New minimally invasive treatment for varicose veins

Varicose veins are more than just a cosmetic concern—they can lead to discomfort and even pose serious health risks if left untreated. At Mille Lacs Health System, we're proud to offer a new, minimally invasive solution called vein ablation, introduced by our General Surgeon, Dr. Henry Nguyen. This innovative procedure provides effective relief for individuals suffering from the symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), or varicose veins, offering a safer and faster alternative to traditional vein surgery.

Varicose veins affect over 30 million Americans, with many experiencing more severe cases, known as chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). Unfortunately, the majority of these individuals remain undiagnosed and untreated. CVI occurs when the valves in your vein become ineffective causing blood to pool down your leg, leading to symptoms such as swelling, pain, and visible bulging veins. Left untreated, these conditions can cause more serious complications, including skin changes, infections, and ulcers near the affected areas.

Vein ablation is a radiofrequency-based treatment that targets and closes malfunctioning veins, allowing blood to reroute to healthier veins, thereby improving circulation. The FDA-approved procedure is performed on an outpatient basis in our surgical department and typically takes less than one hour. Because it is minimally invasive, it involves significantly less pain and downtime compared to traditional vein stripping surgery, which requires physically removing the affected veins.

The benefits of vein ablation include:

• Quick recovery: Patients can typically return to their normal activities within a day or two.
• No large incisions: Only a small puncture is made to insert the catheter, leaving minimal scarring.
• High success rate: Studies show that vein ablation has a success rate of over 95%, meaning long-lasting symptom relief.

Dr. Nguyen, who specializes in vein ablation at Mille Lacs Health System, shared his thoughts on the treatment: “Vein ablation is a game-changer for patients suffering from varicose veins or chronic venous insufficiency. It provides fast relief with minimal discomfort and downtime, allowing patients to get back to their normal routines quickly. This procedure can dramatically improve a patient’s quality of life and reduce their risk of more serious complications in the future.”

Vein ablation is recommended for patients who experience symptoms of varicose veins or CVI that haven’t responded to conservative treatments, such as compression stockings. Symptoms may include:

• Swelling in the legs
• Aching or pain, especially after standing for long periods
• Visible, bulging veins
• Heaviness or fatigue in the legs
• Skin discoloration or ulcers near the affected area

For individuals who have tried conservative measures without relief, vein ablation offers a promising solution. Most insurance plans cover this procedure after documenting unsuccessful use of treatments like compression stockings.

Aside from the obvious discomfort and aesthetic concerns, untreated varicose veins and CVI can lead to complications like venous ulcers, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and skin infections. Addressing these issues early with treatments like vein ablation can not only alleviate symptoms but also prevent long-term health risks.

If you're experiencing persistent leg pain, swelling, or other symptoms of venous insufficiency, now is the time to seek help. Start by scheduling an appointment with a Mille Lacs Health System provider. After an assessment, if vein ablation is deemed appropriate for you, your provider will refer you to Dr. Nguyen for a consultation.

This minimally invasive treatment offers the potential to significantly improve your quality of life, providing relief from the discomfort and risks associated with varicose veins and CVI. Don’t wait—take the first step toward healthier legs today!