Venous Ablation
Closing a failing vein from the inside through a small entry point, in a single office visit.
Venous ablation closes a damaged vein from the inside rather than removing it. A thin catheter is passed into the vein through a small entry point, and heat from radiofrequency or laser energy seals the vein along its length. Blood reroutes through healthy veins nearby, which your circulation handles without difficulty.
Ablation is used when ultrasound shows reflux in one of the larger veins running up the leg, usually the great or small saphenous vein. If aching, swelling, or skin changes trace back to that vein, closing it addresses the pressure at its source rather than at the surface.
The procedure is done in our office under local anesthetic and usually takes under an hour. You walk out afterward, wear compression stockings for a short period, and return to normal activity the next day. Heavy lifting and hard exercise wait about a week.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
The things patients ask us most about venous ablation, answered plainly.
Ablation seals the vein in place through a small entry point instead of removing it through incisions. It is done under local anesthetic in the office, and recovery is shorter.
No. The veins treated this way are surface veins that have already stopped working properly. Your deep veins carry most of the blood in your leg and are not touched.
Both use heat to seal the vein and both work well. Dr. Caruso chooses based on the size and path of the vein on your ultrasound.
Usually yes, when you have symptoms such as aching, swelling, skin changes, or an ulcer. We verify your benefits and file any prior authorization before scheduling.
Aching and heaviness often ease within the first few weeks. Bruising and tenderness along the treated vein during that period are normal.
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