Vein Ablation

Vein ablation is a technique for the treatment of venous reflux in legs using diathermy or laser equipment. Venous stasis is a common condition in which the flow of blood from the legs to the heart is abnormal. 

When everything is working normally, a series of one-way gates (called valves) makes sure that the blood can only move one direction: toward the heart. However, when the valves are damaged, the “muscle pump” doesn’t work (imagine a busy intersection with no traffic signals). This condition is called reflux and most often involves a large leg vein called the saphenous vein.

Most symptoms and visual signs of varicose veins and spider veins come from an underlying problem with the saphenous vein system that lies 1 to 2 inches below the surface of the skin.  The goal of vein ablation is to close veins with non-functioning valves and reroute blood flow through veins that are working properly. The procedure is office-based, and patients walk out shortly after. We use a local anesthetic to numb the skin. Then we gain access to the vein through an IV and use a special catheter that uses high-frequency radio waves to close the vein and reroute the blood to working veins.

We will gladly discuss options with you concerning whether vein ablation is the right choice for you. 

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Michael Richmond examining Vein in legs