Varicose veins are abnormally enlarged veins at the surface of your skin which can appear to be bulged, twisted, or ropey. Diagnosis and treatment of varicose veins is frequently covered by insurance.
Thermal Ablation
There are two types of thermal (heat) ablation procedures that close down abnormal veins: Endovenous Laser Ablation and Radiofrequency Ablation. Both of these treatments are FDA approved and performed in less than 30 minutes with success rates greater than 90% and very low recurrence rates. Patients can immediately return to normal activity that same day, with little or no pain.
Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA)
EVLA consists of inserting an FDA approved laser fiber into the affected vein. Laser energy heat is then delivered to the vein and seals it shut (ablation). Once the bad vein is closed, blood is naturally rerouted to healthy veins which improves venous circulation.
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
RFA consists of inserting an FDA approved catheter (VNUS ClosureFAST ®) into the affected vein. Radiofrequency energy (heat) is then delivered to the vein and seals it shut like EVLA. Once the bad vein is closed, blood is naturally rerouted to healthy veins which improves venous circulation. The treated vein is absorbed and eliminated in the body.
Varithena Treatment
Varithena® (polidocanol injectable foam) is an FDA approved prescription medicine injected into abnormal veins under ultrasound guidance to seal them shut. Some patients receiving Varithena® only need a single treatment. Additional treatment may be needed, depending on the number and size of veins to be treated.
VenaSeal Closure System
The VenaSeal™ system is a form of ablation that improves blood flow by closing diseased veins with a medical adhesive (glue). A special catheter system delivers a small amount of a specially formulated adhesive to the diseased vein. The adhesive seals the vein, and blood is rerouted through nearby healthy veins. The treated vein is absorbed and eliminated by the body.
Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy
Endovenous chemical ablation (also referred to as Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy) refers to the injection of a special medicine (sclerosant) into abnormal veins in order to seal them shut. As with other ablation procedures, the treatment is performed under ultrasound guidance to ensure safety and blood flow is naturally redirected to healthy veins. Treated veins are absorbed by the body over time.
Contact our office today at (630) 425-0800 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Kern and begin your journey to healthier, pain free legs.
