In the hands of experience, today’s solutions are easier on you.

Varicose vein and spider vein therapy has come a long way from the old-fashioned, painful "vein stripping" you may have heard about. Today’s vein removal solutions are highly patient-friendly. After a thorough evaluation and discussion of your concerns, you’ll see our experienced venous sonographer for ultrasound testing. Then Dr. Reeder or Dr. Whiddon will discuss with you ways in which your problems can be treated.

Dr. Reeder and Dr. Whiddon combine their years of experience in vascular medicine with these state-of-the-art treatments:

The Minimally Invasive Laser or Radiofrequency Treatment Option

When varicose veins or spider veins need to be eliminated, a minimally invasive method is now available. It is much preferred by the SVI (Southwest Vein Institute) surgeons and patients over the old-fashioned "vein stripping" procedure, which often required general anesthesia, a brief hospital stay and weeks of uncomfortable healing and recuperation.

The minimally invasive procedure includes the following:

• Tiny incision or puncture in the skin where only local anesthesia is used. No long incisions or sutures are needed.
• Doppler ultrasound mapping of the precise location of the veins needing treatment.
• Insertion of either a laser fiber or radiofrequency catheter into the vein, again using ultrasound to confirm proper placement.
• Activation of the laser or radio frequency catheter as the device is slowly pulled back along the course of the vein being treated.
• Confirmation by ultrasound that the treated vein has been closed as a result of the energy transfer from the laser or radiofrequency catheter.

At SVI Dallas, Texas, both the CoolTouch laser and the VNUS Closure radiofrequency devices are used. CoolTouch uses laser energy to cause a thermal injury to the wall of the vein, which causes it to collapse and seal off. Blood then reroutes through healthy veins. The VNUS Closure uses radiofrequency as the source for the thermal injury. Both methods are extremely safe.

Both the CoolTouch and VNUS provide fast in-office treatment with excellent results. The discomfort is minimal, and only local anesthesia is required. Patients are up and walking immediately and can usually resume normal daily activities within a day or two.

The doctors at SVI will explain the techniques in detail to you and decide which method will be best for you.

Sclerotherapy with Foam – Sclerotherapy with foamed sclerosants is not new, but there is new interest in it. This is especially true when it comes to larger veins. Please click here to learn more about Sclerotherapy with foam treatments.

Ambulatory phlebectomy (microphlebectomy) – Ambulatory phlebectomy, also known as microphlebectomy or stab avulsion was developed in Europe by Dr. Chernoff. The procedure involves removal of the varicose veins or spider veins through tiny incisions directly over the veins.

The procedure is usually combined with another procedure such as laser ablation of the saphenous vein or injection sclerotherapy. Veins of varying size can be removed by careful teasing of the varicose vein from the tissues just below the skin level. The procedure is often carried out in several sites and is well tolerated under local anesthesia as an office procedure. The small wounds heal quickly and usually do not require stitches. Patients may resume usual activities within a day or so.

Other advantages of microphlebectomy include immediate elimination of the unsightly varicose vein, minimal discomfort, good cosmetic results, and avoidance of possible painful thrombosis in the varicose veins after ablation of the source of high pressure has been carried out.