Because… all we do is treat vein disease! Dr. McWilliams has performed thousands of minimally
invasive, catheter-based, and ultrasound-guided vascular procedures. His focus is on treating
patients with varicose veins, chronic venous insufficiency, venous stasis, and/or leg ulcers. Dr.
McWilliams is a highly qualified, well-respected, board-certified physician in the western suburbs
of Chicago. He has made this profession and passion his life’s work.
Dr. McWilliams is board-certified in family practice and phlebology. As a board-certified diplomate of the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine, Dr. McWilliams has met the rigorous standards of knowledge, skills, and experience to provide quality care to vein disease patients. Dr. McWilliams' interest in vein disease began during his residency when he noticed the lack of treatment options for people suffering from venous insufficiency.
His interest increased during his years in family practice trying to find adequate treatment for the large volume of patients he would encounter on a daily basis in his practice who suffered from venous disease. Dr. McWilliams is a Member of both the American Vein and Lymphatic Society and the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Since 2006, Dr. McWilliams has dedicated himself full-time to treating venous disease. He has trained extensively in the most current treatment modalities for all forms of venous disease including endovenous laser ablation, endovenous radiofrequency ablation, Venaseal, Varithena, ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy, and visually guided sclerotherapy. He has served as Regional Medical Director, Senior Medical Director, and National Medical Director for one of the largest venous and lymphatic specialty groups in the nation. He has trained numerous physicians and venous specialists currently practicing across the United States.
Dr. McWilliams is Board Certified in Phlebology and Family Practice. He holds a B.S. degree in both Biology and Chemistry from Quincy University. He received a Masters in Applied Physiology and a Doctorate of Medicine from The Chicago Medical School. He completed his family practice residency at MacNeal Hospital in Berwyn, Illinois.
In his spare time, Dr. McWilliams enjoys spending time with his wife and three children and enjoys fishing, skiing, and other outdoor activities.
Dr. McWilliams is board-certified in family practice and phlebology. As a board-certified diplomate of the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine, Dr. McWilliams has met the rigorous standards of knowledge, skills, and experience to provide quality care to vein disease patients. Dr. McWilliams' interest in vein disease began during his residency when he noticed the lack of treatment options for people suffering from venous insufficiency.
His interest increased during his years in family practice trying to find adequate treatment for the large volume of patients he would encounter on a daily basis in his practice who suffered from venous disease. Dr. McWilliams is a Member of both the American Vein and Lymphatic Society and the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Since 2006, Dr. McWilliams has dedicated himself full-time to treating venous disease. He has trained extensively in the most current treatment modalities for all forms of venous disease including endovenous laser ablation, endovenous radiofrequency ablation, Venaseal, Varithena, ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy, and visually guided sclerotherapy. He has served as Regional Medical Director, Senior Medical Director, and National Medical Director for one of the largest venous and lymphatic specialty groups in the nation. He has trained numerous physicians and venous specialists currently practicing across the United States.
Dr. McWilliams is Board Certified in Phlebology and Family Practice. He holds a B.S. degree in both Biology and Chemistry from Quincy University. He received a Masters in Applied Physiology and a Doctorate of Medicine from The Chicago Medical School. He completed his family practice residency at MacNeal Hospital in Berwyn, Illinois.
In his spare time, Dr. McWilliams enjoys spending time with his wife and three children and enjoys fishing, skiing, and other outdoor activities.
Diagnostic Ultrasound
Diagnostic Ultrasound is a non-invasive test which allows evaluation of structures below the skin surface. It is the test of choice for evaluating vein problems. The ultrasound is performed in our office by a Registered Vascular Ultrasound Technician (RVT). Warmed ultrasound gel is applied to the leg, then the ultrasound probe is moved up and down to examine the deep and superficial leg veins. Images are taken first to map out the anatomy and rule out blood clots in the veins. Note will be made of what deeper veins the surface varicose veins connect to in order to plan the best treatment approach. These images are created by sound waves and no radiation is involved in the exam.
Once the anatomy has been evaluated, the function of the veins is checked. This involves squeezing the legs to force the blood forward through the veins and seeing if the valves close properly. When the valves are working, the blood simply stops after the squeeze is released. When the valves are incompetent, the blood flows back down toward the feet and refills the veins. This is called reflux.
Vein Disease Diagnosis
Vein disorders are not always visible; therefore, modern Vein Disease Diagnosis requires diagnostic techniques and tools in determining the cause and severity of the problem. Depending on the results of your screening examination, we may recommend additional tests such as diagnostic ultrasound to identify where and how badly your veins are damaged. The ultrasound examination is designed to evaluate the blood flow through your veins in your legs, localizing the problem areas.
Consultation Visit
We have many years of experience and are able to identify the cause of vein incompetence in all of our patients. Our providers perform the physical examinations and then correlate symptoms, physical examination findings, and the ultrasound analysis to make the proper diagnosis and treatment recommendations. During your initial consultation, it is very important to us that you have time to review the ultrasound scan with your provider. We will also review your history, symptoms, and initial exam to determine the next steps for evaluation.
Contact our office at (630) 474-2600 to schedule an appointment today.
Varicose veins are abnormally enlarged veins at the surface of your skin which can appear to be bulged, twisted, or ropey. Diagnosis and treatment of varicose veins is frequently covered by insurance.
Thermal Ablation
There are two types of thermal (heat) ablation procedures that close abnormal veins: Endovenous Laser Ablation and Radiofrequency Ablation. Both treatments are FDA-approved and performed in less than 30 minutes with success rates greater than 90% and very low recurrence rates. Patients can immediately return to normal activity that same day, with little or no pain.
Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA)
EVLA consists of inserting an FDA-approved laser fiber into the affected vein. Laser energy heat is then delivered to the vein and seals it shut (ablation). Once the bad vein is closed, blood is naturally rerouted to healthy veins which improve venous circulation.
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
RFA consists of inserting an FDA-approved catheter (VNUS Closure FAST®) into the affected vein. Radiofrequency energy (heat) is then delivered to the vein and seals it shut like EVLA. Once the bad vein is closed, blood is naturally rerouted to healthy veins which improves venous circulation.
Varithena Treatment
Varithena®(polidocanol injectable foam) is an FDA approved prescription medicine injected into abnormal veins under ultrasound guidance to seal them shut. Some patients receiving Varithena® only need a single treatment. Additional treatment may be needed, depending on the number and size of veins to be treated.
VenaSeal
VenaSeal is a cutting-edge, minimally invasive treatment for varicose veins. It uses a specially formulated medical adhesive to close the affected veins, rerouting blood flow to healthier veins. This procedure offers a quick recovery time, minimal discomfort, and no need for anesthesia or compression stockings, making it an ideal option for those seeking effective and convenient vein treatment.
Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy
Endovenous chemical ablation (also referred to as Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy) refers to the injection of a special medicine (sclerosant) into abnormal veins to seal them shut. As with other ablation procedures, the treatment is performed under ultrasound guidance to ensure safety and blood flow is naturally redirected to healthy veins.
Contact our office at (630) 474-2600 to schedule an appointment today.
Surface Sclerotherapy
The gold standard for treating Spider Veins remains surface Sclerotherapy. The treatment involves injecting a ‘sclerosant’ solution directly into the vein. The goal of treatment is irreversible venous closure (fibrotic occlusion) followed by absorption of the vein. Venous blood is then redirected from the abnormal varicose vessel to healthy veins.
As a result, leg discomfort and cosmetic appearance improves. Both ‘liquid’ and ‘foam’ formulations are used. Liquid injection is used for smaller, surface veins. Foam injection has an increased potency and thus is used to treat larger veins. In addition, foam can be observed under ultrasound, in real-time, for better precision.
There are some reasons why you might not be a suitable candidate for this treatment, like if you are pregnant, have an allergy to sclerosant, have active clotting or bleeding episodes and immobility.
At your consultation, Dr. McWilliams and his team will customize a treatment plan that is right for you. They will determine if there are any larger veins underneath the surface that might be causing your spider veins and determine how many treatment sessions you will likely need. The number of treatments needed differs from patient to patient, depending on how many veins there are, and the patient’s expectations. For best results, three or four sessions are needed for most patients. Treatment sessions are scheduled at four-week intervals until the desired results are achieved.
Contact our office at (630) 474-2600 to schedule an appointment today.
A trial of conservative therapy, ranging from 6 to 12 weeks, is often required by insurance companies before we can treat your varicose veins. Conservative measures include graduated compression stockings, exercise, and periodic leg elevation.
Medical-grade compression stockings are optional to control the painful symptoms of varicose veins and swelling in the legs. A consultation with Dr. McWilliams is necessary to determine the strength of the stocking needed to control your symptoms.
Contact our office at (630) 474-2600 to schedule an appointment today.
