The treatments to eliminate varicose veins and all vein abnormalities have improved dramatically in the past 6 years. The abnormal saphenous vein, which causes most of the difficulties, is eliminated by modern laser or radio-frequency methods. These methods have proven far superior to the old stripping and ligation operations. Endovenous ablation is performed by placing a laser fiber or radio-frequency catheter inside the abnormal saphenous vein. As energy is applied, the heat destroys the vein lining, causing the vein to shrink and scar to a small cord. Blood flow through the abnormal vein is halted almost instantly at the time of treatment, and the skin vein blood flow is diverted to the deeper and completely normal veins. Vein pressure is relieved in all leg veins, allowing abnormal veins to dry up and preventing future varicosities and other symptoms. We perform these procedures with our patients mildly sedated so that very little pain is associated with our operations.Our surgeons perform the endovenous ablation operations between 30 to 35 times each week, and have one of the largest experiences with this procedure in the U.S. Dr. Kingsley has performed over 3500 such procedures, and helped pioneer some of this modern technology.
