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Home - Welcome to the Vein Care Institute - Colorado Vein Doctors - We are Colorado's recognized leader in comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of all types of vein disorders - including varicose veins and spider veins. Whether you are seeking help with unsightly spider veins or you suffer from painful varicose veins, you can be confident that we understand your concerns. Our specialists are dedicated to the art and science of phlebology. This means we...

Patient Forms - NEW PATIENT FORMS VCI- Medical History form VCI- Patient Information Sheet VCI- Notice of Privacy Practices form 1 LASER (EVLA) PROCEDURE VCI-Pre-Op-Instructions-for-EVLA.pdf VCI-Post-Op-Instructions-for-EVLA.pdf SCLEROTHERAPY VCI-Pre-Op-Instructions-for-sclero.pdf...

Contact Us - The Vein Care Institute

About Us - About The Vein Care Institute - At The Vein Care Institute, we are committed to the belief that there is no substitute for dedication and quality. That's why we designed our state-of-the-art facility with one goal in mind, to provide comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of all types of vein disorders. We combine that goal with the experience of a fellowship-trained vascular surgeon, William Schuh, M.D.. Our patients...

Varicose Veins - Colorado Varicose Vein Cure - Varicose veins are veins that have become enlarged and twisted. Varicose veins commonly refers to the veins on the leg, although varicose veins occur elsewhere. Varicose veins are distinguished from reticular veins (blue veins) and telangiectasias (spider veins), which also involve valvular insufficiency, by the size and location of the veins. Veins have leaflet valves to prevent blood from...

William Schuh, M.D. - Dr. Schuh is board-certified in both general surgery as well as vascular surgery. After serving in the United States Marine Corps and subsequently completing college he received his Medical Degree from the University of Colorado in 1994. He then took a residency in general surgery in Phoenix. Dr. Schuh completed a fellowship in vascular surgery at Saint Louis University. Dr. Schuh has been...

Facility - Facility - Denver, Colorado - THE VEIN CARE INSTITUTE was designed specifically for the practice of phlebology. All too many vein practices are stuffed into a small, unused corner room of a physician's office. And many vein centers are part of a large hospital system or private conglomerate who dictate to the physicians how to practice so patients may not always receive the most appropriate care nor can it be assured...

Testimonials - Testimonials - The Vein Care Institute - After years of unsuccessful treatments, I had given up and resigned myself to living with the constant pins and needles, swelling, and leg discomfort; not to mention the support stockings and constant long pants! Until I came to Dr. Schuh, I had no idea how far vein treatment had advanced, and I am in the medical field. New technology, new thinking. Old fashion compassion. And now my new legs! I...

Brian Ridge, M.D. - Brian Ridge, M.D. received his medical degree from the University of Utah in 1983. He completed his general surgery residency at Harvard (Massachusetts General Hospital) in 1988 and his vascular surgery fellowship at Harvard in 1990. He has been board certified in general surgery since 1990, and he became board certified in vascular surgery in 1991. Dr. Ridge is a Fellow of the American College...

Darrick Payne, M.D. - Darrick Payne, M.D. is trained in anesthesiology, having graduated from the University of Texas Health Sciences Center in San Antonio medical school in 1996, followed by completion of anesthesiology residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin in 2000. He practiced anesthesiology in the Denver area beginning in 2000 and worked extensively with Dr. Schuh in the operating room. He joined VCI...

Vein Disorders - Vein Disorders Overview - Diseases of the veins (or venous insufficiency) can take many different forms. At one end of the spectrum there are the small Spider veins, which are predominately unsightly and purely cosmetic. Some patients have larger varicose veins which can cause multiple symptoms. At the other end of the spectrum some patients develop actual skin changes, discoloration of the leg and ulcers in the ankle...

Types of Vein Disorders - Spider Telangectasias Varicose veins Chronic Venous Insufficiency DEFINITIONS: Spider Telangectasias (spider veins): small veins that can be associated with burning, swelling, throbbing, cramping and leg fatigue. Varicose veins: larger veins that tend to cause more symptoms than spider veins and also have a dilated ropey appearance. The symptoms from these veins...

Definitions - Spider Telangectasias (spider veins): small veins that can be associated with burning, swelling, throbbing, cramping and leg fatigue. Varicose veins: larger veins that tend to cause more symptoms than spider veins and also have a dilated ropey appearance. The symptoms from these veins are often described as a dull ache that worsens with prolonged periods of standing. Chronic Venous...

Symptoms - The symptoms experienced with vein diseases depend on two major factors. First, the degree of venous reflux influences how severe and how constant the symptoms will be. Second, long-standing disease will usually produce the more severe range of symptoms since these disorders are usually progressive. Here is a list of the more commonly encountered symptoms experienced with venous...

Spider Veins - Spider veins are small abnormal veins that are usually red, purple or blue. Sometimes spider veins are only a cosmetic issue but often there is an underlying problem that is causing the spider veins to appear. Spider veins can be caused by other veins that are larger and deeper in your legs that you cannot see. If these deeper veins are problematic, and they are not treated, the spider...

Non-surgical Treatment for Varicose Veins - Non-surgical Technique Treats Even The Deepest Varicose Veins - Chances are good that you or someone you know suffers from the painful condition called varicose veins, those purplish, often swollen veins that become distended as a result of the aging process or from extended periods of sitting or standing. Its estimated that more than 60 percent of all men and women in the United States will suffer from some form of varicose veins sometime in their...

Diagnosis - We place a lot of emphasis on accurate diagnosis. Vein disorders can be very complex. Before a successful treatment regimen can be selected, the proper diagnosis has to be made. That is why we begin with a thorough history and physical examination. Our doctors have an impressive understanding of all types of vein disorders and they will be able to use information gathered at this phase...

Exam - The first step in assessing a patient with a vein complaint is to take a thorough history and perform a focused physical examination. We listen very carefully to each patient's description of their symptoms and history with vein disease. These facts are always invaluable in the diagnosis of a patient's particular pattern of vein disease. Once we've heard the patient's history and listened...

Imaging Technology - Vein Imaging Technology

Varicose Veins FAQ - What are varicose veins? Varicose veins are enlarged veins that get that way as a result of faulty valves within the vein. This can lead to venous reflux or venous insufficiency. These valves are important because they help the body pump blood back to the heart. If the valves fail, blood return out of the leg is hampered. This means that the blood in these veins tends to flow...

Ultrasound Evaluation FAQ - Why is it important for you to have a venous ultrasound evaluation? In assessing symptomatic varicose veins, an expertly performed venous ultrasound evaluation by a Phlebologist plays a critical role. A venous duplex ultrasound evaluation is performed which permits the Phlebologist to see the anatomy and to map out the underlying leg veins. Useful information is gathered to...

Laser Ablation FAQ - Endovenous Laser Ablation FAQ - What is endovenous laser ablation (EVLA)? The endovenous laser ablation procedure is performed by a physician vein specialist, also known as a Phlebologist. At the Vein Care Institute this almost always performed by 2 physicians. We have had outstanding success treating patients together and strongly feel that your overall experience and results will be the best because both of us...

Appointments FAQ - Making an Appointment FAQ - How do I begin leg vein treatment? Call the Vein Care Institute 303-798-3467 (303 Rx Veins) or 888-794-8346 (888 Rx 4 vein) to schedule your formal vein consultation. During the initial consultation, your legs will be examined and an ultrasound evaluation will be performed. You most likely will be evaluated by Dr. Schuh. Any questions you may have will be answered....

EVLT procedure - New Laser Removal Technology for Vein disorders Vascular disorders are growing in occurrence throughout America as patients are inflicted with spider veins, varicose veins, and other severe venous dysfunctions. Treatments for venous disorders have become more technologically advanced, evolving into a full gamut of procedures that facilitate greater vascular health while effectively removing...

Treatments - The modern treatment of venous insufficiency relies on cutting-edge technology which was developed for the treatment of other diseases over the last several decades.At the Vein Care Institute we practice phlebology using not only leading technology, we practice evidence based medicine to achieve the best possible results. In addition, we realize that each patient is a completely unique...

EVLA - EVLA - endovenous laser ablation procedure - EVLA Vein Treatment for Varicose Veins Endovenous Laser Ablation or EVLA is a procedure that safely and effectively cures the disease of venous insufficiency. By treating the actual disease process the symptoms of venous disease, including the unsightly large varicose veins, disappear. The EVLA is an amazing and effective treatment for varicose veins. Unlike painful Varicose Vein...

Sclerotherapy - Sclerotherapy for Spider Veins - Sclerotherapy involves the injection of a chemical agent into diseased veins. Theses veins typically are the smaller spider telangectasias (spider veins) or slightly bigger reticular veins and even some larger varicose veins. The agent is injected directly into the vein and causes damage to the lining of the vein which eventually causes the vein to completely disappear. Depending on...

Microphlebectomy - Microphlebectomy is a technique which dates back to the origins of vein surgery. First, the veins are identified typically using a vein viewer, or an ultrasound to identify the extent of the disease. These vessels are then marked with a pen to aid in their identification once the procedure begins. The first step of this procedure involves anesthetizing the area with tumescent anesthesia....

Insurance - One of the most frustrating aspects of healthcare, for patients and doctors, is dealing with insurance companies. This is especially true when it comes to vein disease. It is often thought that treatment for vein disease is always considered cosmetic, so it will not be covered by your insurance. In fact, more than 80% of what we do at VCI is covered by health insurance. Before we can ask your...