Microphlebectomy
History of Microphlebectomy
HippocratesIn 400 BC, Hippocrates was the first to conceptualize phlebectomy. He made several punctures along the course of varicose veins to get rid of the “bad blood” that fed an ulcer. Dr. Muller, a physician from Switzerland, reinvented and refined the technique that we now know as ambulatory phlebectomy. Disappointed by his results with large vein sclerotherapy, Muller began using small hooks (made from broken hemostats) to remove varicosities through small holes. By 1956, he had perfected this treatment, which he presented in 1967 to the French Society of Phlebology and in 1968 to the International Congress of Phlebology. These presentations were poorly received by most of the audience. However, some physicians visited Muller to learn his treatment method, which then spread slowly throughout the world. Not until recently was ambulatory phlebectomy adopted in the United States as the “gold standard” to remove segments of varicose or reticular veins of certain sizes. Ambulatory phlebectomy, stab avulsion, microphlebectomy, and microextraction are synonymous terms that define this local anesthetic, ambulatory, and outpatient technique.
Modern Microphlebectomy
Modern diagnostic technology, laser, ultra-fine procedure tools, and advancements in local anesthesia (including tumescent anesthesia) have revolutionized this procedure. Microphlebectomy is now performed on an outpatient basis in the office setting. A local anesthetic is used to numb the leg and create a relatively pain-free experience. The Vein Specialist then carefully removes the undesired varicose veins through incisions that are as small as a needle tip. Patients are then able to return to normal activity upon leaving the office. Cosmetic improvement is immediate and even noticeable upon leaving the office. There is minimal bruising that resolves in a few days. There are ways to help prevent or reduce bruising that may allow your legs to be “beach ready” even sooner.
Microphlebectomy Treatments
Introducing next generation microphlebectomy to safely and permanently remove unsightly varicose veins with no downtime and minimal pain or risk of scarring
Alsara Clinic believes in the comprehensive treatment of venous disorders. Our goal is to offer long lasting results. We do not believe in band-aid treatments. Prior to performing microphlebectomy, we will examine the larger deeper veins in the legs using ultrasound. If there are problems with the deeper (feeder) veins, those must be addressed first, otherwise the chances of the veins returning or new varicose veins developing in the area are significantly higher. The deeper saphenous veins are typically sealed using a laser (endovenous laser ablation or EVLA). When microphlebectomy is coupled with EVLA, both procedures may be performed on the same day or scheduled a few weeks apart. A study using 76 patients demonstrated that 58.2% of legs treated with EVLA alone did not require further treatment with microphlebectomy.In most cases, EVLA allowed the varicosities to decrease in size or disappear altogether.
Microphlebectomy is a permanent fix for the varicose vein. The vein cannot come back. Other veins may develop and even appear in the same location, but those that have been removed are gone for good. If new veins should develop, they can easily be eliminated with sclerotherapy injections or microphlebectomy.
The procedure itself typically takes less than one hour to perform and requires no downtime. Further, microphlebectomy may be covered by medical insurance if you are experiencing symptoms such as aching, burning, itching or swelling in legs caused by varicose veins. There may also be some incidence of blood clots or bleeding. If symptoms are not present, the procedure will be considered cosmetic hence insurance coverage would be unavailable.
Patients are amazed at how easy the microphlebectomy procedure is and how quickly they can see positive results. Patients often comment on how sorry they are that they waited so long to get rid of their unsightly varicose veins that are also a health hazard. Call us now at 1-844-425-7272 to schedule a free consultation with our vein specialist.