Varicose veins are an abnormal dilation of the vein due to leaking valves or proximal venous obstruction. It may be hereditary or job related. Untreated varicose veins may cause phlebitis, massive bleeding or skin ulcers.

There are 3 main procedures/options for the treatment of large varicose veins:

• Traditional or old-fashioned way which is vein ligation and stripping - This procedure requires general or spinal anesthesia. It may cause massive bleeding, nerve injury, and may leave many ugly scars on the leg. The patient will need one week off from work. This is not the procedure of choice.
  
  
• Modified or alternative way which is vein ligation and sclerotherapy - This is a better choice due to the simplicity, safety, and effectiveness of the procedure. This procedure can be done in the office under local anesthesia. The patient may return to work the same day and resume normal activities with no down time. This is a minor office procedure, but it can achieve the best cosmetic results.
  
  
• Advanced and modern technique of venous closure - This is the state of the art treatment for varicose veins. Under ultrasound guidance, a closure catheter is positioned inside the diseased vein with the leaking valve through a small skin opening above the knee area. The tiny catheter delivers radio frequency (RF) or laser energy to the vein wall. As the RF or laser energy is delivered and the catheter is withdrawn, the vein wall is heated, causing the collagen in the vein wall to shrink and the diseased vein to close.