endovenous vein ablation

Endovenous Vein Ablation is an alternative to surgical stripping of certain underlying veins that are the source of surface varicose veins. Endovenous procedures are minimally invasive, and are performed in-office under local anesthesia.

This technique requires that a very thin radiofrequency catheter is inserted into the damaged underlying vein.  This technique works by heating the inside of the vein, which causes it to seal shut and disappear.  To perform the procedure, the doctor uses an ultrasound machine to map the vein, and then injects the area with local anesthesia. The doctor places a needle into the lower end of the diseased vein, through which a small sheath is put into the vein. The radiofrequency catheter is then placed through the sheath and advanced to the upper end of the diseased vein. Local anesthesia is then delivered to the entire vein. The radiofrequency catheter heats the inside of the vein as it is slowly withdrawn back down the vein. Again, after the endovenous ablation, any remaining residual surface varicose veins may be treated with either sclerotherapy or ambulatory phlebectomy.

While less invasive than traditional open ligation and vein stripping, the results are comparable and may even be better in terms of the incidence of long term recurrence.

>> For more information on endovenous vein ablation:

American College of Phlebology