Endovenous Ablation

Endovenous ablation procedures have revolutionized the treatment of varicose veins. These use chemical, laser or radiofrequency energy to seal a vein shut from the inside, and can be performed in a vein specialist’s office rather than in a hospital operating room.

How is Endovenous Ablation Different from Vein Stripping?

In the past, to treat saphenous vein reflux, ligation and stripping procedures were performed in a hospital, under general anesthesia. This involved making an incision in the groin, dissecting down to where the damaged vein joins the deep vein, tying it off, and then pulling it out through another incision lower in the leg. It was painful, expensive (because of the O.R. costs), left scars, and usually required a couple of weeks for recovery.

Since the development of Endovenous Ablation, vein stripping and ligation are things of the past

Endovenous Ablation: Defined

“Ablation” means sealing off the vein.  “Endovenous” means working from inside the vein.

Endovenous Ablation is a term used to describe a variety of minimally invasive treatment techniques which uses chemical, radiofrequency or laser energy to cauterize and close malfunctioning veins in the legs.  This treatment closes off the problem veins but leaves them in place so there is minimal bleeding and bruising.  This is a procedure done in the office under a local anesthetic.

Forms of Endovenous Ablation

The most common approach to treatment of an incompetent great saphenous vein is Endovenous Thermal Ablation.  Either laser or (RF) radiofrequency energy can be used as the heat source.  Under certain circumstances, particularly when incompetent veins are tortuously convoluted, Endovenous Chemical Ablation results in superior results with significantly less discomfort to the patient.

Specific forms of Endovenous Ablation

  • Endovenous Thermal Ablation
    • Radio Frequency Ablation (RF) (Venefit™)
    • Laser Ablation (EVLT™)
  • Endovenous Chemical Ablation
    • Foam (Varithena™)

Physical Assessment Examination

At Michigan Vein Care Specialists, all prospective new patients meet with Dr. Jones first for a thirty-minute “in depth” Physical Assessment Examination and if anything seems suspicious from your exam we may conduct further testing by recommending labs or X-rays.

Diagnostic Ultrasound

As part of providing you with complete, comprehensive care, it is critical that we perform a thorough evaluation of your entire venous system, so that poorly functioning veins can be treated at the source. Failing to find and treat the root problem means that symptoms and varicose veins will quickly return.

The Diagnostic Ultrasound is a non-invasive test which makes it possible for physicians to evaluate the structures below the skin’s surface. It is the test of choice for evaluating vein problems.

Customized Plan and Treatment

Despite what you might read on the Internet or in magazines, there is no single best treatment for varicose veins—simply because not all cases are the same. The best course of treatment for you depends on many factors, including your underlying vein anatomy, which particular veins are damaged, the severity of your symptoms, and your personal reasons for seeking treatment.

Contact Dr. Jones

To contact Dr. Jones, or to schedule an Initial Vein Care Consultation, please call us toll-free (866) DR VEINS or (866) 378 3467.