Venous Procedures

Chemical Ablation (Varithena) is the only FDA-approved foam therapy for varicose veins. This medicated foam is effective for larger veins as well as multiple medium and small veins. Your surgeon will discuss your condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment.

RFA is a cutting-edge procedure that replaces the older method of vein stripping and removal for significant varicose veins. Performed on an outpatient basis, RFA uses heat to seal off veins that are not functioning properly. During the procedure, a small catheter is guided into the vein using ultrasound, then heated to close it. The area is numbed with a cool saline and lidocaine solution, minimizing discomfort. This procedure typically lasts 10–15 minutes, and most daily activities can be resumed the next day.

A stent—a small wire mesh tube—is used to open and enhance blood flow in the iliac vein, helping to reduce pressure and pain in the lower limbs.

IVUS is the standard diagnostic method for detecting disease in the vessels. A tiny camera attached to a catheter provides a complete internal view of blood flow and vessel structure.

Sclerotherapy is a cosmetic procedure for eliminating spider or reticular veins. A sclerosing solution is injected into the targeted veins, causing them to collapse and eventually fade. Common side effects include temporary bruising, itching, mild burning, or pain at the injection site. Skin hyperpigmentation can sometimes appear later on.

VenaSeal is an innovative procedure that seals off diseased veins with a specially formulated medical adhesive. By closing these veins, blood reroutes to healthier ones, improving circulation. Patients often report minimal to no pain, very little recovery time, and a quick return to normal activities.

A venogram is an outpatient endovascular procedure performed under sedation. It involves using a special contrast dye to visualize the veins, as they cannot be seen on a standard X-ray. This test identifies any issues that may require treatment.

Venoplasty uses a balloon to open a blocked vein. In many cases, this procedure is paired with placing a stent to keep the vein open once the balloon is removed.

This procedure involves removing a blood clot (thrombus) from a deep vein. Traditionally done as open surgery in the hospital, endovascular advances now allow it to be performed on an outpatient basis in about one hour with sedation. A small incision in the groin lets the surgeon thread a catheter through the femoral vein to the clot, using contrast dye for guidance. The clot is then suctioned, dissolved, or fragmented to restore normal blood flow.