Traditional, painful “stripping” techniques have been replaced by thermal ablation procedures that utilize heat to close down refluxing veins that are contributing to venous insufficiency.

There are two types of ablation procedures that can close down abnormal veins: Endovenous Laser Ablation and Radiofrequency Ablation.

Endovenous Laser Ablation consists of inserting an FDA approved laser fiber into the affected vein. Subsequently, the laser energy delivered to the vein seals it shut (ablation). Once the vein is closed, other healthy veins take over the task of carrying blood from the leg, thereby reestablishing normal flow.

Radiofrequency Ablation mirrors Endovenous Laser Ablation only rather than using a laser fiber, an FDA approved catheter (VNUS ® ClosureFAST ®) is inserted into the vein. Radiofrequency energy is then delivered to the vein and seals it shut. The result mimics that of Endovenous Laser Ablation in that it closes down the problematic vein, allowing healthy veins to take over the carrying the blood.

Both of these vein treatments are performed in less than an hour with success rates greater than 90% and very low recurrence rates. Patients can immediately return to normal activity with little or no pain. Minor soreness or bruising can be treated with over-the-counter analgesics such as ibuprofen (motrin, advil) or tylenol.