Modern Technology vs. Traditional Vein Stripping

By Ron E Lev MD – Follow me on Google+

Patients who wanted to eliminate unsightly varicose veins in the past typically turned to vein stripping, also known as ambulatory phlebectomy, for this purpose. The minor surgery could be performed as an outpatient procedure in the doctor’s office. The physician would make tiny incisions that allowed for the insertion of a small tool to remove diseased veins.

Vein ligation and stripping was a relatively simple procedure that could effective remove varicose veins permanently. However, the discomfort associated with the procedure kept many patients from readily pursuing this treatment. Fortunately, modern technology has created many safer, less invasive procedures for removing varicose veins with minimal discomfort and downtime afterward.

Alternative Vein Treatments

Today, doctors and patients have a wide range of procedures that allow for customization of treatment to a patient’s unique situation and needs. At Advanced Varicose Vein Treatments of Manhattan, we offer the following options in vein treatment:

• ClariVein – Using an innovative combination of a sclerosing agent and mechanical agitation, veins can be sealed shut and blood rerouted to healthy veins nearby. The procedure works on both large and small veins and requires no anesthesia or recovery time.

• VeinGogh – This procedure uses electrical energy to eliminate smaller spider veins close to the surface of the skin. The electrical energy heats the vein, causing it to collapse and disappear from view.

• VenaCure EVLT – This vein treatment uses an endovenous laser to deliver a precise dose of energy to a vein, causing the walls to seal shut. Success rates are close to 98% and patients can return to normal activities immediately after the procedure.

• VNUS Closure – Radiofrequency energy is the tool of choice for this procedure, which is delivered to the affected vein via a narrow catheter. Vein walls are sealed shut and blood flow is redirected to healthy veins nearby.

• Foam Sclerotherapy – Still considered the gold standard for smaller varicose veins and spider veins, sclerotherapy uses a sclerosing agent injected directly into the vein to seal the vein shut. Foam agents now allow this procedure to be used on larger veins, using a local anesthetic and no downtime afterward.

Vein stripping may still be recommended for large, twisting and bulging veins, particularly when they are accompanied by uncomfortable symptoms like leg heaviness and pain. However, many patients can enjoy a wide selection of vein treatments today, offering less discomfort and no downtime with stellar results. For more information about the various vein treatments available, contact Advanced Varicose Vein Treatments of Manhattan today.