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.

Venous ablation is a minimally invasive treatment for superficial venous reflux. With state of the art technology, venous ablation provides an alternative to traditional vein stripping surgery. During this outpatient procedure, a thin catheter, or tube, is inserted into the vein through a small opening, using only a single needle stick. The catheter delivers radiofrequency (RF) or laser energy to the vein wall, causing it to heat, collapse, and seal shut. Once the diseased vein is closed, other healthy veins take over and empty blood from your legs. As normal blood flow is re-established, your symptoms should improve noticeably.

Experience has shown that the vast majority of patients with superficial venous reflux disease can be treated with venous ablation, including patients who have previously undergone vein stripping. To determine if venous ablation is appropriate for you, a diagnostic ultrasound exam and consultation is advised.

Venous ablation 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 catheter entry site and along the treatment path to numb the entire area. The physician will access the vein through a small incision and the catheter will be positioned and verified with ultrasound. After the treatment has begun, the catheter is slowly withdrawn from the leg. An ultrasound will again be used to verify that the vein is completely sealed.

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

Patients are able to walk shortly after the procedure and many return to normal activities within a day. Strenuous activity and prolonged periods of standing should be avoided for the first few weeks. A follow-up visit with your physician is recommended within 3 days of your procedure.

Most patients report a noticeable improvement in their symptoms within one to two weeks following the procedure. 98% of patients who have undergone venous ablation (with Closure® system used by Minneapolis Radiology) are willing to recommend it to a friend or family member with similar leg vein problems.

In most cases, no special preparation is needed for your venous ablation. 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 Venous Ablation should be accompanied and arrange for transportation as they will be sedated for the procedure.

Most insurance companies provide coverage for venous ablation. 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 ultrasound exam and consultation.