Varicose veins occur when the valves in the veins function poorly.  This results in pooling of the blood in the veins, potentially reversing the flow of blood, which is called reflux.  Reflux can result in dilation of the veins, which then become visible underneath the skin and are called varicose veins.

Patient Selection

More than 25 million men and women in the United States suffer from varicose veins, with more than one million of them seeking care annually.

Conditions contributing to varicose veins include genetics, obesity, pregnancy, hormonal changes at menopause, work or hobbies requiring extended standing, and past vein diseases such as thrombophlebitis (i.e. inflammation of a vein as a blood clot forms). 

It is estimated that in America, 72% of women and 42% of men will experience varicose veins by the time they are in their 60’s.

Symptoms & Diagnosis

Venous reflux is the impaired return of venous blood from the legs which results in varicose veins and potential swelling, aching, skin changes or venous ulcers of the legs.

Everyone who has varicose veins does not necessarily have saphenous vein reflux.  To diagnose saphenous vein reflux, an initial ultrasound examination should be performed.  An interventional radiologist will review the examination with the patient.  If saphenous vein reflux is identified, venous ablation will often be recommended.

As with any vein procedure, medical necessity must be established and documented to obtain insurance coverage.  Some health plans also require pre-authorization.

Venous Ablation Procedure

Venous ablation gives men and women a minimally-invasive treatment option for varicose veins.  Less pain.  Short recovery.  No scarring.

Greater than 90% of patients who have undergone venous ablation report resolution of their varicose veins and experience a pronounced relief of symptoms.

Patient Experience

Venous ablation is an outpatient office procedure performed at Suburban Imaging.  Venous ablation is used to eliminate reflux in the saphenous vein.

The procedure is performed by inserting a thin catheter in the saphenous vein under local anesthesia.  The catheter delivers laser energy to the vein wall, causing it to heat, collapse, and seal shut.

Once the vein is closed, other healthy veins take over and empty blood from your legs. As normal flow is re-established, your symptoms are expected to improve.

Following the procedure, a bandage is placed over the insertion site and a compression stocking will be applied to the leg.  The compression stocking will be worn for 3-5 days continuously and for another 1-2 weeks during the day to aid in closure of the saphenous vein. 

Many patients resume normal activity in 1-2 days.

After Your Exam

Our interventional radiologists will be available for any questions following your procedure.  We will schedule a post-procedure ultrasound 3-5 days after your treatment, and the results as well as your progress will be discussed with our nurse clinician. A repeat ultrasound and follow-up consultation with the interventional radiologist will occur three months after the procedure.

Other Treatment Options

Sclerotherapy is used primarily for the treatment of cosmetic forms of venous insufficiency or spider veins.  Sclerotherapy is typically used on smaller diameter vessels (1-2 mm).  A sclerosing solution is injected into the spider vein to close the vein, making is less noticeable.  Following the injection, compression stockings are applied for a period of about 3-6 days to prevent the vein from opening again. This form of therapy typically requires multiple treatments.

Contact Us

As with any vein procedure, medical necessity must be established and documented to obtain insurance coverage. Some health plans also require pre-authorization. For more information, please call our nurse clinician at the Vascular Center of Suburban Imaging – Coon Rapids at 763-792-1980.