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Vein Clinic

Your Expert Vein Clinic: A Path to Vitality

Advanced Imaging’s Vein Clinic offers Western Montana patients experiencing venous insufficiency, including varicose veins and spider veins, effective solutions. Our vein specialists, Dr. Casey Cable and Dr. Ryne Dougherty, are board-certified vascular and interventional radiologists. They will find the best treatment plan for your individual needs, using the latest minimally invasive technology to remove varicose veins and spider veins. You may call us directly to schedule a consultation.

A referral from your healthcare provider is not needed for a Vein Clinic appointment.

We do take referrals from wound care clinics across Western Montana and are happy to be part of the team to treat patients experiencing venous ulcers and other vascular-related wounds.

Our Vein Clinic is located in the Northern Rockies Orthopaedics building across from Advanced Imaging’s Main Center on South Avenue West in Missoula, Montana. Our team of medical assistants and physicians will ensure every step of your visit is smooth and comforting.

Our wish is your wish: for you to walk through life without discomfort or unease.

Schedule your Vein Clinic consultation today:
Call (406) 327-3824

What We Treat

We are experts at treating venous insufficiency.

So What Is Venous Insufficiency?

Venous insufficiency is a condition in which the veins in the legs are unable to properly circulate blood back to the heart. This can occur due to a variety of reasons, including damage to the valves within the veins or weakened vein walls. When the valves within the veins are damaged or weakened, they are unable to properly prevent the backflow of blood, which results in a buildup of pressure in the veins.

Over time, this increased pressure can cause the veins to become dilated and enlarged, leading to the development of varicose veins. In addition to varicose veins, venous insufficiency can also cause symptoms such as leg swelling, pain and skin changes.

How Will I know If I Need Help?

There are numerous risk factors, symptoms and even consequences if venous insufficiency goes untreated. See if any of these apply to you:

These factors can increase your risk of venous insufficiency:

  • Age: As we age, the valves within our veins can become weaker and less effective.
  • Gender: Women are more likely to develop venous insufficiency than men, possibly due to hormonal differences or the pressure placed on veins during pregnancy.
  • Family history: A family history can increase your risk of developing the condition.
  • Obesity: Excess weight places additional pressure on the veins in the legs.
  • Inactivity: A sedentary lifestyle can lead to poor circulation.
  • Smoking: Smoking damages blood vessels.

Overall, venous insufficiency is a common condition that can cause significant discomfort and, if left untreated, can lead to serious complications. If you are experiencing symptoms of venous insufficiency, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional to receive a proper diagnosis and explore treatment options that can help improve your vein health and reduce your risk of complications.

Venous insufficiency can have several symptoms including:

  • Leg swelling, cramping, pain or aching
  • Skin changes such as discoloration, thickening or ulceration
  • Varicose veins or spider veins
  • Restless legs
  • Fatigue or heaviness in the legs
  • Itching or burning sensation

It is important to have venous insufficiency treated because it can progress and cause serious complications. If left untreated, it can lead to:

  • Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis)
  • Skin changes and ulcerations
  • Chronic pain and discomfort
  • Decreased mobility and quality of life
  • Higher risk for infections

Treatment Options

Your treatment plan is customized for you.

There are multiple treatment options available. Our interventional radiologists will discuss the best treatment option for your condition. Options may include the following. Each of these outpatient procedures are minimally invasive and typically take less than one hour to complete.

Radio Frequency Ablation (RFA)

This treatment uses heat energy to close off diseased veins. A small incision is made in the skin and a catheter is inserted into the vein, delivering radio frequency energy to the vein and causing it to shrink and collapse. The blood flow is then redirected to healthier veins.

VenaSeal

VenaSeal is a minimally invasive treatment that uses medical-grade adhesive to close off diseased veins. A small catheter is inserted into the vein and a small amount of adhesive is injected. The adhesive then seals the vein shut, allowing blood to be redirected to healthier veins.

Sclerotherapy

This treatment involves injecting a solution directly into the vein that causes it to scar and collapse. The body then reabsorbs the vein over time. This treatment is often used for smaller veins and spider veins.

Microphlebectomy

This treatment involves the removal of varicose veins through small incisions in the skin. This procedure is generally used for larger varicose veins that cannot be treated with other minimally invasive techniques.

What to Expect

Let’s help you prepare.

If you are experiencing symptoms of venous insufficiency, your first step should be to schedule an initial clinic visit with one of our vein specialists. During your first appointment, Dr. Cable or Dr. Dougherty will perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine the severity of your condition and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.

Here’s what you can expect for a typical treatment plan:

  • Medical history review: Our specialist will ask about your medical history, including any symptoms you are experiencing and any previous treatments you have received for vein issues.
  • Physical exam: Our specialist will perform a thorough physical examination of your legs to assess the appearance of your veins and any other potential issues.
  • Ultrasound exam: Our specialist may recommend an ultrasound exam to evaluate the blood flow in your legs and identify any areas of concern.
  • Follow-up: After your initial clinic visit, our specialist may recommend a follow-up ultrasound exam to provide additional information about the extent and severity of your vein issues. This exam typically takes about an hour and is painless and non-invasive.
  • Preparation: Prior to your exam, you will be asked to wear loose-fitting clothing and avoid applying lotions or creams to your legs.
  • Procedure: During the exam, an ultrasound technologist will use a small handheld device to pass over your legs, creating images of your veins using high-frequency sound waves.
  • Results: The images created during the exam will provide our specialist with valuable information about the blood flow in your legs and the severity of your condition.
  • Follow-up: Once our specialist has reviewed the results of your ultrasound exam, they will recommend an appropriate treatment plan to address your specific needs. Depending on the severity of your condition, you may require multiple treatment sessions to achieve optimal results.
  • Preparation: Prior to your treatment, our specialist will provide you with specific instructions on how to prepare, which may include wearing loose-fitting clothing and avoiding certain medications.
  • Procedure: The specific procedure you will receive depends on your individual needs but may include radiofrequency ablation, VenaSeal, sclerotherapy or microphlebectomy. All of these procedures are minimally invasive and performed on an outpatient basis.
  • Recovery: After your treatment, you will be able to return home the same day. Our specialist will provide you with specific instructions on how to care for your legs after treatment, including wearing compression stockings and avoiding certain activities.

Meet Our Specialists

Our specialists really are specialists.

Our vein specialists, Dr. Cable and Dr. Dougherty, are board-certified vascular and interventional radiologists. Unlike most surgeons, they have training in both radiology and minimally invasive procedures making them uniquely qualified to treat vein issues.

Casey Cable, MD

Casey Cable

MD

  • Specialty: Vascular and Interventional Radiology
  • Medical School: University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington
  • Internship: General Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
  • Residency: Vascular and Interventional Radiology Integrated Residency, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
  • Fellowship: Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
Ryne W. Dougherty, MD, MBA

Ryne W. Dougherty

MD, MBA

  • Specialty: Vascular and Interventional Radiology
  • Medical School: Mayo Medical School, Rochester, Minnesota
  • Business School: W.P. Carey School of Business, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
  • Internship: Transitional Internship, Sacred Heart Hospital, Spokane, Washington
  • Residency: Vascular and Interventional Radiology Integrated Residency, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, Michigan
  • Fellowship: University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, Michigan

Vein Clinic FAQ

Still have questions?

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What are varicose veins?

Healthy veins return blood to the heart so it can be re-oxygenated. These one-way valves within the veins ensure that the blood flows in one direction, towards the heart. When valves fail or leak, the blood flows backwards, causing blood to pool in the veins. This pooling stretches vessels and can lead to the development of bumpy, rope-like veins.

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Are varicose veins genetic?

While varicose veins are commonly inherited, anyone can get them. Hormonal changes brought on by puberty, pregnancy and menopause can trigger the onset of symptoms.

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What are spider veins?

Spider veins are broken capillaries that appear as small web-like red, blue or purple veins on the surface of the skin. While they pose no health risks, they can cause significant discomfort. The primary factors contributing to the development of spider veins include heredity, pregnancy, hormones, weight gain, and prolonged standing or sitting.

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What are the symptoms of varicose veins?

It can take years for varicose veins to develop symptoms. Left untreated, severe varicose veins can compromise the health of the skin and lead to eczema, inflammation or even ulceration of the lower leg. Ulcerations are difficult to treat and become easily infected and painful. Many of these symptoms and complications can be prevented by early treatment of varicose veins.

Common symptoms include pain, aching or cramping in the legs as well as:

  • Tiredness
  • Burning
  • Tingling
  • Restlessness
  • Throbbing
  • Heaviness in the legs
  • Itching and burning around veins
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What are my treatment options?

Depending on the results of a screening examination, additional tests such as a diagnostic ultrasound may be recommended to identify the extent of vein damage and to look at blood flow in your legs. There are many options for treatment including sclerotherapy, vein ablation and surgery.

Treatment is customized based upon your individual needs and will depend on the extent of vein damage, your overall health and other risk factors.

Support stockings and other measures including leg elevation, exercise, skin care and cosmetics may be recommended.

How can we help?

Still not finding what you need? Please give us a call at (406) 327-3950.

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