Ultrasound-Guided Vein Ablation
Ultrasound-guided vein ablation is a safe, minimally invasive treatment that’s effective and pain-free. At Southern Vascular of Panama City, LLC, with locations in Downtown Panama City, Panama City Beach, Port St. Joe, and Chipley, Florida, board-certified vascular and endovascular surgeon Ashish Gupta, MD, FACS, RVT, and the team use ultrasound-guided vein ablation to address spider veins, varicose veins, and other vein-related imperfections. To schedule an appointment, call the office nearest you, or book online today.
Ultrasound-Guided Vein Ablation
What is ultrasound-guided vein ablation?
Ultrasound-guided vein ablation is an outpatient procedure used to treat varicose veins and spider veins located deep beneath the skin. The treatment involves your Southern Vascular of Panama City, LLC provider using ultrasound imaging to guide and position a small electrode.
Once placed, the electrode heats up, causing your vein to collapse and close off. Afterward, your blood reroutes to healthier pathways, improving circulation.
Am I a candidate for ultrasound-guided vein ablation?
Only a qualified vein specialist like those at Southern Vascular of Panama City, LLC, can determine if you’re a good candidate for ultrasound-guided vein ablation. During your initial consultation, your provider conducts a physical exam, reviews your medical history, and asks about your symptoms and lifestyle.
If you experience any of the following symptoms due to varicose or spider veins, you’ll probably qualify:
- Aching
- Throbbing pain
- Swelling
- Skin irritation or sores
- Skin discoloration
You might also benefit from ultrasound-guided vein ablation if you avoid wearing skirts or shorts due to the appearance of blue, green, or purple leg veins.
What equipment does ultrasound-guided vein ablation use?
To perform ultrasound-guided vein ablation, the team at Southern Vascular of Panama City, LLC, uses an ultrasound machine, catheter, radiofrequency electrode, and console.
On the day of your appointment, you lie on your back and bend your knees. Next, your provider injects a local anesthetic into both legs and applies a water-based lubricant to your skin. Your provider then runs a small, handheld tool called a transducer across the surface of your skin.
The transducer emits high-frequency sound waves that bounce off the veins in your leg. The sound waves produce images that display a feed on the console. Your provider uses the console to find varicose veins and spider veins deep beneath your skin. Once they pinpoint the veins, your provider carefully inserts the electrode into a small incision.
The electrode heats up, causing the treated vein to swell and collapse. Your provider repeats this process several times, addressing as many veins as necessary.
Is ultrasound-guided vein ablation safe?
Ultrasound-guided vein ablation is safe and usually well-tolerated. Following your appointment, it’s normal to experience some mild swelling and bruising. Southern Vascular of Panama City, LLC, provides you with a list of recovery instructions.
Closely adhere to these guidelines and avoid direct sunlight and overly strenuous activity for at least a week. You should also make an effort to attend all follow-up appointments.
To learn more about the benefits of ultrasound-guided vein ablation, schedule an appointment at Southern Vascular of Panama City, LLC. Call the office or book a consultation online today.