience.
How many sclerotherapy sessions will I need?
It depends on how many veins need treating and how extensive they are. More than one session may be needed.
Are varicose veins and spider veins the same?
No. Spider veins are under 1 mm and reticular veins 1–3 mm; veins of 3 mm or more are varicose veins. More about spider and reticular veins.
Where and when are appointments?
In consulting room 10, Marquesa Building, Centro Médico Teknon (Marquesa de Vilallonga 12, Barcelona), on Wednesdays and Fridays, 09:00–14:00 and 15:00–20:00. Phone +34 935 951 710.
More on vascular.cat
Other venous conditions we treat
Spider veins and reticular veins
Sclerotherapy and cosmetic vascular treatment after a prior assessment of the venous system.
Learn moreVenous thrombosis
Thrombophlebitis, deep vein thrombosis and post-thrombotic syndrome: individual diagnosis and follow-up.
Learn moreUlcers and complex wounds
We identify the cause of the wound and treat the vascular disease that prevents it from healing.
Learn morePelvic venous disease
Pelvic congestion, May-Thurner and Nutcracker: embolisation and venous stenting in selected patients.
Learn moreQuestions about your case?
We explain which technique fits your varicose veins, what recovery involves and what follow-up you will need.