Klippel-Trenaunay

Treatment of varicosities and venous insufficiency in patients with Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome can alleviate leg pain and reduce ulceration.

Treatment of varicosities and venous insufficiency in patients with Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome can alleviate leg pain and reduce ulceration.

Dr. Malvehy offers patients in the East Bay and greater San Francisco Bay Area treatment for venous ulcers and leg wounds, including those associated with Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome (KTS). People with KTS may suffer from wounds which are the result of chronic venous insufficiency and varicose veins, both components of KTS. While there is no cure for KTS, treating components of the disease can alleviate symptoms such as heaviness, pain, and ulcers. Poor circulation in the lower leg as a result of the varicose veins associated with KTS results in chronic inflammation, breaking the skin down and making wounds difficult to heal and likely to reoccur.

KTS and Venous Ulcers

KTS is the triad of varicose veins, limb hypertrophy (enlargement), and port-wine stains (red birthmarks) in a single limb. The varicose veins and associated venous insufficiency (the underlying problem of varicose veins) can result in venous ulcers or leg ulcers, wounds which are found in the lower leg or ankle. Over 80% of wounds of the lower leg and ankles are due primarily to vein disease. These venous ulcers usually follow a period of discoloration of the skin and can be quite painful. Often, treatment is focused on the overlying skin disruption – local creams, antibiotics, bandages and skin grafts. Without treating the underlying vascular disease, however, these ulcers tend to persist or recur.

Klippel-Trenaunay Treatment

Dr. Malvehy is one of only a few physicians in the United States who performs ultrasound guided foam chemical ablation directed at treating chronic wounds. This is performed as a supplement to treating any underlying venous insufficiency.

On your initial consultation, Dr. Malvehy will perform an ultrasound of the affected limb and evaluate you for both deep and superficial venous disease and discuss treatment options. Standard treatments for both the venous insufficiency and varicose veins associated with KTS are typically covered by insurance as is the initial consultation and ultrasound. For patients without insurance or who are out of network, discounted packages and payment plans are available.

Treatments are performed directly by Dr. Malvehy. All treatments are performed in the office and have no downtime. Patients can drive themselves into the office and drive themselves home afterwards and return to most, if not all, normal activities right away.

For patients with open or recurring wounds, Dr. Malvehy uses specialized treatment techniques not typically used in other facilities to identify the underlying cause of the ulcer or wound using ultrasound and then create a customized venous ulcer treatment plan focused on that issue. In wounds less than a year old, treating the underlying vein and circulatory issues usually results in spontaneous healing. Wounds older than one year may require supplemental skin treatment.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for KTS but, with proper maintenance treatment, the most serious complications (pain, blood clots, leg wounds, and venous ulcers) can be avoided, treated, or managed.

“It was a blessing to find Dr. Malvehy after having tried for so long to find a Doctor to accept my insurance and make me feel at ease. He is very professional, friendly and he did a great job on my legs. His office and staff were kind and attentive to my needs.”
Ada B.
5/5

East Bay:

Wondering what your insurance might cover?