Saphenous vein ablation

This minimally-invasive treatment is an outpatient procedure performed using ultrasound guidance. After applying local anesthetic to the vein, the surgeon inserts a thin catheter into the varicose veins and guides it up the great saphenous vein in the thigh. Then laser or radiofrequency energy is applied to the inside of the vein. This heats the vein and seals the vein closed. Reflux within the great saphenous vein leads to pooling in the visible varicose veins below. By closing the great saphenous vein, the twisted and varicosed branch veins, which are close to the skin, shrink and improve in appearance. Once the diseased vein is closed, other healthy veins take over to carry blood from the leg, re-establishing normal flow.