Minimally invasive vein ablation offers a safe, effective, and convenient alternative to surgical vein procedures. With little downtime and long-lasting results, these advanced treatments help patients regain comfort and confidence.
Our team at Healthstone Primary Care in Davie and Pembroke Pines, Florida, is always interested in safe treatments that accomplish the goal. In this case, that means eliminating varicose veins.
If you’re tired of hiding your legs or living with chronic discomfort, vein ablation may be the solution you’ve been searching for.
Varicose veins develop when valves inside veins weaken, allowing blood to flow backward and leading to pooling and vein enlargement. That can occur in any vein, but it’s most common in leg veins because blood must move against gravity to return to the heart.
Risk factors for varicose veins include genetics, pregnancy, prolonged standing, obesity, and aging. Untreated, varicose veins can worsen over time and may lead to complications such as:
Early evaluation and treatment are key to preventing progression and improving leg health.
Varicose vein ablation is a set of image-guided procedures designed to close diseased veins rather than remove them surgically. By sealing the faulty vein, blood naturally reroutes to healthier veins, improving circulation and reducing symptoms.
These treatments are typically performed in an outpatient setting under local anesthesia. Modern ablation techniques fall into two main categories: thermal ablation and chemical ablation.
Thermal ablation uses controlled heat to close the vein wall. Ultrasound guidance ensures precision and safety during the procedure.
For instance, endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) delivers laser energy through a thin fiber inserted into the affected vein. The heat causes the vein to collapse and seal shut. Over time, the body naturally absorbs the treated vein.
Benefits of EVLA include high success rates for large varicose veins, minimal scarring and discomfort, and a rapid return to routine activities.
Another popular treatment is radiofrequency ablation (RFA), which works similarly to EVLA but uses radiofrequency energy instead of laser energy. The vein is heated in a controlled, segment-by-segment manner, which can reduce post-procedural soreness for some patients.
Advantages of RFA include consistent vein closure, a short recovery period, and excellent symptom relief.
Chemical ablation closes veins using specialized medical agents rather than heat, making it an option for veins not suitable for thermal methods. One such treatment is foam sclerotherapy, which involves injecting a foamed sclerosant solution directly into the vein.
The foam displaces blood, allowing the medication to irritate and effectively seal the vein walls. This technique is often used for smaller varicose veins or residual veins after thermal ablation.
A newer technique, called cyanoacrylate vein closure, uses a medical adhesive to seal the vein shut. Unlike thermal ablation, it doesn’t require tumescent anesthesia and typically eliminates the need for postoperative compression stockings.
One of the biggest advantages of vein ablation is its simplicity. The procedure is performed in an outpatient setting under local anesthesia, typically taking less than an hour. Patients experience minimal discomfort, little to no scarring, and a fast return to normal activities.
Vein ablation has a high success rate, low risk of complications, and excellent cosmetic outcomes. Many patients notice symptom relief within days.
Schedule an evaluation at Healthstone Primary Care today. Call the office near you or request an appointment using our online scheduling tool.
