For many people, varicose veins are viewed as little more than a cosmetic concern.  But according to Dr. Brandon Repko, a vascular interventional radiologist with St. Clair Medical Group and director of St. Clair’s Vein and Embolization Center, vein disease can signal more serious underlying health issues that should not be ignored.

“People think of varicose veins as something that just doesn’t look good,” Dr. Repko said.  “But symptoms like swelling, itching, aching, cramping, skin discoloration and wounds that don’t heal can all be signs of underlying vein disease.”

One of the biggest warning signs, he said, is a minor cut or scratch on the lower leg that takes weeks to heal.

“If you’ve had a bug bite or scratch that just won’t heal, that’s something you should talk to your doctor about,” Dr. Repko said.  “A family history of varicose veins is another important risk factor because vein disease is very strongly genetic.”

Dr. Repko specializes in vascular interventional radiology, a field that uses image-guided, minimally invasive procedures to diagnose and treat a variety of vascular conditions without traditional surgery.

Unlike conventional operations that require large incisions and lengthy recoveries, most of the procedures performed at St. Clair’s Vein and Embolization Center are completed on an outpatient basis.

“Everybody should be up and walking once they get home,” Dr. Repko said.  “There’s really no significant downtime.  We actually want patients up and moving because we know prolonged inactivity after a procedure can increase the risk of complications.”

Beyond treating varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency, the center also performs embolization procedures for a number of conditions that many patients may not realize can be treated without major surgery.

Those include uterine fibroids, enlarged prostates, hemorrhoids and certain forms of chronic joint pain.

During embolization, physicians use tiny catheters to deliver microscopic particles that block abnormal blood vessels feeding a problematic area.  The treatment reduces blood flow, allowing tissue such as fibroids or enlarged prostates to shrink while relieving symptoms.

For women with uterine fibroids, embolization can provide an alternative to hysterectomy.

Dr. Repko recently treated a 34-year-old woman whose fibroids caused months of severe bleeding that ultimately required blood transfusions.  Because she hoped to have children, she wanted to avoid having her uterus removed.

“She stopped bleeding the night of the procedure,” Dr. Repko said. “She’s back to work, feeling much better, and statistically she has better than a 90% chance of still being able to have children because she kept her uterus.”

Dr. Repko said one of the biggest misconceptions patients have is assuming these procedures are painful or involve lengthy recoveries.

“There’s always a lot of pre-procedure anxiety,” he said.  “One of the most common things I hear is, ‘That’s it? We’re done?’  People are surprised by how straightforward the procedures really are.”

He also encourages people not to dismiss symptoms such as leg heaviness, swelling or fatigue as simply part of getting older.

“Some age-related changes are expected,” Dr. Repko said.  “But pain, heaviness, fatigue, cramps or itching aren’t necessarily normal. If you’re noticing those symptoms, especially if you have visible varicose veins or a family history, it’s reasonable to be evaluated.”

Although genetics play the biggest role in developing vein disease, maintaining a healthy weight and staying physically active can help reduce symptoms and slow progression.

Looking ahead, Dr. Repko believes interventional radiology will continue expanding treatment options for patients seeking less invasive care.  He is particularly excited about advances in embolization therapies and new technologies designed to treat vein disease even more efficiently.

“We’re finding ways to help people who may not be good surgical candidates or who want to avoid major surgery altogether,” he said.  “These therapies offer a unique approach to very common conditions, and the response has been very good.”

For South Hills residents who have questions or concerns, Dr. Repko encourages them to simply schedule a consultation.

“If you’re hesitant, just come make an appointment and talk to me,” he said.  “If it’s something we can help with, we’ll explain your options.  If another specialist is a better fit, we’ll make sure you get to the right person.  The important thing is not to ignore symptoms that could affect your long-term health.”