Ambulatory Phlebectomy
While endovenous thermal ablation treats the underlying source for varicose veins, ambulatory phlebectomy is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to treat varicose veins just under the skin.
The abnormal vein is removed through a tiny incision or incisions, using a special set of tools. Often, the incisions are so small that at two months, they are hardly visible, and at six months, no signs of surgery can be found.
The procedure is done under local anesthesia and typically takes one to two hours or less. Recovery is rapid and most patients do not need to interrupt regular activity after the procedure. In fact, walking and staying active after the procedure typically is encouraged.
Download treatment information [PDF] on ambulatory phlebectomy. (también en español [PDF])
Treatment Sessions
If an extended network of varicose veins exists, the procedure is completed in two or three sessions, instead of a single session.
In these cases, compression stockings are worn for several weeks until complete healing occurs. This helps to obtain the complete resolution of all traces of the procedure.
Long-Term Treatment
Removing all the varicose veins does not prevent the development of new ones over the years. At times, new varicose veins may appear.
This could be related to familial (genetic) and individual tendency, job and physical activity, body weight, pregnancies, and other less defined factors.
We recommend scheduling an appointment with VCU Vein Care once a year to check venous circulation.
Complications
Serious complications are possible with any kind of procedure, although extremely rare with ambulatory phlebectomy. However, inconveniences such as blister formation, wound infection, visible scars, bruising or hematomas along the course of the removed varicose vein, and loss of sensation in small areas, may occur.
Most of the time, these events run a limited course and resolve without any long-term problems.
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.
