Patients planning for an ambulatory phlebectomy can enter the procedure prepared and confident when they are well informed and educated on the procedure and recovery. This resource is designed to help patients understand what to expect and prepare for their ambulatory phlebectomy. 

Before the Procedure

If your doctor has recommended ambulatory phlebectomy, he or she likely believes that this procedure is the most effective way to treat your varicose veins. Before the procedure, we recommend that you carefully read the materials provided to you by your physician to ensure you understand the procedure including risks and benefits. Call your provider’s office with questions not answered in the resources. The day of your procedure, you may eat a breakfast or lunch and take your regularly scheduled medications. Take any medications provided by your vein doctor for pain or relaxation about an hour before your procedure. Feel free to bring music and headphones to listen to during the procedure.

During the Procedure

The procedure usually takes one hour to complete. When you arrive, you will change into surgical shorts or a gown as required by the clinic performing the procedure. Photographs may be taken of your legs prior to the procedure. The doctor will use a marker to mark your skin where incisions will be made, and then local anesthetic will be used to numb the area. You may feel a slight sting when the anesthetic is injected, but you will not feel intense pain during the procedure.

After the Procedure

You should have a driver following the surgery. For about three to five days, light activity is easily possible and is recommended. You will be able to resume full activity about seven days after surgery.

Remember, your vascular surgeon is the best resource for your questions about ambulatory phlebectomy. Call Northwest Vein if you have any specific questions.

Up to 73% of women and 56% of men will experience varicose veins at some point in their lives, according to research published in Annals of Epidemiology. These veins can be a sign of chronic venous insufficiency, a circulatory system problem that prevents blood from efficiently moving through the body. Fortunately, there are effective varicose vein treatments that can restore your good health. Talking to vascular surgeons about your unique medical history is the best way to find a vein treatment approach that works for you.

*Please remember every patient is unique. Please consult a vein doctor to decide which treatment is best for you.

Endovenous Laser Ablation

Endovenous laser ablation, or EVLT, uses laser energy to heal varicose veins. After inserting a tiny needle into the skin, a laser fiber delivers heat to the affected vein. This seals the vein, causing it to be eliminated. EVLT results in minimal scarring and no need for stitches. Additionally, patients can return to their everyday activities shortly after the procedure, making it an attractive option for busy individuals seeking vein treatment.

Venefit Procedure

Venefit was the first minimally invasive catheter varicose vein treatment that was approved by the FDA. Venefit formerly went under the name VNUS closure. This procedure delivers radiofrequency pulses that heat up connective tissue in the veins. This causes the veins to collapse and be reabsorbed by the body. One of the biggest advantages to the Venefit procedure is that is takes less than an hour and results in minimal side effects.

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy has been used for decades as a varicose vein treatment. During this procedure, vein doctors inject a special medicine into the varicose vein to collapse it. Sclerotherapy is appropriate for eliminating both superficial varicose veins and tiny spider veins that line the skin. Local anesthetic is often used to prevent any discomfort during the procedure.

Microphlebectomy

During the microphlebectomy procedure, vascular surgeons make a tiny incision (like a puncture) in the skin. The varicose vein is then hooked with a special tool and pulled out. No stitches are required, and patients walk immediately after the microphlebectomy procedure is complete. Vascular surgeons often use microphlebectomy for varicose veins close to the surface that are easily accessible with the tiny surgical instrument.

Nonthermal Ablation

One of the latest treatments for varicose veins is nonthermal ablation. Unlike Venefit or EVLT, which use heat energy to destroy varicose veins, nonthermal ablation uses chemical energy. There is no need for tumescent anesthesia (a type of local anesthesia), because nonthermal ablation procedures are faster and more comfortable than thermal alternatives.

Our vein doctors specialize in treating varicose veins and related vascular problems. If you’re concerned about varicose veins and their impact on your health, contact us today. Our vascular surgeons can help you decide which varicose vein treatment makes most sense for you.

Varicose Vein Treatment Options

While many patients associate varicose veins with an unsightly appearance, there are many more underlying symptoms that can affect the quality of life for patients suffering from venous disease. Venous disease can cause pain, swelling, and tenderness in the legs, ankles and feet and make it difficult for sores to fully heal.

For these patients, seeking treatment can be life-changing. Treatment can improve their mobility, allow for more restful sleep at night, and improve their quality of life by relieving pain and discomfort. A vein specialist will carefully review each patient’s medical history and treatment goals and thoroughly examine each patient to determine the best treatment plan with the fewest risk and greatest potential outcome. Some of the varicose vein treatment options he or she may recommend include: 

Varithena

Varithena is the only foam injectable varicose vein treatment approved by the FDA. The foam is simply injected into the vein, causing the vein to collapse and the body to absorb the remaining vessel walls. Varithena is FDA approved.

ClariVein

Because thermal vein treatment requires numbing and poses risk of damaging tissue, whereas nonthermal vein treatment avoids this issue. ClariVein is a nonthermal vein treatment in which a chemical agent is essentially sprayed inside the vein and assisted by a mechanical rotor causing the vein to shrink and collapse.

Venaseal

During Venaseal, another nonthermal vein treatment option available, a cyanoacrylate polymer is injected into the vein through a catheter. The injection instantly seals off the vein, preventing blood flow and eventually causing the body to absorb the vein. Venaseal is minimally invasive and offers a quick recovery.

Laser Vein Treatment

Highly focused light energy is applied to the vein through laser vein treatment, causing scar tissue to form and seal off the vein. Once the vein is sealed off, it shrinks and is absorbed by the surrounding tissue.

Patients considering varicose vein treatment should seek guidance from a board-certified vascular surgeon regarding the most suitable treatment option in their unique case.