In recent years, vascular surgeons have developed many minimally invasive techniques to treat varicose veins as an alternative or adjunct to the older surgical procedures. While surgical vein stripping remains the mainstay of treatment particularly for advanced cases, many patients now have the option to choose an office procedure performed under local anesthesia which permits immediate resumption of all physical activity with minimal discomfort in most cases.

   Endo-venous ablation uses the advanced technology of ultrasonic duplex scanning to accurately place a fiber probe powered by radiofrequency energy into the main varicose venous channel (saphenous vein). Our practice utilizes the Closure system by VNUS). The probe is passed into the vein using only a needle puncture in the leg made after first numbing the region with a local anesthetic injection. The internal heat energy developed by the probe causes the vein to scar completely, eliminating the channel without surgically stripping out the vein. This is a relatively new procedure and long-term results are not yet known, but early results are very encouraging and patients are delighted to avoid the anxiety, pain and recovery time involved with a standard surgical procedure.

   Complications are extremely unlikely, but possible, and include failure to completely close the vein, burning of the skin, deep vein blood clots, nerve injury, as well as other rare events.

   The procedure is covered by most insurance plans. We will work with your insurance to obtain coverage.