Treatments for Large Varicose Veins
To eliminate major varicose veins at their source, closure of the saphenous vein(s) is often necessary. For qualified patients, the BWH VCC offers several types of nonsurgical treatment for saphenous vein closure and correction of major varicose veins. These minimally invasive procedures are FDA-approved and performed in the office setting under local anesthesia. They are quick and painless, take about 1 hour to do, and help you feel and look better fast. You will be able to walk, drive and return to work immediately after these procedures. Once the problem veins are closed off, the blood reroutes through normal veins and flows more efficiently. While all these treatments are effective, the best treatment depends upon the pattern and severity of your vein problem. You physician will help you understand the specifics of your case and choose the best treatment.
Therapies offered at our vein centers for treatment of major varicose veins include:
Endovenous Thermal Ablation
Endovenous thermal ablation safe and effective procedure that closes the saphenous vein using heat applied to the inside of the saphenous vein. Under ultrasound guidance, the heating element is placed inside the vein and heat is delivered to the inside of the vein causing permanent closure. In our centers, the heating element used is a laser, and the procedure is also known as Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT©).

Endovenous Adhesive Closure
Adhesive vein closure (Venaseal™) is a procedure that uses injection of an FDA-approved medical adhesive to safely close veins. Small amounts of the adhesive is injected directly into the target vein through a special delivery system, and gentle pressure is applied to seal the vein.

Chemical Foam Ablation
Chemical foam ablation (Venaseal™) is a procedure that uses injection of a medical sclerotherapy foam to close the saphenous and other veins. The foam fills the targeted diseased segment of vein causes the vein to contract as wells causing injury to the lining of the vein which promotes permanent closure. The foam then de-activates and blood flow shifts from the malfunctioning vein to healthier veins nearby.
