Frequently Asked Questions

Vein, Treatment, and Administrative Q&A

Question: What is Micro-Phlebectomy?

This minimally invasive procedure is indicated for large bulbous and ropey veins that persist after endovenous thermal ablation or after surgical stripping. Using small 2-3 mm incisions, the vein is teased out of the leg with small surgical hooks. Local anesthesia is applied, and there is a sensation of pulling or tugging at times.

The advantage of micro-phlebectomy is that it can debulk problematic veins that would otherwise require more treatments with sclerotherapy. The major drawback is that micro-phlebectomy is rarely an acceptable sole therapy for varicose veins and the fact that it cannot effectively treat disease located deep to the surface of the skin.

Despite the drawbacks, micro-phlebectomy is an effective tool when used adjunctively using endovenous laser and sclerotherapy.