What is the Process of a Vein Treatment?
Vein treatment involves several methods to address problematic veins, such as varicose or spider veins. The process depends on the type of vein issue and the chosen treatment.
Several minimally invasive procedures effectively treat varicose and spider veins. These procedures often involve a catheter or needle insertion to target the affected vein. Here's a breakdown:
1. Catheter-Based Procedures:
- Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): A catheter is inserted into the diseased vein. Radiofrequency energy heats the vein walls, causing them to collapse and close. Blood flow is then redirected to healthier veins. (Source: Frankel Cardiovascular Center, Center for Vascular Diseases)
- Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT): Similar to RFA, a catheter delivers laser energy to close the affected vein. (Source: Johns Hopkins Medicine)
- Pharmacomechanical Ablation (ClariVein): A catheter is inserted to deliver medication and simultaneously mechanically disrupt the vein wall, leading to its closure. (Source: Frankel Cardiovascular Center)
2. Injection-Based Procedures:
- Sclerotherapy: A solution or foam is injected into the vein, causing it to scar and close. This is commonly used for spider veins. (Source: Mayo Clinic, ASPS)
- Chemical Injections (VenaSeal, Varithena): These injections use medical adhesives to close the vein. (Source: Frankel Cardiovascular Center)
3. Surgical Procedures:
- Ligation and Stripping: Larger varicose veins are sometimes treated by tying them off (ligation) and removing them through small incisions (stripping). This procedure typically requires general anesthesia. (Source: Stanford Health Care, UCSF Vascular Surgery, Mount Sinai)
General Process: Most minimally invasive procedures are performed under local anesthesia. A catheter or needle is inserted into the affected vein, and the chosen treatment is applied. Afterwards, the blood naturally reroutes to healthy veins. (Source: Frankel Cardiovascular Center, NYU Langone) Recovery time varies depending on the procedure.
