Do vein specialists still strip veins?
No, vein stripping is no longer necessary or commonly performed. Most varicose vein treatments today are minimally invasive, done in the office under local anesthesia, and do not require surgical vein removal.
Vein stripping is no longer necessary or commonly performed. Today, there are a variety of modern treatments that can be done in the office under local anesthesia.
The most common treatment is radiofrequency ablation of the superficial venous system, including the great saphenous vein, the small saphenous vein, and sometimes refluxing perforator veins. This treatment uses a catheter-based technique that applies controlled heat to close the vein. It is very well tolerated and performed under local anesthesia.
More recently, veins can also be treated using a catheter-based medical sealant. This approach often requires very little local anesthesia, sometimes just a single access site to enter the vein.
All of these procedures are performed in the office with ultrasound guidance and involve minimal to no discomfort.
I’m Dr. Ray Rassai, a surgeon and vein specialist here at BASS Vein Center.
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Still Relying on Compression Stockings?
For many patients, compression therapy can help manage symptoms but it may not address the underlying vein condition. Our board-certified vascular surgeons offer comprehensive evaluations to determine whether minimally invasive treatment is appropriate for you.
