Varicose Vein Treatment Techniques

Surgery was once the standard treatment for varicose veins. But today a variety of treatments are available. Although surgery is still a common option, this invasive procedure requires a longer recovery time than the less-invasive treatments that are now available.

The only way to know for sure which treatment is right for is to talk to a doctor. Our physician directory makes it easy for you to find a top varicose vein doctor near you. We work hard to connect you with the best doctors in your area.

During your consultation, your doctor will examine the problem veins and possibly take an ultrasound image. He or she will be able to explain the different varicose vein

Varicose Veins Treatment Techniques: Varicose Vein Surgery

Varicose vein surgery has a long and trusted history in the treatment of varicose vein problems. The most common surgery is to remove the great saphenous vein. This large vein runs from the groin area to the ankle and is located on the inside of the leg. Traditionally, the removal of the great saphenous vein has successfully provided relief from varicose vein symptoms and problems. Once this vein is removed, feeder veins that branch from the great saphenous vein become unused and problems in these veins may be stemmed.

The surgical method of removing the great saphenous vein is called ligation and stripping.  To perform ligation and vein stripping, the doctor will first make incisions at the groin and ankle. Next, small incisions are made along the path of the great saphenous vein, above and below the knee. The vein is tied off near the incision in the groin area, cutting it off from further bloodflow. Tying off the vein is called “ligation.”

The doctor then inserts a special tool into the vein. This tiny stripping tool is threaded through the vein. The doctor uses the incisions near the knee to help guide the stripping tool through the vein. Finally, the doctor pulls the tool out through the ankle incision, pulling the vein out as well, thus “stripping” it from the leg. After stripping the vein, the doctor sews the incisions shut with stitches.

Vein stripping is an out-patient procedure usually performed in a hospital or surgical center. In most cases, vein stripping requires general anesthesia.

One major drawback to vein stripping is that once the saphenous veins are removed, they can no longer be used for bypass surgeries in the future. Your doctor will decide if this option is right for you, and he or she will take into consideration your risk of requiring bypass surgery later in your life.

Varicose Veins Treatment Techniques: Phlebectomy

Similar to vein stripping, phlebectomy is a surgical vein removal procedure that involves physically removing the problem veins from the legs. While vein stripping normally refers to the procedure used to remove the great saphenous vein, phlebectomy is used to remove smaller veins.

When performing phlebectomy, the physician makes very small incisions near problem veins and then uses a special tool to pull out the veins. Because the incisions are so small, no stitches are needed, and the incisions do not normally lead to scarring.

Varicose Veins Treatment Techniques: Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is a popular choice for the treatment of both varicose veins and spider veins. To perform sclerotherapy, a doctor injects a solution into the targeted blood vessel. Over the following weeks and months, the vein shrinks and eventually disappears as the body absorbs it.

To “sclerose” means “to harden.” In sclerotherapy, the solution injected into the vein causes the vein to harden. This process seals the targeted area of the vein off from further blood flow, preventing more blood from pooling in the problem area. Blood bypasses the vein and flows through the healthy surrounding blood vessels instead. The sealed-off section of vein eventually becomes scar tissue, which the body mostly absorbs.

Sclerotherapy is performed in a doctor’s office or clinic. The procedure could take as little as 30 minutes or as long as an hour, depending on factors of your unique treatment. You may be able to have more than one vein treated during a sclerotherapy session, and it’s common to receive treatment a second time a couple weeks after your first treatment. This will increase the effects of the sclerotherapy and improve the appearance of the legs.

Varicose Veins Treatment Techniques: Laser treatment

Laser vein removal is often referred to as endovenous laser treatment or laser vein ablation. “LASER” stands for “Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation.” A laser is basically a device that sends a powerful, concentrated light beam at its target, often intended to burn through the material. Because lasers are very precise, they are able to target specific areas without damaging surrounding tissues.

During an endovenous laser treatment procedure, the doctor inserts a catheter into the vein through a miniscule incision. Ultrasound is used to guide the physician through the procedure. A thin fiber is inserted into the vein through the catheter. As the fiber is pulled through the vein, a laser beam is emitted onto the vein walls, causing the vein to close up. Once the vein is sealed shut, blood is rerouted through normal healthy veins. The sealed-up varicose vein eventually shrinks and is mostly absorbed by the body.

Varicose vein laser treatment takes place at a doctor’s office, and you will be able to get up and walk around immediately after the procedure. The length of your laser vein removal will depend on how many areas your doctor will be treating. The procedure could take as little as 30 minutes or as long as an hour, depending on factors of your unique treatment.

Varicose Veins Treatment Techniques: Ablation using radiofrequency

Similar to laser vein removal, ablation with radiofrequency involves inserting a catheter into the vein. Radiofrequency is pulsed through the vein, causing it to close up and eventually dissolve in the body, relieving the patient of the varicose vein.

When used as a medical term, “ablation” simply means to remove material from the body. Treatments using both lasers and radiofrequency may be referred to as ablation techniques.