AMBULATORY PHLEBECTOMY

This method surgically removes larger varicose veins near the skin surface. It is frequently used as a supportive treatment when Closure procedures are performed. At The Vein Clinic phlebectomies are done with the patient under "twilight anesthesia", or conscious I. V. sedation, and local anesthesia in our comfortable free-standing surgical facility. Tiny 1-2mm punctures are made to extract the thin-walled varicose vein. "Micro" instruments are used, thus leaving very small and hardly noticeable scars.

RADIO-FREQUENCY CLOSURE

Traditionally, varicose vein procedures involved removing (stripping) the troublesome vein from the legs. The revolutionary FDA-approved Closure procedure has had exceptional results throughout the country, as it is minimally invasive. Peer reviewed publications have shown the 12 month results are comparable to traditional surgery.

SCLEROTHERAPY

This non-operative method uses micro-injection technology, through very small needles, introducing a small amount of mildly irritating detergent solution into the affected varicose vein or spider telangectasia. This causes the abnormal veins to shrink and be absorbed by the body over one to six months, depending upon the severity and extent of the particular veins. The Vein Clinic dilutes solutions of sodium tetradecyl sulfate, an agent that has been used safely for over 50 years and is FDA-approved.

LASER THERAPY

Laser treatment of spider veins and telangectasias has been a controversial subject. Up until recently, laser use has resulted in inconsistent success. Dr.McDonnell and the professional staff at The Vein Clinic have evaluated the new Lyra© state-of-the-art vascular laser which was designed to target blue, purple, and red-ish vessels in people of all skin types. We believe it offers an opportunity to achieve better results than other systems. It may not completely replace the time tested methods of good sclerotherapy, however, it shows excellent promise. It may be especially useful for patients with a “needle phobia” or for those patients with “hard-to-treat” spiders. It is somewhat more costly and it may require a few more treatments than sclerotherapy. Laser treatments, regardless of medical necessity, are not usually covered by medical insurance.