Varicose veins, which arise due to chronic venous insufficiency, are not simply unsightly; they can also cause pain and discomfort. Some of the symptoms, such as restless legs or cramping, might arise even if you do not have the visible signs of the disorder.
Before more modern methods became available, many patients underwent a surgery known as stripping for varicose vein removal. With the arrival of less invasive varicose vein removal treatments, vein treatment specialists with Rochester Regional Health do not recommend this outdated method.
Jonathan Broder, MD, a board-certified interventional radiologist, outlines several modern varicose vein removal techniques that are available for patients with little recovery time needed. All of these procedures are done in an outpatient setting with local anesthesia. An interventional radiologist (IR) is a board-certified physician who uses imaging guidance to deliver minimally invasive, targeted treatments with a quicker recovery time.
Radiofrequency Ablation for Varicose Vein Removal
Radiofrequency ablation destroys the vein through the use of heat. The practitioner uses ultrasound to find the vein and place a radiofrequency ablation catheter within the abnormal vein. The catheter then generates heat to seal the vein – eventually scarring away. Most patients experience excellent results in a short period of time.
Endovenous Laser Ablation Therapy
Endovenous laser ablation therapy works similarly to radiofrequency ablation by utilizing a catheter with a laser tip. This technique also uses heat to seal the vein. The catheter is also placed using ultrasound guidance.
Ultrasound-guided Foam Sclerotherapy
With ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy, the vein doctor also utilizes an ultrasound to guide the procedure. Upon accessing the abnormal varicose vein, the doctor injects a medicine known as sclerosant into the problem vein. The foam solution incorporated in this type of sclerotherapy facilitates spasms in the vein and causes the vein to eventually collapse and disappear.
VenaSeal
VenaSeal, one of the newest varicose vein removal treatments available, is a proprietary adhesive used to close troublesome superficial veins. The adhesive is delivered through a catheter, which is placed into the abnormal vein with ultrasound guidance similar to both the RF and laser catheter. This procedure is often done with a smaller number of local anesthetic injections.
Microphlebectomy
Unlike the previous treatments, microphlebectomy requires tiny incisions. The vein doctor makes small incisions in the skin through which the varicose vein is removed. The incisions are so small that they do not require stitches and heal with minimal to no scarring.
“Our experienced vein specialists at our comprehensive Vein Treatment Center are well versed in the safest minimally invasive vein removal techniques,” Dr. Broder said. “Each procedure requires little to no downtime, and patients are often able to leave the doctor's office on the same day and return to their normal work and home lives. Our expert team is committed to deliver high-touch, patient-centered care.”
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