Treatments
Endovenous Ablation: The Modern Way to Treat Faulty Veins
Endovenous ablation has replaced old-fashioned vein stripping as the standard treatment for the failing veins behind varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency. Instead of removing the vein surgically, it closes the faulty vein from the inside through a tiny access point — an office-based procedure with little downtime.
Cardentey Vascular Care uses endovenous ablation to treat the underlying source of vein problems, not just the veins you can see.
What is endovenous ablation?
Endovenous ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that seals a diseased vein closed from the inside using heat energy. A thin catheter is placed into the faulty vein, and controlled energy — radiofrequency or laser — is applied along its length, causing the vein to close. Blood then naturally reroutes to healthy veins, which improves circulation and relieves symptoms.
Why is a "bad" vein closed instead of repaired?
Closing the faulty vein is the most effective way to fix the problem, because the trouble starts when that vein's valves fail and let blood pool. Your legs have many veins, and once a malfunctioning one is closed, blood simply flows through healthy veins instead — often improving circulation rather than harming it. There's no benefit to keeping a vein whose valves no longer work.
What conditions does endovenous ablation treat?
Endovenous ablation treats chronic venous insufficiency and the symptomatic varicose veins it causes. It's used when conservative measures like compression stockings haven't relieved symptoms such as aching, heaviness, swelling, and skin changes — and it addresses the underlying venous reflux that's driving those symptoms, which is why it produces lasting results.
What is the procedure and recovery like?
The procedure is done in the office in under an hour, and most people walk out and return to normal activities the same day. It's performed under local anesthesia. Afterward you'll typically wear compression stockings for a period and be encouraged to walk regularly. Most patients have minimal discomfort and little to no downtime — a major contrast with the surgical vein stripping it has largely replaced.
Is endovenous ablation covered by insurance?
When ablation is performed to treat medical symptoms of venous insufficiency — aching, swelling, skin changes, or ulcers — it's often covered by insurance, typically after a documented trial of conservative measures like compression stockings. Purely cosmetic vein treatment generally isn't covered. We'll help you understand where your situation is likely to fall before any procedure.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Most patients report only mild discomfort. The procedure is done under local anesthesia, so the leg is numbed, and any soreness afterward is usually minor and short-lived. It's far more comfortable than the older surgical vein-stripping it replaced, and recovery is much quicker.
Both close the faulty vein using heat — radiofrequency ablation uses radio waves and laser ablation uses laser energy. Outcomes are similar and both are highly effective. Your surgeon will recommend the option best suited to your vein anatomy.
Recovery is quick. Most people return to normal daily activities the same day or the next, with walking encouraged right away. Strenuous exercise and long periods of standing are usually limited briefly. Compression stockings are typically worn for a short period afterward.
Treating the underlying faulty vein often improves the appearance of varicose veins, but some larger surface veins may need an additional treatment such as sclerotherapy or phlebectomy. Your surgeon will map your veins with ultrasound and plan whether more than one step is needed for the best result.
Treat the source of your vein problems
If aching, heavy, or swollen legs aren't improving with compression, endovenous ablation can close the faulty vein behind the problem — an office-based procedure with little downtime.
Call our Largo office to schedule an evaluation, or request an appointment online.