What is involved with endovenous ablation?
There are two types of endovenous ablation, thermal and nonthermal. At Nellestein Vein Institute, Dr. Nellestein offers both. Because he utilizes your entire vein, Dr. Nellestein must coat it in an anesthetic to minimize any discomfort. This dilutant and local anesthetic is called tumescent. The treatment effectively destroys varicose veins so that blood flow is directed to healthier veins in the area.
What is thermal ablation?
Endovenous thermal ablation uses lasers and radiofrequency. Both methods use heat to damage the inner lining of the veins so that they close. As a result, your body directs blood flow to deeper veins, and the ropey, puffy varicose veins shrink and virtually disappear.
Dr. Nellestein uses the 1470-nm diode laser or the Medtronic radiofrequency catheter for the thermal endovenous procedure, which research has shown is safe and highly effective.
During the procedure, Dr. Nellestein inserts a thin, flexible tube into the vein through a tiny puncture. He then coats the vein with tumescent anesthesia via five or six needle punctures. This catheter delivers the energy from the laser or radiofrequency device to the entire vein and injures its wall, causing the vein to close and turn into scar tissue.
What is nonthermal ablation?
During nonthermal ablation, Dr. Nellestein uses ClariVeinⓇ IC — a thin, flexible tube which he inserts into the vein through a tiny puncture. He then coats the vein with tumescent anesthesia via five or six needle punctures. 
ClariVein requires just one needle injection and no additional anesthesia. You only experience minimal pain following the procedure and enjoy faster recovery.
In some cases, Dr. Nellestein uses VarithenaⓇ microfoam for nonthermal ablation intervention for chronic venous insufficiency involving the greater saphenous vein, anterior accessory saphenous vein, and small saphenous vein. He inserts a very small IV into the target vein, through which he inserts a small amount of Varithena, which effectively collapses the vein so that blood flow shifts to healthier veins nearby. Veins that lie just under the skin, known as subcutaneous, are good candidates for Varithena treatment.
Which veins are treated with endovenous ablation?
The saphenous vein, which runs down the entirety of your leg, is the main superficial vein that creates varicosities. Endovenous ablation replaces older, more invasive therapies, including vein stripping, to render this vein inactive and drive your blood flow through deeper systems. When Dr. Nellestein treats the saphenous vein, other visible varicose veins regress.
What does the recovery from endovenous ablation entail?
You can walk immediately after any of the procedures, but should avoid strenuous exercise for a few weeks. You may experience some bruising and discomfort for two to four weeks following the procedure, and Dr. Nellestein also encourages you to wear compression stockings for a few weeks. This helps keep pressure on the veins and prevents swelling.
How soon will I notice the results from endovenous ablation?
Optimal results take several weeks to a few months, but you should see a reduction in varicose vein size and appearance within a week. You may need sclerotherapy in addition to the ablation procedure to address related spider veins and smaller varicose veins that linger.
If you have varicose veins in your legs, call Nellestein Vein Institute or book an appointment online to find out if you can get rid of them for good with endovenous ablation.
