Endovenous Therapy

Endovenous Thermal Ablation uses ‘heat’ energy to treat GSV and SSV reflux. It’s an office-based Walk in. Walk out.® procedure with ‘little to no downtime’. A mild anti-anxiety medication or nitrous oxide are available up request.

Under ultrasound guidance a tiny catheter is inserted into the unhealthy saphenous vein. After local anesthesia the catheter is activated and slowly withdrawn, treating the ‘bad’ vein. The heat energy ‘welds’ or ‘shrink wraps’ the vein getting rid of the reflux. Currently there are two thermal based energy sources used for venous ablation: Radiofrequency Closure (RF) and Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT).

Dr. Harper was right, Endovenous Thermal Ablation has proven to be a fantastic alternative to vein stripping, which involves removing the entire saphenous vein through large incisions. After over 9000 endovenous ablations at VSS our patients have enjoyed the long term success of this game changing technology.

If you have the signs and symptoms of vein disease you may be a good candidate. Your journey starts with a comprehensive vein consultation. The VSS team listens to your concerns, performs a thorough evaluation including a detailed venous ultrasound, presents a customized treatment plan for you and answers your questions.

Let us serve as your guide to Better Veins for Life®. The best treatment and results for your unique needs can be determined with our VSS Better Veins for Life® Plan.

Your Endovenous Thermal Ablation is an office-based Walk in. Walk out® procedure using local anesthesia and ultrasound guidance to precisely deliver the laser or radiofrequency energy to the diseased vein. Don’t worry if you’re nervous or anxious, a mild oral sedative may be provided. The thermal or heat energy ‘welds’ or ‘’shrink wraps’ the vein wall. Your body reroutes the venous blood to healthy veins improving the venous efficiency.

Many patients report immediate improvement in their leg tired and achy legs with their endovenous ablation.  For others, the healing may be gradual over several weeks. Follow up ultrasound of the treated vein at 3-7 days post-procedure shows the saphenous vein walls to be collapsed without reflux in over 98% of patients.

At VSS we prefer to treat your visible bulging varicose veins with microambulatory phlebectomy at the time of the saphenous vein reflux ablation.  If you are a good candidate for this combined treatment option your bulging veins are gone immediately!

In cases where delayed treatment of the bulging veins is necessary because of other medical conditions, the varicose veins may become less prominent with symptoms diminishing over weeks to months. For persistent symptomatic varicose veins, micro ambulatory may be performed later if your medical condition allows.