Treatment of varicose veins has made great strides in recent years with a variety of options available to patients. These can range from traditional methods of ligation and vein stripping/removal surgery to newer modalities such as endovenous thermal or chemical ablation to seal the affected veins.

However, many patients avoid treatment due to concerns about the pain involved in these procedures, limited mobility and extensive recovery time. Potential complications pose another major concern with risks such as matting, induration, nerve damage and temporary neural disorders such as migraines or topical sensory loss resulting from either surgery or from the use of thermal energy within the vein that dissipates to the surrounding tissues.

The type of treatment chosen often depends on the site and severity of the disease, the age of the patient, vessel size and the treating physician. These can include vascular surgeons, interventional radiologists, dermatologists, phlebologists, interventional cardiologists and general physicians. Regardless of modality, the goal of treatment is always the same: to safely and effectively seal the vein to prevent the reflux or backwards flow of blood into the vein and down to the lower leg. This is accomplished by either ablating the vessel walls or by blocking the damaged vein entirely.