Your legs are made up of a network of veins. A healthy vein contains valves which open and close to assist the return of blood to the heart. Varicose veins are caused by damaged or diseased valves which result in backward flow of blood in your legs, a condition known as superficial venous reflux. This can cause blood to pool in your legs and lead to symptoms such as leg pain, swelling, fatigue and itching. Heredity, pregnancy, age, obesity and standing occupations all contribute to the risk of developing varicose veins.

Ambulatory Phlebectomy is a minimally invasive surgical technique to remove abnormal medium to large veins. Using a special set of tools, the interventional radiologist makes tiny incisions in the skin to remove the affected veins. Incisions are so tiny that stitches are not required. Once the diseased vein is removed, other healthy veins take over and empty blood from your legs. As normal blood flow is re-established, your symptoms should improve noticeably.

Ambulatory Phlebectomy is an outpatient procedure performed at our Vascular Center located in Plymouth.

Your leg will be evaluated using ultrasound and the vein will be marked using a skin marker. Local anesthesia will be given at the incision site to numb the entire area. Skin incisions or needle punctures as small as 1 mm are used to extract veins with a phlebectomy hook. The hook is inserted into an incision in the leg and a section of the vein is hooked and removed through the incision.

The procedure itself takes approximately 45-60 minutes, though patients normally spend 2 hours at the Vascular Center.

After treatment, a compression bandage and/or compression stocking are worn. Your physician will advise you how long to wear any bandages or hose, typically about two weeks. Many physicians recommend that you walk after treatment. This reduces pressure in the veins, increases the flow in the veins and reduces the risk of forming a blood clot. Typical side effects include some discomfort, bruising, and bleeding.

Phlebectomy offers permanent vein removal with virtually no scarring, no skin discoloration or ulcers.

In most cases, no special preparation is needed for your phlebectomy. You may go about your daily routine, eating, drinking and taking any medications as you normally would. Please notify us if you are taking any anticoagulants (blood thinners). Patients scheduled for phlebectomy should be accompanied and arrange for transportation as they will be sedated for the procedure.

Most insurance companies provide coverage for ambulatory phlebectomy. In some cases, a referral from your primary care physician may be required. Our business office representatives can assist you with questions about your health coverage, claim submissions or payment.

Call (763) 398-8700 to schedule an appointment for your consultation.