Many women forego having their varicose veins treated because they are under the impression that invasive surgery is the only cure. In fact, varicose veins can be dealt with by minimally-invasive, maximally-comfortable procedures.
For more than a decade, endovenous thermal (laser or radiofrequency) ablation techniques have used heat to seal problematic veins that were the source of developing varicose & spider veins at the surface. Such techniques are effective but require tumescent local anesthesia to numb and protect the area around the veins being treated.
Typically the only discomfort associated with endovenous thermal techniques is the result of having to deliver the local anesthetic around the vein. Recently, newer techniques have been developed that do not require the use of heat to seal veins. Today’s post talks about Clarivein®.
What is ClariVein®?
ClariVein® is a type of “endovenous” (inside the vein) treatment where a very small, thin device is inserted into the problematic saphenous vein. The device resembles a thin wire, and it has two main purposes: first is to irritate the vein’s lining by rotating rapidly. Patients describe it feeling like a mild vibration. Once the Clarivein® catheter starts rotating, its next purpose is to serve as a delivery system for a chemical that will coax the vein to close permanently.
Why Should Patients Choose the ClariVein® Procedure?
There are many benefits to choosing endovenous closure techniques over traditional vein stripping surgery. Patients are able to go back most normal activities immediately. There aren’t any large incisions or stitches.
The main benefits of Clarivein® over the heat-based methods of endovenous laser or endovenous radiofrequency ablation are overall comfort as well as the lack of potential heat-related injury to skin, soft-tissues, nerves, etc. surrounding the vein being treated. That having been said, those risks are quite low with endovenous thermal ablation.
What Does the Treatment Feel Like?
Some patients may feel pressure, pulsing vibration or “tugging”. All of my patients that have undergone Clarivein® stated pretty much the same sentiment: whatever they felt couldn’t be described as painful.
Who Can’t Have a ClariVein® Procedure?
Only the performing doctor can determine this question, but there are a few types of veins that are unsuitable for this procedure. Very tortuous, twisted veins aren’t a good fit for ClariVein® because the catheter wire can’t be safely fed through the vein. Very large or very small veins are not ideal for Clarivein®.
What to Expect After the Procedure
Patients are advised to keep active immediately after the procedure. Discomfort after the procedure is temporary. If necessary, only anti-inflammatory pills such as Alleve or Ibuprofen are sufficient to manage discomfort. Patients are required to wear compression stockings for up to three weeks after such procedures.
Schedule Your Consultation
ClariVein® is a quick, safe,convenient and effective. Clarivein® procedures may be covered by certain insurance carriers. An approval process is usually required and may take weeks to months to achieve. That’s why it’s important to schedule your initial consultation appointment as soon as possible.
Contact Rosen Vein Care today to schedule a consultation. You’ve waited for the right time to finally get treatments that will help your legs feel and look better than they have in years!