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Varicose vein - noninvasive treatment

Contents of this page:

Alternative Names   

Sclerotherapy; Laser therapy - varicose veins; Radiofrequency vein ablation; Endovenous thermal ablation; Transilluminated power phlebotomy; Endovenous laser ablation; Varicose vein therapy

Definition    Return to top

Varicose veins are swollen, twisted, painful veins that have filled with blood. They usually develop in the legs. Your doctor may be able to treat them in noninvasive ways instead of vein stripping, the traditional surgery for this problem.

Description    Return to top

Normally, valves in your veins keep your blood flowing so it does not collect in one place. But the valves in varicose veins are either damaged or missing. This causes the veins to remain filled with blood, especially when you are standing.

Nonsurgical treatments for this problem are done in a doctor’s office or clinic. You will receive local anesthesia to numb your leg. You will be awake but not feel pain.

Sclerotherapy is one common treatment. Your doctor will inject saline (saltwater) or a chemical solution into the varicose vein. The vein will harden and then disappear.

Newer methods are also being use to treat varicose veins. One is called radiofrequency ablation. Another is called endovenous laser ablation. Each of these uses intense heat to treat the vein. During these procedures:

Why the Procedure is Performed    Return to top

Most patients should try self-care treatments first. Common self-care includes keeping your leg elevated and wearing compression stockings. If self-care does not help, talk with your doctor about which treatment might be best for you.

Varicose vein therapy may be recommended for:

Risks    Return to top

These treatments are generally safe. Ask your doctor about specific problems that might occur.

The risks for any anesthesia are:

The risks for any procedure are:

The risks of endovenous laser ablation are:

The risks of sclerotherapy are:

The risks of any treatment for varicose veins are:

Before the Procedure    Return to top

Always tell your doctor or nurse:

You may be asked to stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), warfarin (Coumadin), and any other drugs that make it hard for your blood to clot several days before your treatment.

After the Procedure    Return to top

Your legs may be wrapped with bandages to control swelling and bleeding for 2 to 3 days after your treatment.

Usually patients can start their normal activities within a day or so after many of these treatments. You will need to wear compression stockings during the day for a week after treatment.

Your doctor may look inside your leg using ultrasound a few days after treatment to make sure the vein is sealed off.

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

These treatments are usually very successful. They reduce pain, and they also are a good way to improve the appearance of the leg. Many of these treatments cause very little scarring, bruising, or swelling.

References    Return to top

Freischlag JA, Heller JA. Venous disease. In: Townsend CM, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2008:chap 68.

Nijsten T, van den Bos RR, Goldman MP, et al. Minimally invasive techniques in the treatment of saphenous varicose veins. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. Jan 2009;60(1).

Update Date: 2/9/2009

Updated by: Larry A. Weinrauch MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Cardiovascular Disease and Clinical Outcomes Research, Watertown, MA.. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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