McFarland Clinic

Vein Clinic (Phlebology)

At the McFarland Vein Clinic, we evaluate and manage patients with different aspects of vein diseases. We provide treatment in the office for cosmetic reasons or symptom relief.



Medical and Cosmetic Treatment of Veins

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a common condition that causes chronic leg pain, fatigue, leg swelling, restless legs, and leg heaviness. Some patients may experience no pain or discomfort but may seek cosmetic treatment for varicose veins and spider veins.

Learn More About Our Services



Locations & Hours

1215 Duff Avenue Office

1215 Duff Ave
Ames, IA 50010

515-956-4158

Location Details on 1215 Duff Avenue Office

Hours

DayTime
Monday8am-5pm
Tuesday8am-5pm
Wednesday8am-5pm
Thursday8am-5pm
Friday8am-5pm

Ankeny Specialty Services

1605 SE Delaware Ave, Suite L
Ankeny, IA 50021

515-956-4158

Location Details on Ankeny Specialty Services

Hours

Please contact the Vein Clinic for information regarding hours and scheduling for this clinic.

Services

Symptoms of Chronic Venous Insufficiency

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a vein disease where people often have visible varicose veins and/or spider veins. It can affect men and women of all ages. Leg symptoms include:

  • Leg swelling
  • Restless legs
  • Cramping and discomfort in the legs
  • Leg pain and heaviness
  • Itching or eczema on the leg
  • Leg aches

Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are enlarged, dilated, bulging, and unsightly veins just below the surface of the skin. Statistics today demonstrate that more than 40 percent of American women may be affected. The leading factors of varicose veins are family history and pregnancy. Other factors include physical inactivity, and long periods of standing or sitting.

The center of circulation is the heart, where the blood is carried away to feed organs and extremities and returns to the heart by veins. The deep veins in the legs carry a majority of the blood back to the heart. These deep veins do not become varicose veins but could be the site of deep venous thrombosis (blood clots), which can move to the lungs causing a life-threatening pulmonary embolism. The rest of the blood returns to the heart by the superficial veins which can become varicose veins.

Varicose veins can result in symptoms such as heaviness, burning sensation, itching, cramping in the legs, itchy rash or eczema, and leg achiness. These veins can also produce swelling and even ulcers. Today with advanced technology, we can offer a multitude of approaches to correct or alleviate these problems.

Spider Veins

Spider veins are smaller and more superficial veins that can cause itching and bleeding. They can be caused by more serious underlying chronic venous insufficiency. Some people may not experience pain or discomfort but may seek treatment for cosmetic reasons.


Complications of Chronic Venous Insufficiency

Complications of chronic venous insuffiency can include:

  • Painful and potentially life-threatening blood clots
  • Dark discoloration in the ankle areas
  • Frequent leg infections
  • Bleeding in the legs
  • Ulcerations that are very difficult to heal
  • Inflammation and other skin complications in the lower legs

Patients with no symptoms can seek treatment for cosmetic reasons.


Treatments for Varicose and Spider Veins

Correcting venous insufficiency provides significant symptom relief and prevents potentially serious complications. Dr. Salti and our experienced staff will tailor the treatment plan based on the need of each patient. All procedures are done in the office and under local anesthesia. It is usually one or more of the following procedures:

Compression therapy

Compression stockings may improve the symptoms of various conditions of chronic venous insufficiency by providing graduated compression therapy to help control leg swelling and discomfort.

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy consists of injecting an agent or medication into the vein wall and causes the vein to collapse. In a few weeks to months, the vein is absorbed and disappears.

Endovenous Radiofrequency Ablation

Endovenous radiofrequency ablation (similar to endovenous laser ablation) is a procedure performed in the doctor’s office under local anesthesia. The procedure consists of introducing a catheter into the vein through a very small incision. As the catheter is withdrawn, the radiofrequency energy seals the vein shut. After the treatment patients are able to walk immediately. Patients are expected to use a compression stocking for two weeks.

Ambulatory Phlebectomy

Ambulatory Phlebectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure done in the office to remove damaged veins under the surface of the skin. Incisions are small and usually heal without visible scars. Sutures often are not needed. Patients are able to walk immediately after the treatment. They are expected to use a compression stocking for two weeks.

Ultrasonic Guided Chemical Ablation

Varithena is commonly used for vein closure. It is minimally invasive and requires little to no down time. You avoid general anesthesia, sedation, and incisions. Varithena does not require multiple injections to numb the treatment site.

Testimonials

Here is what our patients are say about Dr. Salti and the staff at McFarland Vein Clinic...

Dr. Salti is SO very kind. I trust his care, feel free to ask questions, & I admire how he treats those who work with him.

I love Dr. Salti's nurse! She invites questions & reminds me to call if I need to.

The doc was mindful of a sterile field, as was his nurse - very careful & thorough.

I'm shocked if I wait more than 3 to 5 minutes. I've never felt like the wait was too long.

We had heard positive things about Dr. Salti. We were impressed with his bedside manner and knowledge. Positive experience.

Missy is very informed & caring easy to talk to. Missy & Laura were great.

Nurse Missy was great. I had 4 surgeries, during one I didn't feel well, she gave me a walker and help me to feel better.

When I write to Dr. Salti's office through MyChart. I get an answer very quickly.

I REALLY like & respect Dr. Salti & his team. They are very kind. His nurse is always quick to call me after I write or call with a question. Dr. Salti is a kind man & is very kind to his co-workers.

The doctor & nurse were very careful to protect the area that needed to be sterile.

I always like to see a doctor who is kind to his staff. Dr. Salti is very much a member of his team, not lording his position over them.

Very professional, kind, fun, knowledgeable, compassionate.

Dr. Salti's skills on how to communicate, listen and care for a patient are above any doctor I have seen and his ability to look at the patients totally should be taught to new docs. Even though he is a specialist he takes time to look at patients med. issues.

Nurse very helpful in changing clothes & putting elastic socks on.

Dr. Salti explained everything very clearly and took his time with me. Dr. told me each time he put the shot in my leg and if it would hurt - very gentle dr.

I have been with Dr. Salti over 3 years and have, and will continue to recommend him to several friends who have...

I am very grateful for the expertise of Dr. Salti and his staff.

Even though they routinely schedule my type of procedure in the mornings, they allowed me to schedule procedures in the afternoon to accommodate my work schedule. I really appreciate that!

Never any delays! Called back to the treatment room promptly upon my arrival. Even when I arrived early.

I have the highest regard for Dr. Salti - as a doctor and as a human being.

Very impressed with Dr. Salti and his nurses. He went out of his way to squeeze my surgery in on his afternoon off.

Patient Resources

Vein Self Assessment

Take this assessment from the American Vein & Lymphatic Society to help in understanding whether you are at risk for vein issues.

Take the Assessment

Frequently Asked Questions

Does insurance cover the fee?

Most insurance carriers agree to reimburse. After your initial consultation, we will discuss if your insurance company will provide coverage for the procedure. We will file your claim and discuss payment with you.

What can I expect before and after treatment?
Before the procedure

You will be asked to sign a consent form prior to each procedure. At this time, you have the opportunity to ask questions.

After the procedure

You will be given home care instructions and answers to any further questions. A follow-up appointment will be scheduled to ensure a positive response to the treatment.

What can I expect from the treatment?

Successful treatment will lead to significant improvement in symptoms and appearance of varicose and spider veins. Since CVI is a genetic disease, recurrence can happen and other veins may require further treatment.

Video Resources

What are the Symptoms of Varicose Veins?

McFarland Clinic Vein Specialist Dr. Firas Salti discusses the symptoms of varicose veins.

What Causes Varicose and Spider Veins?

McFarland Clinic Vein Specialist Dr. Firas Salti discusses what causes varicose veins and spider veins.

What Happens During a Vein Screening?

McFarland Clinic Vein Specialist Dr. Firas Salti discusses what happens during a vein screening.

Should You Treat Varicose Veins Before or After a Preganancy?

McFarland Clinic Vein Specialist Dr. Firas Salti discusses when is the best time to treat varicose veins if you are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant.

What are the Long-Term Effects of Varicose Veins?

McFarland Clinic Vein Specialist Dr. Firas Salti discusses the long-term effects of varicose veins.

Is Vein Treatment Covered by Insurance?

McFarland Clinic Vein Specialist Dr. Firas Salti discusses insurance coverage for vein treatment.

What is the Recovery Time After Vein Treatment?

McFarland Clinic Vein Specialist Dr. Firas Salti discusses the recovery time for vein treatment.

Is Vein Treatment Safe?

McFarland Clinic Vein Specialist Dr. Firas Salti discusses the safety of vein treatment.

Can I Prevent Varicose Veins?

McFarland Clinic Vein Specialist Dr. Firas Salti discusses preventing varicose veins.

What is a Leg Ulcer?

McFarland Clinic Vein Specialist Dr. Firas Salti discusses leg ulcers.

Is Varicose Vein Treatment for Cosmetic Purposes Only?

McFarland Clinic Vein Specialist Dr. Firas Salti discusses whether vein treatment is only for cosmetic purposes.

Patient Education

Important Links
See details for HealthyVeins.org
HealthyVeins.org

The American Vein and Lymphatic Society is the premiere association for physicians and allied health professionals working in the field of phlebology.

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