Veins are an essential part of the circulatory system, pushing oxygen-depleted blood back to the heart.  When veins become weak, however, they cause problems.  Weakened veins that allow blood to pool may take on a dark, raised, ropey appearance.  These varicose veins are common but unattractive, causing many patients to seek the best vein treatment to eliminate their varicose veins.

Radiofrequency Ablation

Radiofrequency energy is invisible to the naked eye, but it generates enough heat to close off varicose veins.  During the procedure, local anesthesia is applied to the affected area, allowing the insertion of a catheter.  Vascular surgeons use ultrasound imaging to identify the varicose vein.  Then, they release a quick burst of radiofrequency energy.  This shuts down the vein and causes it to be reabsorbed into the body.  The benefit of radiofrequency ablation is that there is little or no down time required; patients can resume their regular activities on the same day.

Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLT)

Deep varicose veins are more challenging to target for vein treatment.  Endovenous laser ablation (EVLT) is a state-of-the-art treatment that uses a laser to seal off the affected vein.  With this approach, vein doctors apply local anesthesia and insert a tiny laser fiber into the abnormal vein.  Activating the laser causes release of light and heat energy, which seals the vein shut.  Then, the body takes over to break down the abnormal vein, causing its appearance to rapidly fade.  The entire procedure takes under an hour, and patients are free to drive themselves home immediately afterward.

Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy refers to a class of treatments that use special chemicals to collapse veins.  At St. Louis Vein & Endovascular, this form of varicose vein treatment is guided by ultrasound technology.  This ensures that vascular surgeons correctly target the affected vein and do not harm surrounding tissue.  Additionally, ultrasound guided sclerotherapy can target deeper varicose veins that are not near the surface of the skin.

Ambulatory Phlebectomy

Sometimes, varicose veins near the surface of the skin take on a ropey, raised appearance.  These unsightly veins may ache or throb during the day, causing discomfort.  Ambulatory phlebectomy is the best varicose vein treatment to remove this type of superficial vein.  After making tiny incisions, vein doctors insert a small, hook-like instrument to grab the varicose veins.  They simply pull the veins away, resulting in smooth skin with minimal scarring.  Best of all, the incisions are small enough that they do not require stitches or intensive post-op care.

To find out what is the best varicose vein treatment for you, call our vein clinic today.  At your consultation appointment, we can discuss your treatment options. We’ll create an individualized treatment plan to get rid of your varicose veins.