How many treatments does vein removal take?

Treatment begins with proper evaluation. The diagnosis of venous insufficiency is confirmed by performing an ultrasound examination.

Hi, I’m Mike Bardwil. I am founder of Texas Vein & Cosmetic Specialists. I am a vascular surgeon, boarded in both general and vascular surgery, and I’ve been practicing surgery now for 25 years.

How many treatments do removal of veins take?

When patients come in to be evaluated for their varicose veins, we first perform an ultrasound in the office, with the patient in a standing position. If the varicose veins are caused by reflux in the greater saphenous vein, and by reflux we mean flow in two directions, as opposed to one direction up the leg, which is normal, then this needs to be addressed.

We address this by, what’s called, an endovenous ablation. This procedure has taken the place of the previously performed vein strippings. The saphenous vein, which is a superficial vein and therefore an expendable vein, is mapped out using the ultrasound. The vein is then accessed using ultrasound guidance by sticking the vein with a needle, putting a laser fiber inside the vein, we turn on the laser, and as we pull the laser back slowly, the heat closes the veins.

The varicose veins will then shrink and we wait to watch to see just how much they shrink. If there are residual small veins present, then we perform, what’s called, a microphlebectomy. This is performed using local anesthesia, again, in an office setting. Usually, this can be done in one procedure. If there’s extensive ones that are still present, this may require two procedures. These can be spaced one to two days apart.

The complication rates from vein removal procedures are extremely low. The results are good and the patient can resume normal activity immediately.

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Dr. Michael Bardwil

Michael F. Bardwil M.D., F.A.C.S., R.V.T., R.V.P.I., is a vascular surgeon and is board-certified in both general and vascular surgery. He has over 26 years experience performing a wide range of surgical procedures. Since 2004, he has dedicated his efforts exclusively to the treatment of leg veins. He has taken his vast surgical expertise and combined it with state-of-the-art, cutting-edge technology, to form Texas Vein and Cosmetic Specialists. He has meticulously written or reviewed all the website content, ensuring that all the medical facts are correct.

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