How New Technology Allows Major Advances in Varicose Vein Care

As technologies change, so does our ability to advance treatment of varicose veins. We replaced "old fashioned" vein stripping with thermal ablation techniques around 1999, and VNUS Closure has remained the most effective and painless method of treating veins that have a refluxing saphenous vein as the source of the venous hypertension.

VNUS Closure is an office based, local anesthesia procedure that allows immediate recovery. We use several access sites to instill local anesthesia along the vein so the heat used to close the vein is not felt by the patient.

Clarivein is a newer technique that allows us to effectively close the saphenous vein without using the local anesthesia that is necessary for VNUS Closure. This is a somewhat more comfortable procedure for the patient and still allows immediate recovery to normal activity.

Varicose veins occur because the one-way valves in the veins, which should propel the blood up the leg, become defective and weak. Gravity's pressure then pushed blood backward down the leg, leading to the problems associated with varicose veins. We advocate treating veins that cause symptoms of aching, throbbing, itching and swelling because when left untreated, they often progress to blood clots and skin discoloration or even ulcer formation.

Patients can help alleviate these varicose vein symptoms by using graded support hose, increasing activity level to improve venous circulation, and elevating the legs when able. These efforts will reduce the effect of gravity pushing down on the veins.

As always, seeking advice from a well trained and experienced vascular surgeon is your best option is finding the option that is best for your individual case.