The Vein Center at the Washington University and Barnes-Jewish Heart & Vascular Center is committed to making your legs look and feel better. Our team of vascular surgeons specialize in removing varicose veins through the latest treatment options. We take great care to ensure your vein treatments are accomplished with minimal discomfort.
Why Choose Us?
Vascular surgery is the only medical specialty that focuses solely on treating diseases of the blood vessels, both arteries and veins. Our vein specialists are board-certified vascular surgeons and are trained in all facets of vein and artery disease. They have earned national recognition for expertise in treating varicose veins. In addition to an expert tream, we offer:
- National leadership: Our nationally renowned vascular surgeons help educate future vein specialists at Washington University School of Medicine. They are leaders in vascular disease and vein disease medical societies.
- Comprehensive evaluation: Our patients get fully evaluated in an Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC) accredited vascular lab using state-of-the-art technology and testing.
- Advanced treatments options: We offer the latest treatments for varicose veins including minimally invasive options.
- Personalized care: Our doctors have deep knowledge and experience with treating varicose veins. Together, we’ll develop a personalized plan to provide the best possible outcome for you.
Compression Therapy for Varicose Veins
Compression therapy for treating varicose veins usually involves compression stockings. These stockings can help relieve the symptoms by improving blood circulation in your legs. It’s important to be evaluated by a vascular surgeon to ensure you get the proper stockings depending on the severity of your varicose veins.
Saphenous Vein Ablation
The long saphenous vein runs down the inside of your leg from groin to ankle and the short saphenous vein runs down the outside of your leg from knee to ankle. These veins are prone to developing broken valves causing venous reflux. This can lead to blood flowing backwards into large branches of surface level veins, resulting in visible varicose veins. This can be corrected with a minimally invasive procedure known as radiofrequency ablation (RFA) or VNUS Closure®.
The VNUS Closure® procedure is an outpatient treatment performed with the patient under mild sedation. Following the use of a local anesthetic, a slender radiofrequency catheter is positioned within the damaged saphenous vein under painless ultrasound guidance. The catheter applies radiofrequency energy to the walls of the vein, sealing it off from the inside.
This minimally invasive procedure has replaced the old surgical technique of saphenous vein stripping. With this new technique, patients can walk immediately after the procedure and return to work within a day or two. Typically, a compression stocking or supportive wrap is worn for 48 hours after the procedure.
Micro-Incision Venectomy
For most patients, RFA through the VNUS Closure® procedure makes the majority of the varicose veins significantly less prominent. However, some of the painful or unsightly varicose veins may still remain. These varicose veins are then removed by micro-incision venectomy.
Micro-incision venectomy is an outpatient procedure performed with mild to moderate sedation. Following the use of a local anesthetic, the varicose veins are extracted through a series of small (5-6 mm) incisions. Post-procedure, the treated area is wrapped with a compressive dressing to minimize bruising. The dressing is then removed after 24-48 hours. Recovery depends on the size and number of varicose veins removed but most patients return to work within 2-7 days after the procedure.
Contact Us
To make an appointment with a Washington University vein specialists at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, call [Dynamic_Phone_Number].