Is Premier Vein & Vascular Center board-certified?
Yes. Our practice is led by Dr. Syed A. Raza, MD, a fellowship-trained interventional radiologist certified by the American Board of Radiology (and the Royal College of Radiologists in the United Kingdom). All of our procedures are performed or supervised by board-certified specialists using image-guided, minimally invasive techniques.
Where is your Houston office located?
We are located at 19255 Park Row Dr, Suite 201, Houston, TX 77084, conveniently serving West Houston, Katy, Cypress, Pearland, Spring and the surrounding communities.
What are your office hours?
Our office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. We also offer same-week appointments for most new patient evaluations.
Do you accept insurance?
Yes. We accept most major insurance plans, including Medicare, for medically necessary evaluations and treatments. Our team verifies your specific benefits before any procedure so there are no surprises.
How do I schedule a consultation?
You can request an appointment online through our website or call our office directly at (832) 321-5355. Most new patients are seen within the same week.
What should I expect at my first visit?
Your first visit typically includes a review of your symptoms and medical history, a physical exam, and, when appropriate, a painless duplex ultrasound to evaluate your circulation. Your specialist will then walk you through a personalized treatment plan.
Are spider veins the same as varicose veins?
No. Spider veins are small, thin surface veins, while varicose veins are larger, raised veins caused by valve dysfunction. The two conditions are related but treated differently.
Are varicose veins always a medical problem, or just cosmetic?
Varicose veins are a visible sign of underlying vein disease, not purely a cosmetic issue. While some patients have only mild discomfort, the same valve dysfunction that causes varicose veins can progress toward swelling, skin changes and ulcers if left untreated.
Is spider or varicose vein treatment painful?
Most patients describe treatments like sclerotherapy as a mild pinch or brief sting rather than significant pain. Procedures are typically performed in-office under local anesthesia when needed.
How long does it take to see results after treatment?
Treated spider veins typically fade gradually over several weeks. Varicose veins treated with procedures like radiofrequency ablation or sclerotherapy improve over weeks to months as the vein is reabsorbed by the body.
Will my veins come back after treatment?
A specific treated vein will not reopen or reappear. However, new varicose or spider veins can develop over time in other areas due to ongoing risk factors like genetics, pregnancy or prolonged standing, which is why periodic follow-up is recommended.
Is varicose or spider vein treatment covered by insurance?
Cosmetic-only spider vein treatment is typically not covered. However, when varicose or spider veins are linked to documented venous insufficiency, treatment of the underlying vein is often considered medically necessary and may be covered by insurance, including Medicare.
What is chronic venous insufficiency (CVI)?
CVI is a condition where the valves inside leg veins no longer close properly, allowing blood to flow backward and pool in the lower legs. This raises pressure inside the veins and can cause swelling, aching and, over time, skin changes.
What are the early signs of venous insufficiency?
Early signs include leg swelling, aching or heaviness after standing, nighttime leg cramps, itchy skin and visible varicose veins. Symptoms often worsen throughout the day and improve overnight.
Can venous insufficiency cause leg cramps or restless legs?
Yes. Poor venous circulation can trigger nighttime leg cramping and an uncomfortable urge to move the legs, sometimes diagnosed as restless leg syndrome. Treating the underlying vein disease often improves both.
What is the first-line treatment for venous insufficiency?
Prescription-grade compression stockings are often the first, non-invasive treatment recommended, especially for milder symptoms. Minimally invasive procedures are used when symptoms persist or the condition progresses.
How is venous insufficiency diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically includes a physical exam, a complete medical history, and a duplex ultrasound to evaluate how blood is flowing through the leg veins and whether the valves are functioning properly.
Is venous insufficiency treatment covered by insurance?
When medically necessary and documented by ultrasound, treatment is often covered by insurance, unlike purely cosmetic vein procedures. Our team verifies your benefits before treatment.
What causes a leg or venous ulcer?
Leg ulcers form when tissue is not receiving enough oxygen and nutrients to heal, most often due to poor circulation. A venous ulcer specifically results from chronic venous insufficiency, where damaged vein valves let blood pool and pressure build until the skin breaks down.
How long does a venous ulcer take to heal?
Healing time varies with wound size and the severity of the underlying venous insufficiency. Many venous ulcers take several weeks to months to close, and can stall indefinitely if the underlying vein disease is not treated.
Can a venous ulcer heal without vein treatment?
Local wound care alone can sometimes close a venous ulcer, but without correcting the underlying venous reflux, recurrence is common because the pressure that caused the original wound is still present.
Will I need surgery for a leg or venous ulcer?
Not always. Many ulcers improve with compression therapy, elevation and proper wound care. When varicose veins are the underlying cause, minimally invasive procedures such as sclerotherapy, endovenous ablation or ambulatory phlebectomy — not traditional surgery — are typically recommended.
Is leg or venous ulcer treatment covered by insurance?
Yes, in most cases. Because ulcers are a medical condition, evaluation and treatment are typically covered by major insurance plans, including Medicare.
Sclerotherapy
Is sclerotherapy the same as foam sclerotherapy?
No. Standard sclerotherapy uses a liquid solution and is typically performed on smaller surface veins without ultrasound guidance. Foam sclerotherapy uses a foamed solution and ultrasound imaging, and is generally reserved for larger or deeper veins.
Does sclerotherapy hurt, and how many treatments will I need?
Most patients feel mild discomfort from the needle punctures without needing anesthesia. Some see their desired results after one session, while others with more extensive veins need a series of treatments spaced weeks apart.
Ultrasound-Guided Foam Sclerotherapy
How is foam sclerotherapy different from standard sclerotherapy?
Foam sclerotherapy uses live ultrasound imaging to guide a foamed sclerosant into larger, deeper feeder veins that standard sclerotherapy can’t always reach with precision.
Who is a good candidate for foam sclerotherapy?
Patients in good general health with larger, deeper or feeder varicose veins that are difficult to treat with standard sclerotherapy alone are often excellent candidates.
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
What is radiofrequency ablation and is it painful?
RFA is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a thin catheter and controlled radiofrequency energy to heat and seal shut a diseased vein. Most patients feel only the local numbing injection; the ablation itself is felt as warmth, not pain.
How long is recovery after RFA?
Most patients resume normal daily activities within 1 to 2 days, with strenuous exercise limited for about one to two weeks. Compression stockings are typically worn for several days to a week.
Endovenous Thermal Ablation
Is radiofrequency ablation the same as endovenous thermal ablation?
RFA is the primary type of endovenous thermal ablation used at our practice. Laser ablation is another thermal technique used in the field — both use heat, just from different energy sources.
What's the difference between thermal and non-thermal ablation?
Thermal ablation uses heat energy and requires local anesthesia along the treated vein. Non-thermal techniques close the vein without heat and without tumescent anesthesia.
Varithena
What is Varithena and how does it work?
Varithena is an FDA-approved, minimally invasive prescription microfoam injected into the diseased vein under ultrasound guidance. The foam causes the vein to collapse and deactivate, while blood naturally reroutes to nearby healthy veins.
How is Varithena different from sclerotherapy?
Varithena uses an FDA-approved microfoam designed for the great saphenous vein and larger, hard-to-reach or twisted varicose veins, while traditional sclerotherapy with liquid solution is often used for smaller surface and spider veins.
Non-Thermal Vein Ablation (VenaSeal)
What is non-thermal vein ablation?
Non-thermal vein ablation closes a diseased vein using a medical adhesive (VenaSeal) delivered through a small catheter, rather than heat energy — typically with fewer numbing injections than thermal ablation.
Will I need compression stockings after non-thermal ablation?
Many patients need compression stockings for a shorter period than with thermal ablation, and some may not need them at all. Your specialist will advise based on your case.
Ambulatory Phlebectomy
What is ambulatory phlebectomy?
Ambulatory phlebectomy is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that removes superficial, bulging varicose veins through a series of tiny incisions, performed under local anesthesia.
Is there scarring after ambulatory phlebectomy?
Because the incisions are so small, scarring is typically minimal to unnoticeable once the treated area has fully healed. Most patients return to work the next day.
What is a venous ultrasound used for?
A venous ultrasound is used to diagnose deep vein thrombosis (DVT), varicose veins, chronic venous insufficiency, venous reflux and other vascular conditions affecting blood flow in your legs.
Is a venous ultrasound painful?
No. It is a completely painless, non-invasive procedure that uses sound waves and does not require needles or incisions.
What's the difference between a venous Doppler and a duplex ultrasound?
A Doppler ultrasound measures blood flow speed and direction, while a duplex ultrasound combines Doppler with traditional imaging to show both blood flow and the structure of your veins.
Do I need a referral for a venous ultrasound?
No referral is needed. You can schedule a consultation directly with our vein specialists, and most major insurance plans, including Medicare, cover venous ultrasound when ordered to evaluate symptoms.
What happens after my venous ultrasound?
Your specialist will review the results with you and recommend a treatment plan if a venous condition, such as varicose veins or venous insufficiency, is identified.
What are the warning signs of a blood clot (DVT) in the leg?
Common signs include swelling in one leg, calf or thigh pain, warmth, redness or skin discoloration, and tenderness. No single symptom confirms DVT on its own, and some clots cause little or no pain — testing is needed to confirm.
Can long flights or car trips increase blood clot risk?
Sitting still for several hours slows blood flow in the calves and can raise clot risk slightly. For most healthy travelers overall risk stays low, but it is higher for people who also have other risk factors such as recent surgery, pregnancy, estrogen use, cancer or a prior clot.
How is a blood clot diagnosed?
A venous duplex ultrasound is the primary, painless test used to detect DVT. A D-dimer blood test may also be used — a normal result can help rule out DVT in patients with a low clinical probability.
How is DVT treated?
Anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medication is the primary treatment, helping stop a clot from growing while the body gradually breaks it down. Compression and activity recommendations vary by patient, and select severe cases may need catheter-based clot removal.
When should I seek emergency care for a possible blood clot?
Seek immediate emergency care for sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing up blood or fainting — these can be signs of a pulmonary embolism. For suspected new DVT without these symptoms, arrange a same-day medical evaluation for ultrasound testing.
What is pelvic congestion syndrome?
Pelvic congestion syndrome, also called pelvic vein reflux, occurs when veins in the pelvis become abnormally enlarged and blood pools instead of flowing normally, leading to chronic pelvic pain.
Who is at risk for pelvic congestion syndrome?
Women between the ages of 20 and 45 are most commonly affected, particularly those who are currently pregnant or have been pregnant, since pregnancy causes structural and hormonal changes that can weaken pelvic veins.
How is pelvic congestion syndrome diagnosed?
Diagnosis usually starts with an ultrasound, the least invasive and most common first-line test. CT scans, MRIs or a venogram may be used if additional detail is needed.
What is pelvic vein embolization?
Pelvic vein embolization (PVE) is a minimally invasive procedure in which a catheter is guided into the affected pelvic veins under x-ray guidance, and small coils are used to seal the faulty vein — requiring only a small skin nick in the groin.
Is pelvic congestion syndrome treatment covered by insurance?
Pelvic vein embolization is often covered by insurance when the condition has been documented through imaging and clinical evaluation. Our team can help verify your specific benefits.
What is genicular artery embolization (GAE)?
GAE is a minimally invasive procedure that blocks blood flow to the genicular arteries supplying the knee joint, reducing inflammation and pain associated with chronic knee conditions like osteoarthritis.
What are the benefits of GAE?
GAE offers pain relief, is minimally invasive, helps preserve joint function, has a short recovery time, can often be done outpatient, may reduce dependency on pain medications, and can potentially be repeated if needed.
Is GAE right for everyone with knee pain?
Not necessarily. While GAE can offer significant benefits for many patients, it may not be suitable for everyone and individual outcomes can vary. A consultation with our specialists helps determine if it’s the right option for you.
How does GAE compare to knee replacement surgery?
GAE is a non-surgical, catheter-based alternative with a shorter recovery than knee replacement, though knee replacement may still be appropriate for advanced joint damage. GAE may help some patients delay or avoid replacement.
Is GAE covered by insurance?
GAE is increasingly covered by many major insurance plans when medical necessity criteria are met. Our team can help verify your benefits and coordinate any required prior authorization.
What is venous access?
Venous access refers to procedures that place a catheter, such as a CVAC, PICC line, or port-a-cath, into a major vein so your care team can draw blood or deliver medications, fluids, or nutrition without repeated needle sticks.
What is the difference between a CVAC, PICC line, and port-a-cath?
A CVAC is a tube placed beneath the skin into a major vein, typically in the chest. A PICC line is inserted into a vein in the upper arm and threaded into a larger chest vein. A port-a-cath has a reservoir implanted under the skin with no tube visible outside the body.
How is a portacath placed and does it hurt?
Portacath placement is performed in our office under IV sedation, requiring two small incisions to secure the catheter and portal beneath the skin. Most patients feel little to no discomfort during placement, with mild soreness for a few days afterward.
How long can a venous access device stay in place?
CVACs and PICC lines are designed for weeks to months of use. A portacath can remain in place for as long as medically necessary — from several months to several years — and is flushed by our staff every four to six weeks.
Is venous access or portacath placement covered by insurance?
Most major insurance plans cover venous access and portacath procedures when ordered by your treating physician, such as for chemotherapy or long-term IV therapy. Our team can help verify your specific benefits.
What is hepatic artery chemoembolization?
Hepatic artery chemoembolization (HAC) is a minimally invasive procedure used for some liver tumors that cannot be removed with surgery, including tumors too large for ablation alone. It works by reducing the blood supply that feeds the tumor.
What is radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for tumors?
RFA is a procedure that uses a thin needle guided into the tumor. The needle delivers radiofrequency energy that heats and destroys the tumor tissue from the inside, while sparing much of the surrounding healthy tissue.
Which cancers can be treated with these techniques?
We may be able to use these techniques for select patients with liver cancer, kidney cancer, or bone cancer, depending on the size, location and characteristics of the tumor.
How does this compare to traditional cancer surgery?
Because these techniques are performed through a small catheter or needle rather than an open incision, many patients experience a shorter recovery than with traditional surgery. However, not every patient or tumor is a candidate — your specialist will help determine the best approach.
Is oncology treatment covered by insurance?
Premier Vein & Vascular Center works with most major insurance plans. Our team can help verify your coverage and answer questions about referrals before your visit.
What is peripheral arterial disease (PAD)?
PAD is a circulatory condition caused by narrowed arteries that reduces blood flow to the legs and other extremities, often leading to pain, cramping, and fatigue during activity.
What are the symptoms of PAD?
The most common symptoms are cramping, pain, or tiredness in the leg or hip muscles while walking or climbing stairs. This discomfort typically eases with rest and returns when you walk again.
How is PAD diagnosed?
PAD is diagnosed through simple, painless vascular testing, such as an ankle-brachial index and ultrasound imaging, which measure blood flow and help locate narrowed or blocked arteries.
What treatments are available for PAD?
Treatment options may include stent placement, atherectomy, arteriograms, thrombolysis, and balloon angioplasty, depending on the location and severity of the blockage.
Is PAD dangerous if left untreated?
Yes. Left untreated, PAD can increase the risk of coronary artery disease, heart attack, and stroke, and in severe cases can lead to gangrene and amputation.
What are uterine fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are common benign (non-cancerous) tumors that grow in or on the wall of the uterus. They can cause heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, bloating and frequent urination.
What is Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)?
UFE is a non-surgical, minimally invasive procedure performed by an interventional radiologist. Tiny particles are injected into the arteries feeding the fibroids through a small tube inserted in the groin, causing the fibroids to shrink.
How does UFE compare to a hysterectomy?
Unlike a hysterectomy, UFE does not require removal of the uterus and involves no large incision. It is performed through a small tube in the groin, resulting in a shorter recovery than traditional surgery.
What is the success rate of UFE?
Clinical success rates for UFE range from 81% to 94%. Most patients see a decrease in bleeding, pain and abdominal fullness within weeks to months, with fibroids continuing to shrink for up to a year.
Is UFE covered by insurance?
UFE is typically covered by most major insurance plans as a medically necessary procedure. Our team can help verify your specific benefits before your procedure.
