Saphenous Vein Ablation

Dr. Jimenez will access the venous system of the legs through a needle opening in the skin (normally just above or below the knee) that allows him to introduce a catheter into the greater saphenous vein in the thigh. Using ultrasound to visualize the vein and catheter and to guide the procedure, he advances the catheter to the desired area and then treats it using laser energy, to cause it to collapse and seal shut.

Eventually, the body reabsorbs the venous tissue that is destroyed, as other veins take over and empty blood from the legs, re-establishing normal flow and blood-return back to the heart. Hose are applied to aid healing, and the patient may return to normal activity within a day or two.

Patients should remain moderately active with their legs (normally through walking) during the day to improve healing during this time. They also wear compression stockings to reduce bruising, tenderness, and aid the overall healing process.

This is a minimally-invasive treatment and is an outpatient procedure that typically takes less than an hour and requires only the application of a local anesthetic to the area.