OUR PROCEDURE CONSISTS OF FOUR PRINCIPAL STEPS:

1. Map the Saphenous Vein.
A typical procedure begins with noninvasive ultrasound imaging of the varicose vein to trace its location.This allows our physician to determine the site where the ablation catheter will be inserted and to mark the desired position of the catheter tip to begin treatment.

2. Insert the Closure/Laser Catheter.
Our physician then typically injects a volume of diluted anesthetic fluid into the area surrounding the vein.This numbs the leg, helps squeeze blood out of the vein and provides a fluid layer outside the vein to protect surrounding tissue.Then our physician accesses the saphenous vein or the appropriate vein. The Closure or Laser catheter is inserted into the vein and advanced to the uppermost segment of the vein.

3. Deliver RF (Radio Frequency) or Laser Energy and Withdraw Catheter.
Noninvasive ultrasound is used to confirm the catheter tip position and the physician then activates the RF generator, causing the electrodes at the tip of the catheter to heat the vein wall to a target temperature. As the vein wall is heated, the vein shrinks and the catheter is gradually withdrawn. During catheter pullback, which typically occurs over 1 to 2 minutes, the RF generator adjusts the power level to maintain target temperature to effectively shrink collagen in the vein wall and close the vein over an extended length. The laser procedure performed much the same way, using a different type of catheter. After local anesthesia is administered, a laser fiber is inserted through a catheter into the vein.The laser delivers short bursts of energy and the vein collapses around it.The collapsed vein soon shrinks and disappears.This technique rapidly treats the veins and takes 10-20 seconds to perform.

4. Confirm Closing of Vein.
48-72 hours after treatment, ultrasound imaging is used to check for a DVT (deep vein thrombosis)

Please note that even with our best efforts, there may be times that one of our doctors may be called away on an emergency. As all of our physicians are experts in treating venous insufficiency sometimes doctors from other locations will fill-in, as to not interrupt your treatment plan.