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ClariVein Procedure


UPDATE: Doctor Michael Bardwil at one time did offer ClariVein treatment to his Houston patients, but he no longer offers this because he felt that it did not meet the established standards for treatment of venous disease.  Nonetheless, because ClariVein is a common treatment method offered by other vein doctors, this page will explain what ClariVein treatment is.  

ClariVein: Procedure for Vein RemovalClariVein Procedure Houston, TX

ClariVein is a class of vein procedure referred to as a mechanical ablation.  This is different from Laser Vein Treatment and VNUS Closure procedures which are classified as thermal ablation procedures because heat is used to close the abnormal saphenous veins.

How does this procedure work?

A vein doctor will make a needle puncture to access the problematic vein through which a small catheter featuring an oscillating head is inserted into the vein. Once the catheter is properly positioned, the oscillating head begins to rotate rapidly. While the head oscillates, chemical solution is simultaneously injected to the vein, this combination mechanism is an effort by the manufacturer to have a similar effect of destroying the vein seen with thermal ablation procedures.

ClariVein procedures can be used in the management of abnormal veins and are performed in an office setting. Like thermal ablation procedures, the patient is awake, but unlike thermal ablation procedures, no local anesthesia is routinely used for performance of these procedures.  While anesthesia is is not routinely required, it may be acutely necessary if without warning the oscillating tip catches a vein valve.  This sudden painful situation occurs at 10% of the time, and it is difficult to predict which patients will experience this unforeseen event.  So if you like surprises, you will love this procedure, if this happens to you.

Benefits of ClariVein procedure

The reasons why a patient might ask about the the ClariVein treatment method include the fact that it is a minimally-invasive procedure, so it is less invasive than vein stripping and recovery rates are similar to thermal ablation, but with inferior results. 

Is ClariVein safe? 

The Clarivein ablation method is FDA-approved and a relatively safe alternative treatment option for eliminating diseased saphenous veins.  

Clarivein treatment side effects and complications

As with most treatments, there are inevitable drawbacks. The reported long-term results with ClariVein are inferior to both Laser and VNUS Closure.  This is the major reason that Dr. Bardwil chooses not to use this method for treating veins.

Alternative treatments to ClariVein 

As mentioned above, Dr. Bardwil no longer offers the ClariVein treatment option; he does offer radiofrequency and laser treatment for saphenous ablation, as they provide better long-term results for the patients. 

How to know if ClariVein procedure is right for me?  

It is best for people suffering from conditions like varicose veins to schedule a professional consultation with a suitably qualified and experienced vein doctor.  At Texas Vein & Cosmetic Specialists, all patients can expect a thorough consultative process where each patient’s condition and individual complexities are taken into account to determine the best treatment plan.  Once Dr. Bardwil has evaluated and diagnosed your condition, he’ll present you with the treatment options and his recommended course of action based on his three decades of experience as a vein doctor.  As previously mentioned, Dr. Bardwil no longer offers ClariVein treatment because he believes there are other options available that are better for patients who suffer from vascular problems.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the ClariVein ablation method covered by insurance carriers?

Although the ClariVein procedure is FDA-approved, most private insurance carriers state in their policy on the treatment of veins that they consider it experimental, which is insurance code for “we’re not paying”. While Medicare and BCBS will usually pay for this procedure, CPT code (36473) the other major insurers are unconvinced, and do not cover it.  With that said, if you are interested in a procedure with inferior results, and that commercial insurance won’t cover, then ClariVein may be for you, but you will have to go to someone other than Dr. Bardwil to receive this treatment. 

Dr. Bardwil has meticulously written or reviewed all the website content, ensuring that all the medical facts in the text are correct.


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