Minimally Invasive Varicose Vein Treatment: Vein Ablation

Varicose veins are those blood vessels that can become visible through the skin because of the discoloration they can cause. They can also cause the skin to bulge out, making them even more noticeable. In addition to the appearance impact, they can cause discomfort and increase the risk of developing blood clots. When left untreated, the symptoms can worsen. Untreated varicose veins can eventually lead to the development of ulcers on the skin as well.

Traditional treatment methods for varicose veins include vein stripping surgery, which is an invasive procedure by which a surgeon physically strips the vein out of the leg. Other methods that are less invasive are more popular because there is less discomfort and downtime associated with the treatment. One such minimally-invasive treatment is vein ablation.

Vein ablation is a method in which heat is used to safely destroy the tissue of the problem veins. Once the vein is destroyed, it becomes scar tissue and begins to disappear as the body absorbs the tissue over the next several weeks.

Radiofrequency ablation is a treatment method by which a probe is inserted into the vein that is being removed. A small incision will be made and a catheter is placed into the vein. The probe is actually moved through the catheter along the length of the vein. Radiofrequency energy is then delivered to the inside of the vein through the probe. The heat that is generated from the radiofrequency energy is what destroys the vein.

Radiofrequency vein ablation is a good method for treating veins that are too large to be treated from outside the skin. It can be done in the comfort of our office, and patients are able to return home when the treatment is complete. The recovery is typically very short.

Another frequently used method for treating varicose veins from the inside involves the use of laser energy. These procedures are done in a similar manner as radiofrequency treatments in that a probe is inserted and pulled through the length of the vein. The difference is that laser energy is used to generate heat rather than radiofrequency energy.

Smaller veins may be treated with laser energy that is delivered to the targeted veins from outside the skin. The laser is usually microscopic in size, allowing it to reach the vein without bothering surrounding tissue.

If you are struggling and are looking for a minimally invasive varicose treatment, you should ask the experienced professionals at Cardiac Associates of North Jersey about vein ablation. This could be the treatment you need in order to eliminate the varicose veins while allowing you to return to your normal life as quickly as possible. Contact us today to schedule a consultation at our office in Oakland.