Vein Care

UR Medicine Imaging Sciences and Vascular Surgery offer the most comprehensive care in the region for the treatment of varicose and spider veins. We strive to offer minimally invasive techniques whenever possible.

Conservative approaches are often the first line of treatment. They may include lifestyle modifications such as regular exercise, weight management, and wearing compression stockings to ease symptoms and prevent further progression. These measures are particularly effective for milder cases of varicose and spider veins.

The treatment options we recommend depend upon the extent and severity of the problem and whether patients have responded to initial conservative approaches. Venous vascular procedures are done on an outpatient basis, either in a physician’s office or—in the case of more extensive procedures—in an operating room.

Treatment options include: 

Compression Therapy—compression stockings are used to apply external pressure to the legs. The pressure helps more blood return from the legs to the heart, reducing leg fatigue, pain, and swelling.

VenaSeal™ Closure System—the latest advancement in varicose vein treatment to be approved by the FDA. VenaSeal permanently seals superficial varicose veins of the legs using a medical grade adhesive, or “superglue."

Minimally invasive vein ablation—heat energy is applied to the inside of the vein to seal it closed and stop reflux.

Sclerotherapy—a chemical is injected, causing the veins to close up and eventually disappear.

Ambulatory Microphlebectomy—a procedure to remove a vein through small puncture wounds that can also be done in conjunction with the other procedures. This treatment is effective for superficial varicose veins that cannot be treated with sclerotherapy. Patients can return to normal activity immediately.

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA)/endovenous laser ablation (EVLT)—this uses heat to cause a blood clot that blocks the vein. It is the preferred treatment for those with moderate to severe venous insufficiency. The body eventually absorbs the treated vein, and blood then reroutes through other veins.

Veinwave—an FDA-approved device to treat spider veins that are too small to treat with sclerotherapy. It is effective for treatment of both legs and the face.