Microphlebectomy

Microphlebectomy is a technique which dates back to the origins of vein surgery.  First, the veins are identified typically using a vein viewer, or an ultrasound to identify the extent of the disease.  These vessels are then marked with a pen to aid in their identification once the procedure begins. 

The first step of this procedure involves anesthetizing the area with tumescent anesthesia.  This is a solution of lidocaine and I.V. saline which is infiltrated into the tissues surrounding the veins.  Not only does this make the procedure pain free, the anesthetic affects can last for hours, even days in some instances, after the surgery is complete.  Once the area is anesthetized, a very small incision is made and the vein is removed using a specialized instrument.  The incisions are very small and do not require sutures.  Small butterfly dressings are applied to each puncture site.  We then place the patient in compression stockings and the patient is able to walk out of our office.  There are very few restrictions after this procedure.

In reality, at the Vein Care Institute we very rarely are forced to resort to this form of treatment which dates back to the time of Hippocrates (4th century BC).  For the vast majority of patients we are able to treat these veins with either Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA) or Sclerotherapy which is a much less invasive and much more effective form of treatment.