Varicose Veins Treatment

Varicose veins can cause discomfort and affect your quality of life. Monterey Bay Vascular offers a range of non-invasive treatment options designed to alleviate symptoms and improve the appearance of your legs. These procedures offer a quicker recovery than the traditional method of ligation and stripping, and they reduce the risk of post-surgery complications and infection.

Minimally-Invasive Procedures

In the treatment of varicose veins, thermal and nonthermal ablation refer to two main categories of minimally invasive procedures. Procedures in both categories produce the same outcome of closing off faulty veins, however the primary method involved is different.

Thermal Ablation

Thermal ablation is a minimally invasive treatment for varicose veins that uses heat—either from radiofrequency or laser energy—to close off damaged veins. Under ultrasound guidance, a catheter is inserted into the affected vein, and tumescent anesthesia is applied to numb the area and protect surrounding tissue.

The catheter then delivers controlled heat to the vein wall, causing it to collapse and seal shut. Over time, the treated vein is absorbed by the body, and blood is naturally rerouted to healthier veins, relieving symptoms and improving circulation.

Radiofrequency Occlusion

Radiofrequency occlusion is also known as The Venefit™ procedure, or VNUS Closure™. It utilizes radiofrequency (RF) energy to heat and collapse diseased veins, causing them to seal shut. This process redirects blood flow to healthier veins, alleviating symptoms such as pain, swelling, and leg fatigue.

Performed under local anesthesia and guided by ultrasound, the procedure involves inserting a small catheter into the affected vein. RF energy is then delivered through the catheter, heating the vein walls and causing them to contract and close.

The entire procedure typically takes less than an hour and is conducted on an outpatient basis.

Endovenous Laser Ablation

Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA or EVLT) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat varicose veins by sealing off faulty veins with laser-generated heat.

Once the laser is activated, it delivers controlled bursts of heat along the length of the vein, causing the vein walls to collapse and seal shut. The closed vein is eventually absorbed by the body, and blood is naturally rerouted through healthier veins.

The treatment is typically done in an outpatient setting, takes less than an hour, and allows for a quick return to normal activities with minimal discomfort and scarring.

Nonthermal Ablation

Nonthermal ablation is a minimally invasive, non-surgical treatment for varicose veins that uses methods such as medical adhesives or mechanical-chemical techniques to close off problematic veins without the use of heat. Unlike traditional thermal ablation, which relies on high temperatures to seal veins, nonthermal treatments reduce the risk of nerve damage and eliminate the need for large amounts of local anesthesia around the afflicted area.

This technique offers a faster recovery time, less post-procedural discomfort, and minimal bruising, making it a safer and more convenient option for patients seeking relief from varicose veins without undergoing surgery.

Endovenous Microfoam

Endovenous Microfoam treatment, such as Varithena, is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a specialized foam sclerosant to treat varicose veins. The foam is injected directly into the affected vein using ultrasound guidance, where it displaces blood and causes irritation to the vein wall, leading the vein to collapse and seal shut.

Over time, the treated vein is absorbed by the body, and blood is rerouted to healthier veins. This procedure does not require incisions, heat, or local anesthesia, making it a quick and relatively comfortable option with minimal downtime.

Liquid Sclerosant

This technique, also known as ClariVein®, uses a tiny rotating wire and a special chemical to close off a damaged vein by irritating its walls. Unlike some heat-based treatments, it usually needs fewer injections to numb the area.

A small incision is made in the skin and, using ultrasound for guidance, a catheter is threaded into the problem vein. As the wire spins inside, a chemical is released to shut the vein down. Once it’s closed, blood flows through nearby healthy veins.

Patients typically recover quickly and head home the same day.

Medical Adhesive

VenaSeal™ is a minimally invasive treatment for varicose veins that uses a medical-grade adhesive (glue) to close off faulty veins—without using heat, chemicals, or multiple needle sticks.

A small catheter is inserted into the vein through a tiny incision, then the adhesive is delivered in small amounts along the vein through the catheter. The sealed vein is eventually absorbed by the body, and blood reroutes through healthy veins.

VenaSeal involves less pain, bruising, and recovery time, making it a convenient option for many patients.

Reach Out to Our Team

The experts at Monterey Bay Vascular are your partners in vascular health. We prevent it, diagnose it early, and provide comprehensive care every step of the way.

Everyone deserves to live their fullest life, and we take that seriously. Vascular conditions can lead to serious complications like limb loss or potentially fatal pulmonary embolism, which is why our expert team is here for you. Our team brings advanced tools and cutting-edge technology to address any issue affecting your vascular system.

We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all approaches — your health journey is unique, and your care should be too. Contact us today to learn more!