Endovenous Thermal Ablation

Interventional radiologists at VCU Vein Care currently offer medical laser or radiofrequency treatment as an alternative to surgical “vein stripping” or ligation.

Varicose veins can be diagnosed by ultrasound mapping, which shows venous anatomy and valve function, as well as blood flow. This ultrasound examination helps physicians determine which patients will benefit from this treatment.

VCU Vein Care Before and After Treatment Photos

Back to top

Benefits of Endovenous Thermal Ablation

• Minimally invasive, non-surgical
• Local, rather than general, anesthetic
• Quick recovery
• No significant scars or stitches
• Minimal discomfort
• Low risk of infection
• High success rate and low recurrence rate
• Excellent long-term effectiveness

Back to top

Treatment and Procedure

Our team of experienced interventional radiologists uses an ultrasound to guide a small catheter, or tiny tube, through the varicose vein. The catheter delivers just the right amount of heat to cause the vein to close. Because the catheter is totally contained within the vein, it poses minimal risks to surrounding structures.

The body will then automatically route the blood from the legs through other healthy veins, back to the heart. This will not only treat the large varicose veins, but will also eliminate many of the smaller unsightly veins. Residual varicosities can be easily treated at a follow-up visit using sclerotherapy or ambulatory phlebectomy treatments.

The procedure itself takes about 45 minutes, is performed under local anesthesia and, while it is not uncommon to feel some unfamiliar sensations, should not be painful. Slight swelling immediately afterward and minor bruising may occur, but these symptoms will resolve quickly. Compression stockings are worn for at least two weeks after the procedure, and walking is strongly encouraged.

Back to top

Types of Endovenous Thermal Ablation

Endovenous thermal ablation can be accomplished with either laser heat or radiofrequency heat. Each device offers advantages and disadvantages; therefore, we determine which of the treatments best suits each patient.

VCU Vein Care is the only Richmond-area treatment center that offers both laser ablation and radiofrequency ablation.

Back to top

Insurance

Treatment of symptomatic varicose veins is typically covered by most insurers. Please contact your insurance company to determine your coverage. Treatment for spider veins is considered a cosmetic procedure by insurance companies; therefore, it is not covered by insurance.

Once our doctors have had the opportunity to examine your veins, they can tell you what they would expect the cost of treatment to be.

Back to top