Vein Stripping

Treatment using ultrasound for guidance

In venoclosure, the greater saphneous vein is accessed using ultrasound for guidance. A radiofrequency fiber is placed in the vein and advanced to the level of the groin. Radiofrequency energy is used to destroy the lining of the greater saphenous vein.

Once the endothelium, or lining of the vein is ablated, this “tricks” the body into thinking that the vein is dead and the body converts the dysfunctional vein into a fibrous scar. Blood does not flow through the scarred vessel and instead blood is re-routed to normal veins with functioning valves back to the heart.

Traditional management of varicose veins requires stripping of the veins. During this procedure the abnormal veins are pulled out and removed from the body. Removing the vein ends the cycle of backward blood flow. Vein stripping requires general anesthesia and a six week post-operative recovery.

Only relatively healthy patients that can tolerate general anesthesia with minimal risk are candidates for the procedure.