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Treatment / Ambulatory Phlebectomy

Ambulatory Phlebectomy

Ambulatory phlebectomy is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure to remove varicose veins through small punctures or incisions in your skin.

Am I a Candidate for Ambulatory Phlebectomy?

When you come in to be treated for varicose veins, your doctor will talk to you about your medical history and perform diagnostic testing, which may include an ultrasound, to determine if you are a good candidate for treatment. There are a number of procedures available to treat varicose veins. Some of these treatments include laser therapy, radiofrequency ablation, sclerotherapy, and phlebectomy. In certain patients, a combination of treatments will be recommended.

What to Expect from the Procedure

When you come in for your procedure your vascular and interventional radiologist (VIR) will have you stand so your varicose veins can be easily identified and marked. The treatment area will be sterilized and a local anesthetic will be injected around your varicose veins to numb the area, loosen the veins away from the adjacent tissue, and compress the surrounding capillaries to reduce post-procedure bleeding.

Next, tiny incisions or needle pokes are made over your varicose veins, and they are pulled out in sections using special vein hooks. When all the targeted veins have been removed, a dressing will be placed over the incisions and your leg will be wrapped tightly in a compression bandage.

Recovery

Ambulatory phlebectomy is done as an outpatient procedure, recovery is quick and most people can return to work in a day or so. However, you should avoid prolonged standing, heavy lifting, and aerobic exercise involving your legs.

You will be asked to wear compression bandages for 24 – 48 hours and it will be important to get up and walk around to reduce the risk of blood clots and aid in the healing process. Once the bandage is removed you will be asked to wear compression hose for 1 – 3 weeks.

Advantages versus Surgery

Ambulatory phlebectomy is an effective minimally invasive treatment and is known for its low rate of recurrence of varicose veins. Because the procedure only requires a small puncture and not an incision it can be performed in your doctor’s office with little to no anesthesia.

Whether or not you are a candidate for ambulatory phlebectomy will depend on your diagnosis and consultation with your interventional radiologist. But if you suffer from painful, swollen, bulging, or unsightly varicose veins, phlebectomy may be the answer for you. Call IVC today at 503-612-0498 to schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also read our brochure on Varicose Veins.

* This information about Ambulatory Phlebectomy was reviewed by Dr. Jason R. Bauer. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us using the form below.

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We are announcing that Interventional and Vascular Consultants will be closing as of March 10, 2023.

We would like to thank you for the trust you have given us over the years, participating in your healthcare needs has been a privilege.

To assist in a smooth transition to a new provider, you may access your records from your MyHealth account or request a copy of medical records by clicking the link below and completing the Release of Information form.

Medical Records Release Form

Please know that we have greatly valued our relationship with you and wish you the best.

Sincerely,

Jason Bauer, MD RVT
Michael Pfister, MD RVT

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