Vein ablation is a medical procedure designed to address problematic veins, most commonly in the legs. This minimally invasive treatment works by intentionally closing off damaged veins. This reroutes blood flow to healthier veins, alleviating symptoms and improving circulation. It is often performed on an outpatient basis.
Why Vein Ablation Is Performed
Vein ablation treats conditions where veins struggle to return blood to the heart effectively. This often involves chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), which occurs when one-way valves inside leg veins become damaged or weakened. When these valves do not close properly, blood can flow backward and pool, increasing pressure within the veins.
This pooling of blood can lead to uncomfortable symptoms. People with CVI or varicose veins may experience aching, throbbing, and heaviness in their legs. Swelling in the legs and ankles, itching, skin discoloration, and leg ulcers can also develop as the condition progresses. These venous issues can cause significant discomfort and health complications.
How Vein Ablation Works
Vein ablation involves using controlled energy or other methods to intentionally damage and close off a diseased vein. Once closed, the body naturally absorbs the treated vein, and blood is rerouted through healthy veins nearby. This eliminates the source of blood pooling and associated symptoms.
Two primary heat-based methods are commonly used. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) involves inserting a thin catheter into the affected vein, guided by ultrasound imaging. Radiofrequency energy is delivered through the catheter, heating the vein wall and causing it to collapse and seal shut. This thermal damage prompts the vein to scar and be absorbed by the body.
Similarly, endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) utilizes a laser fiber inserted into the vein via a small incision. Concentrated laser light heats the vein wall, causing it to contract and seal. Both RFA and EVLA achieve permanent closure of the faulty vein, redirecting blood flow to functional veins.
Other non-thermal methods for vein ablation also exist. These techniques aim to close the vein without using heat. Examples include medical adhesive (glue) ablation, where a medical-grade adhesive is injected to seal the vein, and mechanochemical ablation, which combines mechanical damage to the vein lining with a chemical sclerosant. These non-thermal options also result in the problematic vein being absorbed by the body.
What to Expect with Vein Ablation
Before the Procedure
Before vein ablation, patients typically have an initial consultation with a vein specialist. A diagnostic ultrasound maps problematic veins and confirms the condition’s extent. Patients receive specific preparation instructions, which may include avoiding certain medications like blood thinners before the procedure.
During the Procedure
Vein ablation is generally an outpatient procedure, meaning patients return home the same day. It is typically performed under local anesthesia to numb the treatment area. A small incision is made, usually near the knee or ankle, through which a thin catheter or fiber is inserted into the diseased vein using ultrasound guidance. The procedure is minimally invasive and often takes less than an hour to complete.
After the Procedure
Following vein ablation, patients are encouraged to walk immediately to promote healthy blood flow. Compression stockings are often prescribed to reduce swelling and support the treated vein. Most daily activities can be resumed quickly, but strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, or prolonged standing or sitting should be avoided for a few days to weeks. Mild soreness, bruising, or swelling in the treated area is common and typically resolves within a few days to two weeks. Follow-up appointments ensure proper healing and confirm vein closure.