Massachusetts Vein Care Center in Chestnut Hill, MA | Vein Doctors

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Our staff physicians are well-versed in the implementation of adjunct treatments should the need arise. They have treated several hundred patients to date using endovenous laser therapy.

Diagnosis & Treatment
Diagnosis of varicose veins is straightforward by clinical appearance, but it is important to assess venous insufficiency and reflux with duplex ultrasound. This allows the provider to accurately map the venous anatomy, as well as search for the source of reflux causing the varicose veins. Duplex ultrasound is necessary to determine if the individual is a candidate for endovenous laser, or requires a different treatment modality.

Our Ultrasound Technologists
Our ultrasound technologists are highly skilled and trained in the use of diagnostic ultrasound. Each technologist on staff at Mass Vein Care possesses vast experience in a variety of settings.

Endovenous Laser Ablation
As a minimally invasive, non-surgical alternative to vein stripping, endovenous laser ablation uses laser energy to ablate, or seal off, incompetent veins. The physician applies local anesthesia to the skin and, using ultrasound guidance, gains access to the vein. A thin catheter is inserted into the saphenous vein and guided up the thigh. Laser energy is then applied to the inside of the vein, sealing it closed. By sealing off the saphenous vein, the twisted, varicose side branches close to the skin shrink down due to the decrease in pressure on them. Other competent veins take over to carry blood from the leg, re-establishing healthy flow. The procedure is booked in a two-hour slot, with total procedure time about one hour and the actual laser treatment of the vein taking a few short minutes. There is only a 2-3mm nick in the skin, walking can be resumed immediately, and strenuous activities can be resumed in 5-7 days

Injection Sclerotherapy
Often used as an adjunct to laser therapy, injection sclerotherapy can be used to treat some varicose and nearly all spider veins. An extremely fine needle is used to inject the vein with a solution, which shrinks the vein. This is often done after endovenous ablation to improve the appearance of any remaining spider veins.

Treatment of spider veins can be a single or multi-step process depending on your endpoint. A compression stocking must be worn for 2-3 days after sclerotherapy and can be purchased through us.

Ambulatory Phlebectomy
Ambulatory phlebectomy is another adjunct treatment that is a minimally invasive surgical technique for varicose veins not caused by saphenous vein reflux. The diseased vein is removed through a tiny incision or incisions using a special set of tools.

Although ambulatory phlebectomy is not our preferred adjunct treatment of choice at Mass Vein Care, it is a useful method for treatment of residual varicosities after the laser ablation procedure. If we determine that a patient requires or desires treatment with this modality, we will either perform the procedure or set up a referral to the appropriate physician.