Endovenous Ablation of Varicose Veins

Varicose vein treatment, or Endovenous Ablation, is a minimally invasive treatment that uses laser energy to cauterize (burn) and close abnormally enlarged veins in the legs, a condition called varicose veins. This procedure is performed at Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital.

Procedure

• You will lie on your back.
• An intravenous (IV) line is started to give you fluids and medications. You may be given medication through the IV to help you relax.
• The skin over the site is cleaned. A local anesthetic is applied to numb the skin.

Prescreening

Ultrasound of affected leg to determine if patient will be a candidate for the procedure. Ultrasound shows if incompetent flow/reflux is present. No preparation is needed for prescreening ultrasound. Procedure will be scheduled with patient and department if patient is a candidate.

Preparation & Considerations

• Please expect a phone call prior to your procedure informing you of specific requirements, obtaining a health history and a list of medications including blood thinners, and answering any questions that you may have.
• Blood work is required prior to most procedures.
• Please report to the Interventional Radiology Reception Desk upon arrival.
• Please ensure that you have not had anything to eat or drink after midnight the night before your procedure.
• Take your normal medications unless otherwise indicated by your physician.
• If you are diabetic, talk to your physician about your insulin dose.
• Shower or bathe the evening before or the morning of the procedure.
• Please leave jewelry and other valuables at home; we are not responsible for items that you bring into the hospital.
• Bring all medications in their labeled containers with you on the day of your procedure.
• Plan on being at the hospital for at least 4 hours.
• Plan on resting for 12 hours post procedure.
• Do not drink alcohol 48 hours before or after your procedure.
• You MUST have a responsible adult to drive you home.
• Do not operate a vehicle, heavy machinery post- procedure for the remainder of that day.
• Do not make any important decisions post-procedure for the remainder of that day.
• As a reminder, children are not allowed into the imaging room and must be supervised by another guardian while your study is being completed.