Varicose Vein Ablation
Expert laser ablation for varicose veins
Varicose Vein Treatment
The Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) offers the latest treatments and therapies to manage varicose veins and spider veins.
Understanding Endovenous Treatments
A common, minimally invasive method of treatment is endovenous laser ablation. This treatment involves inserting a thin, flexible tube (catheter) into a damaged vein to seal it shut using heat. Blood that would seek to return to the heart through these veins instead travels through other veins. In time, the vein that has been treated shrinks and is absorbed by the body.
At the CardioVascular Institute, we prefer to use a similar but newer minimally invasive ablation treatment known as Venefit Targeted Endovenous Therapy. Formerly known as VNUS Closure, the procedure is the only treatment that uses radiofrequency ablation to destroy varicose veins.
Radiofrequency energy provides even, uniform heat that causes the vein walls to collapse and seal. Once this happens, blood flow redirects to healthy veins. The treated vein dissolves over time.
Both the laser and the Venefit treatments involve less pain and a quicker recovery time for you than older, surgical options such as ligation and vein stripping. However, compared to laser ablation, Venefit offers these benefits:
- Faster improvement in quality of life
- Less bruising
- Less pain
- Shorter downtime
Both methods have a very high rate of success in closing the veins.
More About Varicose Vein Ablation
Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that uses radiofrequency energy to shrink and close varicose veins.
We perform this procedure in the Vein Center’s Vascular Laboratory on an outpatient basis, meaning that you’ll go home shortly afterward. The procedure itself takes only about 15 minutes. Expect to be at our office for 60 to 90 minutes total.
During vein ablation, the doctor inserts a catheter into the affected vein to provide consistent and uniform heat. This causes the bulging varicose vein to collapse and close. Once sealed shut, blood redirects to healthy veins.
You can expect to return to your normal activities the next day. Most people have little-to-no scarring, bruising or swelling with this procedure.
Advancing Care, Research & Education
CardioVascular Institute
The CardioVascular Institute offers heart and vascular patient care, education opportunities for students, and a range of research programs.
Vascular Surgery Research
Our Vascular & Endovascular Surgery Research programs advance vascular care through scientific research, clinical trials and data analysis.
Cardiovascular Education
The CardioVascular Institute offers comprehensive education and training programs for healthcare professionals, including fellowships and residencies.
