Varicose veins can be treated using various advanced procedures. Gone are the days when the only way to treat varicose veins was through complex surgical procedures that involved considerable downtime and a high risk of complications. Now, thanks to minimally invasive varicose vein treatments, you can undergo treatment and return to daily activities immediately.

Maryland Vein Clinic specializes in minimally invasive spider vein and varicose vein treatments in 2023. We offer the latest and safest procedures to address the root cause of varicose veins with minimal discomfort. You can find our vein clinic in Maryland in Silver Spring, a short drive from Washington, DC. Please schedule an appointment for your vein treatment.

This article provides a detailed description of the latest treatments for varicose veins in 2023.

#1. Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA)

Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA) is a cutting-edge medical procedure used to treat varicose veins. During EVLA, a thin laser fiber is inserted into the affected vein, guided by ultrasound. Once in place, the laser emits precise energy that seals the vein’s walls, rerouting blood flow to healthier veins. EVLA effectively treats large varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency.

How Endovenous Laser Ablation Is Performed:

• Patient Preparation: The EVLA procedure begins with thorough patient preparation. This includes ensuring the treatment area is meticulously cleaned and sterilized to minimize the risk of infection. The patient will be made comfortable in a procedure room.
• Local Anesthesia: To ensure the patient’s comfort during the procedure, a local anesthetic is expertly administered. This local anesthesia numbs the treatment area, significantly reducing any potential pain or discomfort during the EVLA.
• Ultrasound Guidance: Advanced ultrasound imaging is a critical component of the EVLA procedure. It provides real-time, high-resolution images that allow the medical team to precisely locate and visualize the affected varicose vein.
• Laser Fiber Insertion: With the patient anesthetized, a thin laser fiber is carefully inserted into the targeted varicose vein. This insertion is typically done through a small incision or a needle puncture, minimizing any scarring or trauma to the surrounding tissue.
• Laser Activation: Once the laser fiber is in the correct position within the vein, the laser is activated. The laser emits controlled energy that is specifically designed to heat and seal the vein’s walls. This effectively addresses the root cause of the varicose vein.
• Vein Closure: As the laser energy is applied, it causes the vein’s walls to contract. This is essential in preventing further backflow of blood into the varicose vein, ultimately alleviating the symptoms associated with varicose veins, such as pain, swelling, and discomfort.
• Monitoring: Throughout the procedure, continuous monitoring takes place using ultrasound imaging. This monitoring ensures that the laser energy is precisely applied, leading to the successful closure of the treated vein. Any necessary adjustments can be made in real-time.
• Completion: Once the EVLA treatment is completed, the laser fiber is gently and carefully removed from the treated vein. The tiny incision or needle puncture site may then be covered with a small bandage or adhesive strip.
• Recovery: Following the EVLA procedure, patients can typically resume their normal daily activities within a short period, often within a day or two. The recovery process is relatively swift and comfortable compared to traditional surgical methods.

Potential Side Effects of EVLA:

• Bruising or discoloration at the treatment site.
• Temporary numbness or tingling in the treated area.
• Mild discomfort or pain, typically manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers.
• Swelling or inflammation in the leg.
• Skin redness or warmth around the treated vein.
• Extremely rare risks include infection or nerve injury.

Benefits of EVLA:

• Minimally invasive procedure.
• High success rate in treating varicose veins.
• Reduced pain and discomfort compared to traditional surgery.
• Shorter recovery time.
• Minimal scarring.
• Improved aesthetics of the legs.
• Effective closure of problematic veins.
• Low risk of complications.

#2. Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive medical procedure used to treat varicose veins. During RFA, a specialized catheter is inserted into the affected vein under ultrasound guidance. The catheter delivers controlled radiofrequency energy, which generates heat. This heat causes the vein’s walls to contract and close, rerouting blood flow to healthier veins. RFA is known for its effectiveness in alleviating varicose vein symptoms.

How Radiofrequency Ablation Is Performed:

• Patient Preparation: The RFA procedure commences with thorough patient preparation to ensure a safe and successful treatment. This includes meticulous sanitation of the treatment area to reduce the risk of infection.
• Local Anesthesia: Patient comfort is a top priority, and to achieve this, a local anesthetic is administered. This local anesthesia effectively numbs the treatment area, significantly minimizing any potential pain or discomfort during the RFA procedure.
• Ultrasound Guidance: Precise catheter placement is crucial for the success of RFA, and advanced ultrasound imaging plays a pivotal role in this step. Real-time, high-resolution ultrasound allows the medical team to accurately locate and visualize the varicose vein.
• Catheter Insertion: Once the patient is comfortably anesthetized, a specialized catheter is carefully inserted into the targeted varicose vein. This insertion is typically accomplished through a small incision or a needle puncture.
• Radiofrequency Energy Delivery: With the catheter securely in place within the affected vein, it begins to deliver controlled radiofrequency energy. This energy generates heat, which is instrumental in the subsequent steps of the procedure.
• Vein Closure: The application of heat from the radiofrequency energy causes the walls of the varicose vein to contract and close. This closure is a pivotal outcome of the RFA procedure as it effectively addresses the underlying issue, preventing further backflow of blood.
• Monitoring: Throughout the RFA procedure, continuous monitoring takes place using ultrasound imaging. This ensures that the radiofrequency energy is applied accurately, promoting the successful closure of the treated vein.
• Completion: Once the RFA treatment is successfully completed, the specialized catheter is gently and meticulously removed from the treated vein. Due to the minimally invasive nature of RFA, the need for sutures or stitches is typically unnecessary.
• Recovery: Following the RFA procedure, patients can often resume their normal daily activities within a relatively short period, often within a day or two. The recovery process is relatively swift and comfortable.

Potential Side Effects of RFA:

• Bruising or discoloration at the treatment site.
• Temporary numbness or tingling in the treated area.
• Mild discomfort or pain, typically manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers.
• Swelling or inflammation in the leg.
• Skin redness or warmth around the treated vein.
• Extremely rare risks include infection or nerve injury.

Benefits of RFA:

• Minimally invasive procedure.
• High success rate in treating varicose veins.
• Reduced pain and discomfort compared to traditional surgery.
• Shorter recovery time.
• Minimal scarring.
• Improved aesthetics of the legs.
• Effective closure of problematic veins.
• Low risk of complications.

#3. VenaSeal

VenaSeal is a cutting-edge medical treatment for varicose veins, offering a unique approach to vein closure. This innovative procedure employs a specialized medical adhesive, which is precisely delivered into the affected vein using a small catheter. Once applied, the adhesive rapidly seals the vein shut, diverting blood flow to healthier vessels. VenaSeal is celebrated for its efficacy in relieving varicose vein symptoms and its minimal impact on patient comfort. The procedure allows for an immediate return to daily activities — no compression stockings.

How VenaSeal Is Performed:

• Patient Preparation: The procedure begins with thorough patient preparation, ensuring a sterile environment and patient comfort.
• Local Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is administered to numb the treatment area, ensuring a pain-free experience for the patient.
• Ultrasound Guidance: Advanced ultrasound imaging is used to pinpoint the precise location of the affected varicose vein and guide the procedure.
• Catheter Insertion: A small catheter is gently inserted into the targeted vein, usually through a minor incision or needle puncture.
• VenaSeal Adhesive Delivery: The catheter delivers the specialized VenaSeal adhesive with precision into the vein.
• Immediate Closure: The VenaSeal adhesive quickly and effectively seals the vein shut upon contact, redirecting blood flow naturally.
• No Recovery Period: Patients often experience no downtime and can return to their regular activities immediately, bypassing the need for compression stockings.
• Completion: Once the procedure is finished, the catheter is removed, and any minor incisions or punctures may be covered with a small bandage or adhesive strip. Due to the minimally invasive nature of VenaSeal, sutures or stitches are typically not required.

Potential Side Effects of VenaSeal:

• Minor bruising or discoloration at the treatment site.
• Temporary numbness or tingling in the treated area.
• Mild discomfort or pain, usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers.
• Swelling or redness around the treated vein.
• Rare risks include allergic reactions to the adhesive or inadvertent injection into surrounding tissues.

Benefits of VenaSeal:

• Minimally invasive procedure.
• Effective closure of varicose veins.
• Reduced pain and discomfort during and after the treatment.
• Immediate return to normal activities, often without the need for compression stockings.
• Minimal risk of complications.
• Aesthetic improvement of the legs.
• High patient satisfaction rates.
• Low risk of adhesive-related allergies or adverse reactions.

Contact Us For Varicose Vein Treatments In 2023

Maryland Vein Clinic invites you to come over for a thorough diagnosis and treatment. Our vein doctors will investigate the root cause of your varicose veins and recommend the most advanced and least invasive treatments to alleviate your symptoms. Please schedule an appointment for your personalized varicose vein treatment in 2023.